Summer heat makes many owners worry that their Teddy may not tolerate high temperatures, so they often use air conditioning to cool the dog down. However, long exposure to an air-conditioned room is not always good for a dog. Here are several possible drawbacks.
1. Air conditioning can contribute to illness. Teddy dogs are more afraid of heat than cold, but the low ambient temperature of an air-conditioned room can still make them sick. Colds are the most common problem, and respiratory issues caused by a cold are also frequent. A dog may seem fine after one day in an air-conditioned room, yet start sneezing and developing a runny nose on the second or third day. Joint issues can also appear, because when no one is home dogs often lie directly on the floor. Cold flooring is not good for their joints and may contribute to inflammation over time.
2. Dogs can look for cool places on their own. Teddy dogs are smart and often know where the coolest spot in the house is. Even if you feel hot walking around the room, your Teddy may already be lying in a naturally cooler place. As long as your home is not exposed like a greenhouse or full sunroom, the dog will usually find a more comfortable corner by itself.
3. Plenty of water is very important. Give your Teddy a large bowl of water so it can drink whenever it wants. Place the bowl in a shaded area, and in some cases you can even add two or three ice cubes. This can help the dog maintain a normal body temperature. If adding ice leads to diarrhea, then switch back to plain water.
4. Use a fan instead of air conditioning. On very hot days, if you do not want to use air conditioning, a fan can help cool the dog down. The advantage is that it does not lower the temperature of the whole room too much, and it creates a natural breeze. The dog can choose whether to lie in front of it or move away. Unlike air conditioning, a fan does not chill the floor and therefore is less likely to worsen joint discomfort.
5. Prepare heat-relief measures in advance. Grooming, trimming the coat, and using shade curtains can help. Some families normally keep dogs out of the bathroom because of cleaning chemicals and moisture, but in summer the bathroom may actually be the coolest room in the house because of the tile floor and lack of direct sun. If you do let your Teddy use that area, clean it well and keep the floor dry so skin problems such as fungal disease do not develop.