Can Dogs Get A Cold From An Air Conditioner?

Keeping your dog happy and comfy is the best way to shower your pet with love. However, this can be quite challenging at times, especially during the heat of the summer months. In general, if it’s too hot for you, it probably is just as hot for your pet. This can lead your pet to becoming easily dehydrated if they’re in a humid environment on a hot day.

So your dog may need an air conditioner just as badly as you when the temps are high! Now if you are wondering, “Can dogs get a cold from an air conditioner?” — the answer is yes. Without using the perfect AC settings, your pet can indeed get sick. But what is the ideal temperature for your dog? This guide will help you figure it all out!

What is the optimum temp for dogs?

It largely depends on humidity levels. Paired with high temperatures, high humidity levels can exhaust your furry fellow. In this case, watch out for drooling, disorientation, panting, and unconsciousness, as these are all signs of dehydration. When your dog stays indoors, it’s paramount to make sure the temperature ranges at around 75oF, which is the suggested temperature. However, your dog’s coat of hair and size affect the well-tolerated temperature range.

Avoiding Hot Weather Dog Pneumonia

Dogs can suffer from pneumonia in both cold and hot weather. Pneumonia is a serious illness that may lead to the hospitalization of your dog for several days. On top of that, the aftermath never goes away. Sudden and dramatic temperature changes are a catalyst for dog pneumonia (i.e., a 20o drop or rise within 24 hours). This applies to both being outside all the time and entering an air conditioner room from a hot outside environment. So if it’s 90F outside and your house is set at 70F, ensure you take your pet out gradually (i.e. start with the shaded garage).

Leaving your dog at home with the AC on – Is it safe?

Things like smart AC controllers and smart thermostats enable you to monitor, control, and regulate the temperature of your home from wherever you might be. You can set your AC unit at a comfy temp range (between 75F-80F) and leave your pet in the room while you are away. There are no known risks involved in doing that.

AC Tune-ups for Dog Owners

Ensure you check on your air conditioning unit as dander and fur from your dog could get sucked into the cooling vents and cause trouble. Vacuuming and dusting your home often will help your AC unit from overload. Changing your AC filter every 3-4 months will also help boost the efficacy of your cooling system as it will help prevent it from working harder to maintain the airflow. The same applies to keeping your AC vents clean, using HEPA filters and using an air purifier. Finally, make sure your dog cannot reach the outdoor AC unit. More than often, dogs will urinate or chew on the cables, destroying the unit and increasing the chance of catching fire.

Hope these suggestions and tips help you ensure that your furry friend is pampered during hot temperatures while also keeping your AC unit in tip-top shape!