Pets can often take a beating, but what if it now gets very cold
cold? Or just very hot? In the Netherlands the temperature can vary
vary. How do you make sure your pet is comfortable?
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 all over the
entire body like humans do. Thus, our pets cannot sweat! In order to
heat the dog will pant, the cat will also pant, but cats also lick
also often lick the fur. This way they cool down a little by evaporation of moisture.
Temperature in the house
The temperature indoors, of course, depends very much on what the temperature outside
is. Should the heater be on, or the air conditioner or fan? What is and what is not good for your
pet and how do you make sure your pet is comfortable without using too much
using too much energy? These are all questions that can be
can be important.
If it is warm and your dog or cat is inside, close the curtains whenever possible.
Especially if the sun is shining on the window. Provide plenty of fresh drinking water and turn
an air conditioner or fan on, if necessary. Just make sure you don’t set the air conditioner or fan too
too high or too low in temperature, about 5 to 10 degrees colder than outside is
enough to get some cooling. This is better for both your own health
as well as that of your dog or cat.
If you turn off the heater at night when you go to bed, 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 18
degrees is better.
In any case, make sure 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 ensure that your pet is nice and warm and it saves energy
energy costs if you do not have to heat the whole house!
Your dog or cat outside
If your cat or dog is often outside or even sleeps outside, at least make sure
that it has plenty of shade in the summer. That way your pet is less likely to
overheated. Also make sure your cat or dog has a warm
place to retreat to.
By installing a dog and/or cat flap, or creating a warm spot with a basket
and blankets in the shed or pen, for example, you make sure your dog or
cat always has somewhere nice to sleep. Also make sure at all times to have enough food and fresh
drinking water, both inside and outside.
In addition to proper care, it is also always helpful to look into proper
insurance for your pet. If your dog or cat despite your good care still
you are at least partially or completely covered for the costs.
