How to Keep Your Pets Cool When the AC Goes Out

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Having your air conditioning go out in the middle of a hot summer can be frustrating and exhausting for anyone. Now imagine how difficult it must be for a pet with a fur coat.

While there are things you can do yourself to beat the heat and keep yourself cool in the summer, your pets need a little help from you to do the same. The following tips will help you keep your pets cool and comfortable while you wait for your air conditioning to be repaired. 

Keep an Eye on Them

Keeping pets in extreme heat can be dangerous without proper care and precaution. Even though your furry friends can’t speak directly to you to say how they feel, there are major warning signs to watch for if they are suffering from heat exhaustion. 

Look out for the following symptoms: 

  • Excessive drooling 
  • Heavy panting 
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness 
  • Weakness in legs while walking
  • Unusual aggression

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Water, Water, Water

Your pets should have access to clean water all day. Just like humans, animals need a constant supply of fresh water to stay hydrated in the heat. 

Keep an eye on their water bowl and always keep it filled. Try to keep the water as cool as possible as well. Use cold water from the tap, refrigerated water, or toss in a couple of ice cubes in the bowl every now and then so their water is always cold and refreshing. 

Air Circulation

Open as many windows as possible with as many fans running as possible. While it may seem like you are just blowing hot air around, keeping the windows shut with no fans allows the sun to beat on your home and keep the rising temperature inside. Open windows are always preferable to keeping them shut. 

Make a Cool Spot

Try to make a spot in your house that is cooler than the other rooms where your pet can lie down and relax. To make a room as cool as possible, try to use as many of the following tips. 

  1. Pick a room with hardwood or vinyl floors. While carpeting might seem more comfortable for them, harder floors do not absorb as much heat like the fabric in carpets do. 
  2. Hang light-blocking curtains to keep out sunlight and radiant heat.
  3. Keep a fan pointed at them so they can have a constant breeze.

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Use a Kiddie Pool

If your pet likes playing with water, take them outside and let them play in a kiddie pool filled with cold water. 

If you do not have a pool, consider using a sprinkler or hose for them to play with. For those in homes without yards, a cold bath may also be beneficial depending on their love of bath time. 

Keep Exercise to a Minimum

When your house is properly cooled and climate controlled, playing with your pets is an important part in keeping them active and healthy. 

When your air conditioning is broken, keep their play time to a minimum. Playing with them will only raise their body temperature and heart rate, making them even more susceptible to heat exhaustion. 

Go for Walks at Night

If you take your dog out for daily walks, avoid going out during the hottest part of the day. Either go early or wait until dusk when the temperature is a bit cooler. Remember to watch for signs of heat exhaustion. If your dog walks listlessly or pants more than usual, take them home and give them plenty of water. 

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Keep Them Groomed

An animal’s fur keeps them both warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Keeping their coats well maintained and groomed will help get rid of any remaining fur from their winter coats. 

Never under any circumstance should you shave your pets. While less fur is helpful in keeping your pet cool, little to no fur will have the opposite effect. Leave the grooming to the professionals.

If your air conditioner goes out on a hot summer day, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible for your own health, as well as your pet’s health. 

According to air conditioning experts Ambient Edge, when it comes to air conditioning, you never know when the unexpected is going to happen. When an air conditioner goes out during summer, it can be dangerous for you and your pets. If your AC breaks down in hot weather, it’s important to call in a repair company as soon as possible.

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