Keeping your pets cool and comfortable throughout the summer months is a top concern. The heat and humidity levels can be unbearable for humans, and your furry family members are covered in a thick, dense coat of pet hair that can make the heat even more difficult for them to bear.
Many people keep their pets outdoors throughout the day. This may seem like a much more humane option than expecting them to hold their bodily functions for the many long hours when you are away at work each day. However, being outdoors for so many hours in the heat is not always safe for them. These tips can help you to keep your pets healthy on the warmest days of the year.
Install a Pet Door
Installing a pet door that leads into your backyard enables your pet to walk in and out of the house as desired. The pet may be able to tend to bodily functions outdoors as desired without being stuck in the heat all day.
He or she can run and play as desired as well, and this is a convenient way for pets to get exercise and not have to be cooped up inside for many long hours. If you’re having a hard time installing one yourself, you might search locally (google search something like “pet door utah”) to find a professional that can install it in whatever kind of door you need. There are many different options for dog doors so make sure you are getting the best dog doors for your needs.
Provide Shade and Air Circulation Outdoors
While installing a pet door may be the best option available to resolve this issue, a pet door is not always an option. For example, if you are renting a home, your landlord may not allow you to make this permanent change to the property.
If you must keep your pet outdoors during the summer, ensure that shade is provided, and always provide a fan or another type of air circulation. Trees may provide natural shade as well as periodic airflow. However, you may need to invest in an awning over a patio and install an overhead fan to ensure that your pet is cool and comfortable throughout the summer.
Remember that an enclosed area without air circulation can act as a greenhouse and may create sweltering conditions for your dog.
Use a Fan in an Enclosed Area
Some people keep their pets in the garage rather than outdoors because they believe that this space is cooler. This is not always the case. For example, if your garage door receives direct sunlight in the peak afternoon hours, your pets can bake in the garage.
If this is the case, think twice about putting your dogs in the garage. They may actually be cooler outside in a shaded area. If your garage is partially blocked by sunlight, use a fun to provide them with ample air circulation and to keep the space as cool as possible.
Provide Ample Water
Regardless of where you keep your pets, you should always ensure that they have plenty of fresh, cool drinking water. A smart idea is to place a large bucket outdoors with ice in it. The ice can melt throughout the day so that your pet always has cool water to drink.
You could also put a child’s plastic swimming pool filled with water in your yard or garage so that your pet can soak in it as needed.
Summer months can be very uncomfortable and even unsafe for your pets. The last thing you want is for your pets to be cooped up indoors for eight or ten hours or more each day while you are away at work.
After all, they may want to stretch their legs and tend to business. However, whether you plan to leave them outdoors or in the garage, you must take steps to keep them cool. Put these ideas into action today to begin keeping your pets comfortable.
