Your pets are just like your family members. Having a furry friend waiting for you at the door with a wagging tail or a purr at the end of a tiring day is all you need to rejuvenate. Pets become a joyful part of your family and bring immense happiness & contentment. They do not ask for much but some cuddles, food, and of course, the perfect temperature!
Among other factors, the temperature is something that should be closely monitored and taken care of when you have a pet. Numerous factors affect the ideal temperature for your pets. Extreme temperatures can have a negative impact on your pet’s health. It is essential to know how to
keep them warm during winters and cool during summers. Moreover, it is also important to keep the various factors in consideration that influence the comfortable temperature for your pets. Now, what are those factors? Let’s go over them!
Factors That Affect Perfect Temperature for Pets
There are some factors that need attention when it comes to maintaining a comfortable temperature for pets. A certain temperature range might seem perfect to you, but it might not be for your pet because of several reasons such as:
1- Weight of the Pet
2- Fur Coat and Thickness
3- Pet’s Size
4- Health Factors
5- Age of Pet
Let’s take a look at them one by one below.
- Weight of the Pet
The body fat of pets contributes to the temperature sensitivity and acts as an insulation layer too. Pets that are overweight have more body fat that keeps them warm in winter. On the contrary, underweight pets have little to no body fat and are more prone to extreme weather conditions. - Fur Coat and Thickness
Fur coat and its thickness has a direct relation to retaining heat in pets. Dogs and cats with long and thick fur coats are more tolerant towards cold than pets that have thin coats. Pets with thick fur prefer cooler temperatures, while pets with thin fur coats might have different temperature preferences. They require special attention during winter since they are not capable of retaining heat themselves. If it’s too
hot, the lack of fur might cause problems for the pet and may result in sunburn. - Pet’s Size
- Let’s talk about your pet’s size. It might seem that size has nothing to do with maintaining the temperature, but it does impact the temperature preferences of your pet. Due to a higher surface area to volume ratio, small pets cannot retain heat in their body, and you might have to crank up the thermostat temperature. On the other hand, large animals can easily retain heat. So, keep in mind the size of your pet when maintaining the perfect temperature for your furry friend.
- Health Factors
Just like human beings, health plays an important role in the temperature preferences of pets. Pets suffering from any medical condition might have a weak immune system and can be more susceptible to colder temperatures. Maintaining the cozy temperatures can help in ensuring their comfort. - Age of Pet
As your pet gets older, its own ability to self-regulate its temperature decreases. If you have an older pet, there is a possibility that it might require a warmer temperature as compared to a younger and
more active pet. On the other end of the spectrum, an infant pet, such as a puppy or kitten, will also need a slightly raised temperature, as they too are sensitive to cold. If your pet has arthritis or any other medical history, then it would also be wise to provide it a slightly warmer than usual temperature.
HVAC Tips for Pet Owners - It is always a good idea to be up-to-date with the best methods to keep your pets comfortable using your home HVAC system. Let’s see what the best methods are and how you can use them to your advantage. Keeping a Clean Home
All pets with a fur coat constantly shed it. This means a lot of work for your AC filter. Loose fur can get trapped in the filters and clog them up. Thus, it is a good idea to clean your filters more often than usual and keep your HVAC system working at top efficiency.
Clear Your Vents
If you have a ducted HVAC system, it is a good practice to keep the vents and ducts clean. Fur, dander, dust, and other allergens can settle in the ducts. When the HVAC system is turned on, those allergens can mix with the air coming out of the duct and cause respiratory problems. No one wants that!
Make Your HVAC System Smart
If you struggle to maintain the temperature, use a smart thermostat or smart AC controller. These smart home devices will allow you to maintain the perfect temperature for your pets without any hassle. You’ll
be able to monitor the temperature when away from home and adjust it for your pet in just a single tap using your cell phone.
Have Your Pet Groomed
A properly groomed and clean pet will shed less fur and dander as compared to one which is seldom washed. Give your pet regular grooming sessions and reduce the maintenance needs of your HVAC system. Besides, a clean pet means a happy pet!
Purify the Air
An air purifier is a must-have if you have pets at home. The air can get pretty stuffy very quickly. An air purifier works to keep it clean and free from all the particles in the air, ensuring a clean environment for
you and your pets. In a nutshell, all the above-mentioned factors should be kept in mind while maintaining the temperature
for your pet and keeping it comfortable. After all, their comfort is your comfort. Follow the guidelines above and ensure that your HVAC system is working in top condition and efficiently to be able to maintain the best temperature for your pets. Enjoy peace of mind by providing your pets the perfect indoor environment!