Keep pets comfortable This Summer

Summer in the Mid-South brings sunshine, backyard barbecues, and long days spent outdoors—but it also brings extreme heat. While we often think about keeping ourselves cool, it's just as important to make sure our four-legged family members stay safe and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

At Premier Heating & Air, we believe every member of your family deserves a cool, comfortable home—including your pets.

Keep Your Home Cool and Comfortable

Dogs and cats can overheat much faster than people, especially when temperatures climb into the 90s. A properly functioning air conditioning system helps provide a safe indoor environment where your pets can rest comfortably.

If you'll be away from home, avoid turning your thermostat up too high to save energy. While your pet may tolerate slightly warmer temperatures than you, most pets are happiest and safest in a cool, climate-controlled home.

If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the summer heat, don't wait until it stops working. A quick repair or maintenance visit can help ensure your entire family—pets included—stays comfortable.

Always Provide Fresh Water

Hydration is one of the simplest and most important ways to keep pets healthy during hot weather.

Make sure your pets always have:

• Plenty of clean, fresh water

• A water bowl that's kept in the shade if they're outdoors

• Extra water available if they'll be outside for extended periods

On especially hot days, check their water more often than usual.

Give Them a Cool Place to Rest

Whether your pets spend time indoors or outdoors, they should always have access to a cool place to escape the heat.

This might include:

• Air-conditioned rooms

• Shady porches

• Covered patios

• Cooling mats

• Fans to improve airflow (while not a replacement for air conditioning, they can help circulate cool air)

  
  

Remember, garages and enclosed outdoor spaces can become dangerously hot in a short amount of time.

Be Careful with Hot Pavement

One thing many pet owners don't think about is how hot pavement can become.

Concrete, asphalt, and blacktop can reach temperatures much higher than the air outside, making them painful—and even dangerous—for your pet's paws.

A good rule of thumb:If it's too hot for the back of your hand for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

Try walking your dog:

• Early in the morning

• Later in the evening

• On grassy areas whenever possible

  
  

Never Leave Pets in a Parked Vehicle

Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes.

On a warm day, temperatures inside a parked car can quickly climb well above 100°F, putting pets at serious risk of heatstroke.

If your pet can't go inside with you, it's safest to leave them at home.

Watch for Signs of Overheating

Knowing the warning signs of heat exhaustion can help you act quickly.

Watch for:

• Excessive panting

• Drooling

• Weakness or lethargy

• Bright red gums

• Vomiting

• Difficulty walking

• Collapse

  
  

If you believe your pet is overheating, move them to a cool area, offer water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Don't Forget Routine HVAC Maintenance

A reliable air conditioning system doesn't just keep you comfortable—it helps protect everyone in your home, including your pets.

Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance can help:

• Improve system performance

• Reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns

• Keep your home consistently comfortable

• Catch small issues before they become major repairs

  
  

There's nothing worse than your air conditioner failing during a summer heat wave—especially when your pets are counting on it.

Premier Heating & Air Is Here to Help

Your pets rely on you to keep them safe and comfortable, and you can rely on Premier Heating & Air to help keep your home cool all summer long.

Whether you need routine maintenance, a repair, or a new HVAC system, our experienced team is here to help keep every member of your family comfortable—two-legged and four-legged alike.

Contact Premier Heating & Air today to schedule your HVAC service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is ready for whatever the Mid-South summer brings.