Pets can often take a beating, but what if it’s very cold? Or is it very warm? In Germany the temperature can sometimes be differences. So how do you make sure your pet is comfortable too?
Body temperature
Dogs and cats have a slightly higher body temperature than humans. A dog has a body temperature between 38.0 and 39.0 degrees and a cat between 38.0 and 39.5 degrees. Dogs and cats only have sweat glands under the soles of their feet, not on the whole body like humans. So our pets can’t sweat to! To get rid of heat the dog will pant, the cat will pant too, but cats lick also often the coat. This way they cool down a bit by evaporating the moisture.
Temperature in the house
The indoor temperature of course depends very much on the outside temperature is. Should the heater be on, or the air conditioning or fan? What is and is not good for you? pet and how to make sure your pet is comfortable without too much energy consumption? These are all questions that you as a pet owner can be important. If it is warm and your dog or cat is indoors, close the curtains where possible. Especially when the sun shines on the window. Provide plenty of fresh drinking water and put possibly turn on an air conditioner or fan. Be careful not to turn the air conditioner or fan on too much set too hard or too low in temperature, about 5 to 10 degrees colder than outside enough to get some cooling. That is better for both your own health like that of your dog or cat. If you turn off the heater at night when you go to bed, the temperature in the cold winter months quickly drop to 15 degrees. This is not too cold for dog or cat, unless they are very old or sick. Then a slightly higher temperature, around 18degrees better. In any case, make sure that your dog and/or cat has a warm place to sleep. during the night. A nice warm basket with possibly some extra blankets, (old)blankets on the couch, a warm den for the cat or a hammock on the radiator can, for example, ensure that your pet is nice and warm and it saves your energy costs , if you don’t have to heat the entire house!
Your dog or cat outside
If your cat or dog is often outside or even sleeps outside, make sure that it has enough shade in the summer. This way your pet will get less overheated. Also make sure that your cat or dog has a warm place in the fall and winter months has a place to retreat to. By installing a dog and/or cat flap, or a warm place with a basket and create blankets in, for example, the shed or cage, you ensure that your dog or cat can always sleep somewhere nice. Also make sure there is always enough food and fresh drinking water, both indoors and outdoors. In addition to good care, it is always useful to look for good
insurance for your pet . If your dog or cat still gets sick despite your good care, If something happens, you will be fully or partially covered for the costs.
