Does your furry friend seem restless when the thermostat setting changes?
Whether you notice your pet shivering during the winter or panting during the summer heat, finding the ideal house temperature for pets is often overlooked and can greatly impact their well-being.
While we love pampering our pets with fancy toys and gourmet treats, it’s important to keep our beloved furry companions happy with the temperature, too. In this article, we’ll help you select the optimal indoor temperature for pets.
Factors Influencing The Ideal Temperature For Pets
Not all pets handle temperatures the same way. It all depends on several factors unique to your pet. Taking the time to evaluate these factors will ensure they stay comfortable and safe:
Coat Type
The type of coat your pet has plays a huge role in determining their ideal comfort zone. Short-haired dogs and lean breeds, like many small dogs, tend to struggle in cold environments, as they lose body heat quickly.
That said, pets with thick coats overheat in hot weather but easily thrive in cooler temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to know that pets with thicker coats have higher health risks for heatstroke.
Be sure to monitor for signs like panting or shivering, and adjust the temperatures to keep your pet safe and comfortable year-round.
Size
Another factor is the size of your pet. Small dogs and puppies generally lose heat faster. If that’s the case, you’ll need to set the thermostat higher to keep them warm.
On the flip side, large dogs can struggle in warmer temperatures. Regardless of size, always provide fresh water and monitor their comfort, especially if your dog belongs to a breed sensitive to temperature changes.
Weight
A pet’s weight has a big impact on its ability to stay comfortable in different temperatures. Overweight pets may feel less cold in winter thanks to extra insulation but are more prone to health conditions like heat intolerance in warm or hot weather.
For most dogs, maintaining a healthy weight is key to better temperature regulation.
Age
Most pet owners overlook age as a factor when accommodating their temperature needs.
Older pets tend to need a warmer environment because they can struggle with regulating their own body temperature. So, if you have an old-timer at home, you might want to turn the thermostat just a bit to keep them cozy.
Health
Even a pet’s health can affect its ability to handle certain temperatures. For example, short-haired dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis often feel the cold more and may need a warmer thermostat setting for comfort.
Conversely, pets recovering from illness or sensitive to heat benefit from air conditioning to prevent overheating in hot weather.
Selecting The Ideal Temperature For Your Pets
In addition to your pet’s unique characteristics, it’s important to consider the season. Just like humans are more susceptible to illness in winter and heatstroke in summer, pets face similar challenges depending on the time of year.
Summer Temperature
During the summer heat, it’s arguably the most important time to ensure your dog is comfortable.
Ideally, set your house temperature between 24°C and 26°C (75°F and 78°F) while you’re home. If you’re away, avoid setting the thermostat above 28°C (82°F). Keep a watch for more susceptible breeds like short-haired dogs.
Always provide plenty of fresh water and a cool spot, like a tile floor, for your pet to relax.
Winter Temperature
Once winter hits, keep your house temperature between 20°C and 22°C (69°F and 72°F) for optimal comfort. Larger pets with thick coats can handle cooler temperatures, but small dogs tend to get chilly, especially if they have health conditions or thinner fur.
Just like in the summer months, don’t let the thermostat drop below 16°C (60°F) when you’re away to avoid health risks like hypothermia.
You can also provide a warm, cozy bed and sunny spots for your pet to relax in.
Conclusion
Your four-legged furry friend is part of the family, and keeping them comfortable in all seasons is a top priority.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system or need HVAC installation and repair, trust the experts at Provincial Heating and Cooling. With decades of experience, we ensure every member of your family, pets included, stays comfortable year-round.