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“I was wondering how a dog can deal with the heat of an apartment, no air conditioning just a circulating fan? I have been keeping my air on all day when I am not home to make sure my dog is ok because of the heat and my bill is sky high and I can’t afford it. What do you suggest? I thank you in advance for any idea for my dog and how to keep him comfortable without the air on.”

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Dear Louisa,

You did not specify what breed of dog you have, so I will answer in a general tone. I am assuming you do not have a medium sized double-coated breed, such as an American Eskimo or Shiba Inu.  If so, please contact me again.

You should never have to turn on the A/C all the time unless it is over 90 degrees, making sure it is not too cold in your apartment. Keep your shades drawn except for maybe one north or west window. Always make sure they have cool water, kept in a location where it is the coolest – bathroom floor or kitchen floor. A good idea is to freeze it overnight, then placing it down when you leave for work. It will begin to thaw and keep them in cool water until sometime in the afternoon.

Most dogs have an instinct in choosing the coolest part of the house. This can be under the bed, behind the couch or in a corner you least suspect as being cool. Do you crate your dog while you are gone? This would limit where they can go to stay cool, but you can place the crate in the coolest part of the home possible with the least light.  If you have a family member or close friend that can easily check on the dog in the afternoon during very hot days, this may  relieve your mind and protect the dog.

The three things most worrisome to dog owners in the hot summers are heat stroke, sunburn, and heat exhaustion. A dog’s normal body temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees, allowing them to tolerate comfortably anything up to that point. they will cool their body down by panting in the process as long as they have water and shade. The danger is when your apartment reaches 107 degrees with direct sun and no shade for your dog to escape the rays.

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, please contact me.

Nancy