Hot weather & your pets

[kval07]

Freshwater aquariums –

Ideal temperatures are generally between 77 to 79 for most species.
On the hottest days, running air conditioning is often required to
keep the aquarium from overheating. On less warm days, keeping good
ventilation through the area is often adequate. It’s important to
remember that the pumps and lights on aquarium produce heat, and that
even if it feels comfortable to us in a 75 degree room, the aquarium
may very well be getting dangerously warm. We often hear about people
unplugging their heaters in the summer. Ideally this should be avoided
as most quality heaters will only heat the water when it falls below
the set temperature, so a properly functioning heater isn’t the
culprit for a dangerously hot tank on a warm day.

Saltwater reef aquariums –

Similar to freshwater tanks, 77 to 79 degrees is most often the
target range . The trick here is that saltwater aquariums often have
stronger lighting systems, as well as a greater amount of heat
producing equipment on them. Running AC is often a requirement for
keeping a healthy reef aquarium through the summer. Other options
include locating the aquarium or perhaps it’s filtration in cooler
area, such as a basement. This is often enough to stabilize the
temperature. Aquarium chillers are available for the most extreme
situations.

If you find that your saltwater aquarium is overheating, take the
following steps:

- Consider removing glass tops, as they trap heat, as well as reduce
the light entering the aquarium. – custom screen tops, or wooden
canopies are great options to keep fish from jumping while allowing
for proper ventilation.

- Be sure cooling fans are operating on wooden canopies, or in light
fixtures to move heat produced by the lights away from the aquarium.

- Evaluate the heat production of your lighting as well as your pumps
and filtration as many newer lights and pumps not only produce much
less heat, but also use much less electricity than older models.

- Keep the air temperature in the room 75 at the highest, preferably
closer to 70. Ventilation and shade can help on average days, but air
conditioning is often required on warm days.

- Evaporation is your friend! Yes you have to restore the water more
frequently with pure RO water, but evaporative cooling is one of the
easiest and cheapest ways to take a few degrees off a tank on a hot
day.

- Consider locating the aquarium in a cool area away from direct
sunlight, possibly in the basement. The cooler, and more consistent
room temperature will make the temperature of the aquarium easier to
control.



Dogs and Cats –

You’d think with all that fur our dogs and cats would be just
miserable, but they’ve got some really clever means of keeping cool.
What you can do for your dog or cat is to keep the air temperature in
the house comfortable for everyone using either ventilation, or air
conditioning, and make sure to provide cool, clean water. When letting
your indoor dogs outside, limit the time they are exposed to the heat
for the minimal amount possible. For outdoor dogs, ensuring cool and
clean water along with shade will help them feel more comfortable.

Birds –

Similar to dogs and cats, the first goal is to keep the air
temperature in the house in a comfortable range. Next we want to be
sure to keep the birds away from drafts as well as the heat from
direct sunlight coming from windows. Sometimes, misting your birds
down with room temperature water can help them tolerate warmer
temperatures. Be sure to have your bird professionally groomed to help
avoid flight dangers from open windows. Also be sure to be very
careful with ceiling fans as these are commonly in use in hot weather,
and pose danger to birds in flight. Some bird keepers choose to take
their birds outside on nice days for a walk, drive, or just some
quality time in the cage on the deck. During these situations, be sure
that shade and comfortable temperatures are offered.

Small Animals –

Your little furry friends are in the same boat as dogs and cats, so
keep the air temperature comfortable in the house, and also ensure
cool, clean water. Be sure the cage is out of direct sunlight, or
drafts from air conditioning vents. You might even consider a pretty
‘cool’ product called the “Chin Chiller.” This comfortable
platform originally designed for super temperature sensitive
Chinchillas can also be helpful to many other furry animals such as
hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets and rabbits. In extreme heat, another
helpful tip is to place frozen bottled water in the cage to create a
cool area where the animals can choose to be in. Watch carefully
though to be sure the bottles don’t become chew toys.

Reptiles and amphibians –

While your desert dwelling reptilian friends might enjoy the heat
wave, there are still some important considerations for creating the
best temperature conditions. Be sure to provide clean, cool water, and
keep the cage out of direct sunlight, and away from air conditioning
vents. During hotter periods, substitute heat lamps for lower wattage
bulbs to ensure a well heated zone without overheating the whole cage.

For aquatic turtles as well as aquatic amphibians, see the above
guides for freshwater fish. They will appreciate it!

For amphibians like other pets want to have access to clean, cool
water as well as a stable and comfortable room temperature.

Invertebrates such as tarantulas, crickets, and scorpions need your
help as well! Just like other pets, they need access to cool clean
water, and their cages need to be located away from drafts as well as
heat from direct sunlight.

Welcome to Preuss Pets! | Preuss Pets - Lansing, MI

[Wolfsnaps]

What a nice post and a friendly reminder. And for goodness sakes do not leave your dogs in the car while you go eat at a restaurant or read a book at a library ( I mention that last one because even though its a no brainer, I witnessed this) Petco now carries these neat harnesses and clothing line that warn pet parents when the animal is at a dangerous heat level.

[momee2twins+one]

My eight year old twins LOVED reading this post! We are getting puppy (or puppies, depending on whom you listen to) in August and they are reading everything they can to learn how to take care of their new "baby"

[kval07]

Awesome! I'm glad to see they are taking an interest in caring for them. I bet you are too!

Be sure to post pics in Paws & Claws when you get your puppy!

[kval07]

[juniehyatt]

I would have some choice words for anyone leaving their pet in the car while they eat or shop or read!!