At Quigley Heating and Air, we know how much joy pets bring to our lives. They’re furry (or feathery, or scaled!) members of the family, and their well-being is just as important as ours, especially during scorching summer weather. With record-breaking temperatures on the rise, playtime outdoors, road trips or home AC failure can quickly become a health hazard for our animal companions. But fear not, pet lovers! Here are five essential tips to ensure your pet stays cool, hydrated, and happy throughout the sizzling summer.

1. Hydration is Key: Ensure Your Pet Has Easy Access to Fresh, Cool Water All Day Long

• Pets don’t sweat the way humans do, so staying hydrated is crucial to regulate their body temperature. Here’s how to make sure your pet gets the water they need:
• Always have multiple water bowls available throughout your house and outdoors. Refill them frequently with fresh, cool water.
• When venturing outdoors, carry a portable water container and a collapsible bowl for your pet. Offer them water frequently, especially during walks or playtime.
• Freeze some pet-safe treats or fruits like watermelon or blueberries for a refreshing snack. Watermelon is a tasty and hydrating treat for dogs (be sure to remove the seeds first, and check your local pet supply store for dog-friendly ice cream. 
• Keep your air conditioning system running efficiently to maintain a cool and comfortable temperature in your home. Regular maintenance from Quigley Heating and Air can ensure your AC is running at its peak performance!

2. Limit Outdoor Activities During Peak Heat Hours to Avoid Overheating

• The hottest part of the day is typically in the afternoon, so it’s best to avoid strenuous outdoor activities with your pet during this time. Here’s how to keep your furry friend safe:
• Schedule walks and playtime for cooler mornings or evenings.
• Pay attention to pavement temperatures. If the ground is too hot for you to comfortably touch with your bare hand, it’s definitely too hot for your pet’s paws. Find shaded areas or grassy patches for walks during the heat of the day.
• Utilize your AC and create enrichment opportunities inside. If your pet needs to burn off some energy and it’s too hot to play outside, snuffle mats, food puzzles, hide-and-seek with treats are some good ways to keep your pet physically and mentally active, and cool! 

3. Provide Shade and Shelter Indoors and Outdoors to Create Cool Refuges

Just like us, pets need a cool and comfortable spot to relax and escape the heat. Here’s how to create a cool haven for your pet:

• Indoors, offer your pet a well-ventilated area with air conditioning or a fan. Tile or linoleum floors can provide a cool surface to lie on.
• Outdoors, create shaded areas using canopies, tarps, or large umbrellas. Ensure these shaded areas don’t trap heat and allow for air circulation. A kiddie pool filled with a few inches of cool water can also be a fun way for your pet to cool down outdoors. Be sure to empty and refill the pool regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.

4. Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in a Parked Car, Even With the Windows Cracked

This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember that parked cars can trap heat incredibly quickly, even with slightly opened windows. The temperature inside a car can soar to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke and death. Here’s the golden rule:

Pets should never be left unattended in a parked car, regardless of the outside temperature or time of year.

5. Keep an Emergency Kit For Your Pet On Hand

The last several years have taught us that Texas weather can be unpredictable. From deep freezes to flooding and scorching heat, an emergency can come in any form. You may have taken the opportunity to put together an emergency kit for your family but did you remember to include your family pet? 

The Red Cross and https://www.ready.gov/pets have tips on keeping your pet safe in an emergency and items to include in your emergency kit. Shopping online is a quick and easy way to get the essentials and then add personal items that you know will help your pet to feel safe in a stressful situation. 

Heat Stroke

Remember, pets are susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. If you suspect that your pet is too hot, it is EXTREMELY important that you don’t use ice water or ice packs to cool them down. Rapid cooling can constrict blood vessels and hinder their ability to dissipate heat, potentially leading to shock.

If you suspect your pet is too hot, stay calm and follow these steps to cool them down safely:

1. Call Your Vet Immediately: Let them know the symptoms and ask for directions. This will also give your vet a heads-up if you need further help and need to bring your pet in.
2. Move to a Cool Area: Indoors with air conditioning is best but if this isn’t an option, find a cool, shaded, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight.
3. Offer Water: Provide your pet with fresh, cool water to drink. Encourage them to drink but don’t force it. Avoid giving ice-cold water as it can cause shock; room temperature water is ideal.
4. Use Cooling Methods: Apply cool (not cold) water to your pet’s paws, ears, and belly using a damp cloth or sponge. You can also use a fan or air conditioning to help lower their body temperature.

You know your pet best and if you feel they are not responding or acting differently, call your veterinarian or seek out the nearest emergency vet.  You can prevent any danger to your pet by being a little more aware of their activities and by faulting on the side of being extra cautious.

By following our tips and being prepared, you can ensure your fur babies stay safe, healthy, and happy during the extreme heat of summer. And when you keep your HVAC system serviced, you can keep your whole family safe from the stress of no air conditioning. Call us today to schedule maintenance service then sign up for one of our maintenance plans to save time and money. Don’t wait for something to fail before you call.