Celebrating 50 Years

Tips For Keeping Your Pets Cool

While summer can be a great time for pets, being overeager in the hot Gainesville summer can be dangerous. Sometimes, pets can push themselves beyond their limits, and it is important as their owners to take precautions to prevent them from overheating. 

In today’s blog post, we’re sharing a few tips for keeping your pets cool. Continue reading to learn more, and if you’re in need of air conditioning repair or any other AC service, contact Buckhalter Heating and Air Conditioning in Gainesville.

Give Them Plenty of Water

This may seem like a given, but it’s also easy to forget to bring water along on a trip to the park or on a hike. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure that you’re grabbing a bottle for water for yourself and your pet when you go out. 

Know The Symptoms of Overheating

It’s important to know when your pet is struggling. The signs of overheating include panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, and mild weakness. Your pet may even collapse under the strain of excessive heat and dehydration. 

Animals with flat faces like pugs and Persian cats are even more susceptible to heatstroke. The structure of their faces makes it more difficult for them to pant, and it important to keep them cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. 

Never Shave Your Dog

While giving your dog a trim during the summer can help them cool off, you should never shave off their hair completely. The layers in their coat actually keep them cool and the hair protects them from sunburn. If you have a cat with a thick coat, you should brush them more often in the summer to help them better regulate their body heat. 

Never Leave Your Pet in The Car

Everyone has heard the horror stories of pets suffering in the car while their owner grabs something from the grocery store. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees or more. 

Protect The Paws

Did you know that heat escapes through your dog’s paws? The space between the toes helps keep them cool, and splashing in a baby pool can really help cool them off quickly. You can also try hosing off the driveway and letting them walk around. 

Walking on hot asphalt can also be dangerous and dogs’ feet can be burned by hot pavement. If you’re thinking of going out for a walk, try touching the ground with your thumb before you go. If it’s painful to you, it’s going to be painful for your pet as well. Walk somewhere else or try booties. 

Buckhalter Heating and Air Conditioning

Our HVAC company is passionate about creating cool spaces for both you and your furry friends! Whether you need a full air conditioning installation or just a small air conditioning repair, you can trust us to get the job done right. 

Our founder, John Buckhalter, started this company more than 50 years ago. He wanted to provide Gainesville access to the very best heating and cooling services, and that’s what we’ve been doing ever since. Learn more about our history and contact our HVAC company for all your air conditioning and heating needs.