Good hydration is key to keeping cool for everyone. You can make sure your pet stays hydrated and prevent health issues related to dehydration by making at least one ample source of clean, fresh water available at all times. If you can place a few around the house, that's even better.

Adding an ice cube or two to your pet's water is a great way to keep it cool, as is keeping their water bowl/waterer out of sunny areas. 

Keep Your Place Dark & Ventilated while You're Out

Whether you rent an apartment with your pet or share your own home, pulling the shades and providing ample ventilation is a great way to keep it cooler. 

Keep a fan running to increase air circulation in the house. If you have a window that catches a decent breeze and is safe to leave cracked, consider opening it just enough to provide more air movement. (Just be sure your pet can't get out while you're gone!)

Keep Your Pet Well-Groomed

A thick coat can easily contribute to overheating in dogs and cats! Not only does it feel good, but daily brushings are also a great way to help them keep cool by encouraging the shedding of excess fur trapped in their undercoat.

Regular trimmings can also help release excess heat trapped by a fur coat for long-haired dogs, so keep up with the trips to the groomers! 

Let Them Run in the Sprinklers or Give Them a Cool Bath

Taking your fur baby out for fresh air is usually the first thing a dog owner does when they get home from a long day out, and when it's hot outside, your pet may appreciate the extra fun of a romp in the sprinklers!

A dip in a kiddie pool is always refreshing, too. If you live in a rental apartment or just don't have that kind of space, consider offering them a relaxing bath with tepid water to cool off. 

Most kitties don't appreciate water play or baths, but you can still help them cool off by quickly wiping their paws with a cool washcloth or dipping them in cool water. They may hate you for it at first, but it won't take long for them to appreciate the relief! 

Find a Good Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

Hiring a professional sitter to check in on your pet and to pop in while you're out is a great way to keep tabs on whether they're staying cool and hydrated while you're at work.

They can drop by to refill waterers, and if it's too hot for a walk, spend time with them in the yard while they do their business and get some air. It's also comforting to have someone stay with them while they cool off and check on any fans you've left running, as you never know when the power may go out!

Photo by Carolien van Oijen on Unsplash

Consider a Cooling Mat for High-Risk Pets

If your pet is a senior, overweight, or has heart problems or breathing problems, they could be particularly vulnerable to overheating. Cooling mats come in all sizes and are available in most pet stores and online to help high-risk animals stay comfortable. It's also a good option for extra protection if you live in a hot climate without air conditioning. 

Dogs and cats sweat through their feet, so if your animal is high-risk and you come home to sweaty paw prints in the house, it may be a good time to ask your vet if a cooling mat is a good choice for your dog or cat. It may become their favorite place to be on hot days!

A relationship with a pet is one of the most fulfilling a human can have! They'll look out for you, keep you company, make you laugh, and give you all the love you can handle without asking for anything in return. It's no wonder that our pets become instant members of the family!

Taking care of your pets isn't just a responsibility; it's a rewarding experience because it allows us to show them the same unconditional love they give us. 

Part of that responsibility means ensuring they're well taken care of when the weather gets hot. We hope the tips we've provided here will help keep your best friend cool, comfortable, and healthy indoors this spring and summer!

It's time to break out the summer wardrobe as warm weather is on its way! Most of us love to enjoy the spring and summer months outside with our pets, but it's important to remember that even if you're the world's most responsible pet owner, our furry besties can overheat just as quickly indoors as they can outdoors.

But what if you work away from home and your place has no A/C, or your A/C is less than stellar? You may find yourself anxious about whether your pet is comfortable in your absence throughout the day. 

Luckily, we're here to share some of the best practices for keeping your pets cool and comfortable indoors this spring/summer so you can go to work worry-free!