According to recent studies, people who share their homes with a furry friend or two tend to be healthier and happier overall. Pets make for loyal companions who entertain, protect, and make us smile no matter the time of the year, so we naturally want to make sure they’re comfortable, especially during the cold winter months.
This raises the question: how do our HVAC systems affect cats and dogs? Should you leave the heating on for your pets when you leave the house? Do you need to keep your pets in mind when booking a heating replacement service in Hamilton, NJ? What’s the ideal indoor temperature for our four-legged friends anyway?
In previous articles, we explored some fun and surprising facts about furnaces and provided you with some time-tested furnace maintenance tips for the upcoming winter. Now we’ll provide a few guidelines on how to keep your beloved furballs comfy during winter. Keep reading to learn more.
What temperature should you keep your house at for pets?
68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended indoor temperature for both people and animals during wintertime. Refrain from setting the thermostat lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re outside, and make sure to leave an extra blanket or a warm bed for your pet, just in case. Also, remember to open the curtains or raise the blinds during the day, so your furry companions can lie in their favorite sunny spots.
Factors that can dictate the ideal house temps for pets include:
Coat. Cats and dogs with longer and thicker fur are more comfortable in colder temperatures, whereas breeds with short fur tend to prefer a warmer home.
Age. Kittens and puppies have weaker immune systems than adult cats and dogs, so they’re naturally more at risk of getting sick when they’re cold. This works the other way around as well, with older animals being more sensitive to lower temperatures.
Health. Pets who suffer from chronic joint conditions or acute infections generally do better in slightly warmer home temperatures and heated sleeping areas.
Weight and size. Small dogs tend to lose body heat faster than their larger cousins, while big and overweight dogs may have trouble regulating their body heat.
What about reptiles?
Lizards and snakes are cold-blooded, so they depend on ambient temperature to stay warm. However, the same temps that are comfortable for people may not be warm enough for reptiles. The best way to go about it is to equip their tank with its own heater and lamp.
Does central heating affect cats and dogs?
As long as you keep the thermostat at reasonable settings, your dogs or cats will benefit from your central heating as much as you do. That being said, the internal body temperature of these animals tends to be higher than that of people. Setting the thermostat too high can cause their skin to dry up and create a great breeding ground for fleas.
Furthermore, unless you’re going to be away from home for a few days, it’s unnecessary to leave the central heating on for your pets when you go outside.
Where can I book a quality heating replacement service in Hamilton, NJ & the surrounding communities?
For more than a decade, Allied Experts has been providing home and business owners across Hamilton and other cities in New Jersey with professional HVAC, insulation, and plumbing services. Our team of supremely qualified technicians offers 24 hour emergency support and provides free gas leak checks with every service call.
We’ll happily ensure the continued comfort of your family and pets while you focus on your other responsibilities or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Sayen Park Botanical Garden. Get in touch with us today!
