Keeping Small Pets Comfortable in Extreme Weather: Heating and Cooling Tips

Weather can change in an instant. Depending on where you live, you may enjoy warm sunshine one moment, only to be blasted by glacial cold the next. Whether your environment's temperatures change suddenly or shift gradually with the seasons, it's important to keep your fur baby comfortable and healthy — regardless of the forecast!

What Is Extreme Cold Weather?

Extreme cold weather can have different meanings, depending on your pet. How you respond to weather changes as a pet parent depends on your pet's age, coat thickness, overall health, sex, and even your furry buddy's tolerance to mild temperature changes.

As a general rule, pets should avoid prolonged exposure when temperatures drop below freezing. However, some small pets may exhibit signs of discomfort at 40°F due to their aversion to cold temperatures, so it's important to understand how your pet responds to the cold.

What Is Extreme Hot Weather?

Sunny days are more challenging to assess because factors such as humidity levels play a huge role in "how hot is too hot." While most pets can tolerate temperatures around 70°F, a warm day with 80% humidity may be too hot for many small pets. When assessing extreme weather conditions, consider your pet's overall response to heat. A hot day doesn't necessarily prohibit your furry pal from a little outdoor play. It merely means you need to take some simple precautions to keep her safe.

The Effects of Extreme Weather on Small Pets and Tips on How to Help

Extreme weather can be tough on any pet, but smaller ones require a bit more loving care. To ensure your small, furry companion remains comfortable and healthy during bouts of extreme weather, consider these things:

1. Bring outside activities indoors. Extreme temperatures can cause big reactions in small pets, so be proactive when the temperatures creep too high or too low. While it's tempting to bring small pets indoors and enjoy a little snuggle time, play and exercise remain vital to your pet's health, especially during prolonged periods of extreme weather. Small pets, in particular, need to maintain a healthy body weight due to their smaller bone structure. Remember, extra weight on small joints can cause a host of complications as your pet ages.

2. Supply warming solutions when it's cold. Small pets lose body heat more quickly than larger pets, so if your furry pal gets a case of the "shivers" during cooler temperatures, consider providing a cozy sweater or blanket to accommodate your pet's needs. For a little extra comfort, consider buying a pet-safe, heated pad or bed.

3. Hypothermia and cold weather. Hypothermia occurs when a pet's body temperature drops below 95°F. Signs may include trembling, visible disorientation, fatigue, and slow heart rate, among others. If your pet shows signs of hypothermia, move them to a warm space, wrap them in a warm blanket, or place a warming pad in their bed. If your pet will drink, offer lukewarm water (not hot). If you have any concerns, it's always best to contact your veterinarian.

4. Hyperthermia and hot weather. Hyperthermia occurs when a pet's body temperature rises above 104°F. Signs may include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, visible anxiety, a rapid heart rate, or an elevated body temperature. If your pet shows any signs of heat-related symptoms, move them to a cool space and place a cool, moist towel on the back of their neck or head. Encourage your pet to drink cool tap water (not too cold). Hyperthermia can quickly become dangerous, so it's best to contact your veterinarian immediately with further instructions.

Cold Weather Essentials for Small Pets

Cold temperatures create additional stress on small pets, whose fast metabolism requires more energy to stay warm and function properly. For example, the cold can cause discomfort and stiffness for your pet. Ensuring your furry pal is comfortable when temperatures drop is essential to his comfort and overall health. To keep your pet cozy and hydrated, consider using:

• An indoor heated bed: The K&H Thermo Pet Lounge Sleeper Heated Cat/Dog Bed is a warm and plush addition your pet will love. The super-soft bolster offers nearly pillow-like support for your furry companion while they nap or relax. The removable, thermostatically controlled heating pad warms to your pet's normal body temperature when in use, which is one less thing for you to worry about.

  

• An indoor heated getaway: It's a cave! It's a tunnel! It's both! The K&H Thermo-Pet Cave Heated Cat Bed, featuring a warm and inviting plush bed, provides rest and added entertainment with a plush toy attached. It's the perfect size for your kitty or small dog. This entire bed is washable (simply remove the warmer), making cleaning a snap.

  

• An extreme weather indoor/outdoor heated pad: If your favorite pet prefers lounging on the patio or garage, the K&H Extreme Weather Kitty Pad could be the perfect cozy companion. Its soft, washable fleece offers extra warmth and comfort, while any outdoor messes wipe away easily with a damp cloth or a quick wash. Best of all, the pad only warms to full temperature when in use by your small pet.

  

• An outdoor heated water bowl: Heated water bowls are essential for any outdoor or feral animal when the temperature drops below freezing. The K&H Thermo-Kitty Cafe features two removable, dishwasher-safe, stainless-steel bowls (12 oz. and 24 oz.) that will keep your pet's water and food from freezing no matter how cold it gets outside.

  

All of these heated products are MET Lab certified to meet or exceed UL electrical safety standards. K&H Pet products don't just use safety-listed parts; they safety certify the entire product. So beware of products that advertise UL-listed parts, as those products are potentially unsafe.

Hot Weather Essentials for Small Pets

Most pets love the outdoors, especially during warmer weather. Whether your furry friend enjoys rolling in the grass or basking in a sunny spot in the backyard, warm days offer the perfect opportunity for small pets to relax and soak up the sun. However, sunny days can also create additional stress for your small pet without these hot weather essentials:

• An indoor/outdoor cooling pad: When you're cat or dog needs a place to cool down, consider the K&H Coolin' Pet Pad. This pad requires no electricity and contains no toxic gels. Simply add water. It wicks excessive heat out of your pet and releases it into the air, keeping your furry buddy cool and comfortable.

  

• A cooling water bowl: Whether you're planning a day at the beach, going camping, or simply lazing around the house, your furry pal is sure to remain well-hydrated. The K&H Coolin' Pet Bowl keeps water cool for over 15 hours by freezing the interior bowl overnight, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

  

These hot-weather essentials will help your pet relax and enjoy all the summer months have to offer. If you're looking for more options to keep your small pet cool, you can always add a pool or elevated bed to the mix.

Prepare for the Highs and Lows

As you're probably very aware, smaller pets require a little extra love and care. Are they just bougie? Who can say for sure? What we do know is that small pets require a little more attentiveness due to their size and stature, especially when temperatures rise too high or plummet too low. With a few essentials and a little planning, you can better prepare your furry pal for any extreme weather that blows your way.