Ideal temperature for your pet
Pets are often quite weather resistant, but how do you make sure they are comfortable when it gets extremely cold or very hot? In the Netherlands, the temperature can fluctuate considerably, so it is important to ensure that your pet always has a comfortable living environment.
Body temperature of pets
The body temperature of dogs is between 38.0 and 39.0 degrees and that of cats between 38.0 and 39.5 degrees. This is slightly higher than the average human body temperature. Dogs and cats only have sweat glands under the soles of their feet, unlike humans who have sweat glands all over their body. This prevents dogs and cats from sweating to cool down. Instead, dogs pant to cool off and cats often lick their fur to cool off through evaporation of moisture.
Ideal temperature in the house
The temperature in the house depends on the temperature outside. If it's hot, you can close the curtains, turn on the air conditioner or fan, and make sure your pet has plenty of drinking water. Make sure the air conditioner or fan is not too cold, about 5 to 10 degrees colder than outside is sufficient.
In de winter kan de temperatuur ’s nachts dalen naar 15 graden, wat niet te koud is voor honden of katten, tenzij ze oud of ziek zijn. Dan is een temperatuur van ongeveer 18 graden beter. Zorg ervoor dat je huisdier een warm plekje heeft om te slapen, zoals een warme mand met dekens of een warm holletje voor de kat. Dit kan ook helpen om energie te besparen door het huis minder te hoeven verwarmen.
Consider your pet's needs when it comes to temperature in your home. Use natural means such as curtains to regulate the temperature and do not set the air conditioning or fan too hard or too cold. Make sure your pet has plenty of drinking water and a warm place to sleep. Doing this will help your pet stay comfortable without expending too much energy.
Dog or cat outside
Make sure your pet has plenty of shade if it spends a lot of time outside so it doesn't overheat too quickly. In the fall and winter months, it's important to make sure your pet has a warm place to retreat. For example, place a dog or cat flap or create a warm spot with a basket and blankets in the shed or hutch. Always provide enough food and drinking water, both indoors and outdoors.
In addition to taking care of your pet, it is also wise to treat your pet chipped and to correctly register dogs, cats and other pets at an animal database recognized by the government, such as PetBase.
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