When you head off to work or school, it can be tempting to turn off the air conditioning in your home to cut down on cooling costs. If you have pets, however, you may wonder if they need as much climate control as humans. Here is a brief guide to why it's a good idea to leave the AC on at home for your animals.

Ways that Heat Can Harm Your Pets

Pets are susceptible to heat exhaustion when the weather gets hot and humid. In fact, pets are more likely to suffer a heat-related injury than humans are because most animals don't sweat the way people do. Dogs pant to cool down, which rapidly exchanges the hot air in their lungs for cooler air from the environment. When high heat and humidity combine, panting is inhibited and heat exhaustion or breathing difficulties can result. Dogs are affected more than cats, which naturally adjust their activity levels as a response to the heat. If your cat is panting, this is a sign they may be seriously overheated.

Ideal Temperatures & Conditions for Pets

While you should leave your air conditioning on for your pets when you're away, that doesn't mean you need to keep your home as cool as you would if you were there. You might prefer 70°, but your cats or dogs will be fine closer to 78° or 79°. The most important aspect of cooling for animals is dehumidifying, but if you have a pet who is advanced in age, obese, ill, or injured, you may need to reduce the temperature by another few degrees. 

Be sure to always leave an ample amount of water out for your pets when you aren't home, and consider closing your curtains or blinds to keep harsh sunlight at bay. You may also wish to purchase a special cooling mat or a climate-controlled pet house if you prefer to keep your home's temperature on the higher end while still protecting your pets' health.

If you're in need of repair or replacement for your cooling system, talk to the professionals at River Valley Air Conditioning in Fort Mohave and Kingman, AZ. In business since 1955, these experienced technicians are the largest HVAC staff in the Tri-State area, offering multiple services from duct cleaning to 24/7 emergency repairs. Visit their website or call (760) 326-3020 for more information.