Summer means fun in the sun with your pet, but you’ll want to take precautions so your pet doesn’t end up in a ruff state because of the heat. Whether you’re outside at the pool or park or inside your pet-friendly apartment, keep your pet cool and safe during the summer.
To protect your pet, follow these summer safety tips:
- Ensure your pet has fresh water
- Run the air conditioner as much as needed
- Take your pet out in the morning and evening
- Keep windows closed
- Get your pet a breed appropriate summer haircut
- Give your pet a cold treat
Tip #1: Ensure Your Pet Has Fresh, Clean, and Cool Water
Just as you get dehydrated during hot weather, so do your pets. Keep your pet’s water bowl filled with fresh, clean water so they can take a sip whenever they need. Change the water out at least once a day if not two or three times.
While a stainless steel, ceramic, or other food-safe material bowl works well for keeping water, consider upgrading to a pet water fountain. These keep water moving, which is more enticing to pets and stays cooler. Many of them come with built-in filters that keep the water clean.
If you go out on a walk or to your apartment’s pet park, bring a water bottle and travel water bowl for your pet. Frequently change out the water when it starts to get warm because water heats quickly outdoors. Don’t underestimate the temperature and heat; bring a water bowl even if you’re only going to be outside for a short time.
Tip #2: Run the Air Conditioner as Much as Needed
Keeping your apartment at a cool temperature is the purr-fect way to keep your pet safe during the summer. They need a space to escape the heat and cool down, especially with all their fur. Don’t be afraid to run your air conditioner as needed.
To keep your pet cool without air conditioning, try creating a cool corner for them. Add a cooling mat or a raised bed that allows for airflow. For even more airflow, place a fan in their area, or try a misting fan that dampens your pet’s fur as it moves the air.
Tip #3: Take Your Pet Out in the Morning and Evening
A pet park is a great pet amenity to have in an apartment community, but they are still outside, so you need to take certain measures during the summer. Help your pet avoid the brunt of the sun by taking them during the cooler times of the day: the morning and evening.
The same goes for your walks, with the additional necessity of keeping your pet off hot asphalt and concrete. If it’s too hot for your hands, it’s scorching for their paws.
Tip #4: Keep Windows Closed
Leaving the window open can seem like a great solution to keep your pet cool if you don’t have air conditioning. Be careful when doing this as window screens can be flimsy and you don’t want your pet to fall out. Invest in some window safety guards or leave your windows shut to protect your pet.
Bonus tip: Closing the curtains and blinds will keep your apartment cooler. They block out the sun and heat while retaining the cool air.
Tip #5: Get Your Pet a Summer Haircut
A summer haircut helps you stay cool, and your pet could use one too. A good cut helps prevent overheating as their coat won’t trap as much heat.
Before giving your pet a trim, consult a vet or groomer for breed-specific grooming advice. Some breeds, especially double-coated breeds, rely on their multiple layers of fur to regulate their temperature, so you don’t want to cut their coat.
Regardless of the breed or type of animal, never completely shave your pet or cut their coat too short as that can increase the risk of sunburn and bug bites.
Tip #6: Give Your Pet a Cold Treat
Cold treats are the perfect way to chill out on a summer day. Sadly, not all human frozen delights are good for dogs, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave them out!
There are plenty of pet-safe frozen treats that are easy to make:
- Frozen yogurt dog treats
- Pupsicles
- Pet-safe ice cream
- Ice cubes with a treat frozen inside
- Ice licks
Just make sure that all the ingredients are safe for your pets!
Live in a Pet-Friendly Community
A pet-friendly community not only welcomes pets but is designed for them. This includes having a pet park, pet spa, sidewalks, doggie bag holders, and maybe even pet-sitting/walking services!
Finding one of these communities is easy on Apartments.com. Simply enter the city or neighborhood you want to live in and filter for pet-friendly rentals.
Browse the never-ending options of pet-friendly apartments on Apartments.com to find the one that is right for you and your furry friend!
FAQs
How do I keep my pets cool without a/c?
Keeping your pets cool is possible even without air conditioning. Open windows during the coolest parts of the day, like the morning, evening, or night, but be sure that the screens are secure or use a protective barrier. Close all windows and curtains once it starts heating up to keep the heat and sun out.
Creating a cooling zone for your pet is another great way to keep your pet cool. Set up a fan and cooling mat to give them a place to cool down. You may find that your pet naturally gravitates to lie on tile as it is cooler than carpet or wood flooring.
If your apartment still gets too hot despite your best efforts, it may be time to invest in a portable or window air conditioner. Both you and your pet will enjoy how cool these make your apartment.
What are the best pets for apartments?
There are plenty of pets that are great for apartments whether you want a cat, dog, or something else. Some of the top apartment-friendly dog breeds are:
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Basenji
- Whippet
- Shih Tzu
- Bichon Frise
For cats, check out these breeds:
- British Shorthair
- Persian
- Ragdoll
- Exotic Shorthair
Other popular types of pets include fish, birds, reptiles, hamsters, and rabbits.
