Home Alone in The Heat

Leaving your pup home alone for extended periods in hot weather can be risky. Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, particularly in warmer seasons. While the duration can vary depending on factors like breed, age, and overall health, it's generally recommended not to leave dogs alone for more than four to six hours in hot weather.  

 

You also need to consider how long your pup is comfortable being left home alone before you consider how long you can leave them in the heat. Many dogs are so bonded with their parents that they struggle to be left alone at all. If that’s the case with your fur baby, then leaving them in the heat may pose a greater challenge.  

If they can be left for short periods but are likely to worry, their anxiety can also cause a rise in their temperature. If you’ve ever had a panic over something, you may have noticed that you get quite hot and this is the same for our canine companions. Feeling panicked as well as things like pacing can get them feeling hot and bothered so you may need to leave them for shorter periods to avoid them getting too stressed. You should also leave them with plenty of cooling and soothing toys and enrichment for them to distract them.   

Cats are usually comfortable being left for longer hours than dogs as they’re naturally more independent. Some cats may suffer from separation anxiety though, so you first need to take into consideration how long they can remain calm without you home to keep them company. If they’re happy for you to come and go without feeling worried or stressed then around six hours is the limit but longer if you have adequate cooling options at home. While cats love to sunbathe in the window during the summer, they also need shaded cool areas to move to when they get too hot.  

 

If you’re going out in the middle of the day, it’s going to be hotter than going out early in the morning or in the evening. While your moggy might get a little warm in the house, you should not leave home for long periods while they are out and about. If they’re allowed to roam outside in the summer without you home, you could leave home with plenty of shade in the garden but as the sun moves, their options to cool off may vanish entirely. At least by leaving them inside at home, you can control the environment and leave plenty of ways to keep cool. 

If you are leaving your beloved pet home alone for a short period during the summer, they could be glad for the respite and take the chance to catch up on some sleep in a cooler part of the house. It’s important to make sure they have everything they need for that time, especially when it comes to providing them with ways to keep cool.  

Ensuring your pet has access to fresh food and water is crucial, especially in hot weather. Fill their water bowls with cool, clean water and consider placing multiple bowls throughout your home to encourage hydration. If you'll be away for an extended period, you can invest in automatic feeders to dispense food at designated times. Be careful what food you leave out for them as wet food spoils faster in hot weather and can grow bacteria quickly. Any food items should be able to stay fresh for the period you are gone or should be eaten quickly by your furry friend.  

To make food last a little longer while you’re away and to keep your fur baby nice and cool, consider making their usual enrichment and freezing it. The Lickimat Slomo Dog Lick Mat is great for popping into the freezer and turning into a giant ice lolly to lick. You can also freeze other food enrichment like a Kong, to help keep your pet nice and cool.  

You might think that being indoors means your furry friend will have lots of options when it comes to finding nice cool spots to sleep. Some homes are sun traps if they’re angled just right to allow lots of sunlight through the windows all day long. The more windows you have, generally the hotter your home can get which is lovely when you want to lounge in the sun but can make it hard when you want to get out of it. This goes for your pets as well so there should be plenty of cool spots throughout the house for them to go to avoid the heat.  

If your pooch is crate trained and enjoys spending time in their little safe haven, you can upgrade it for the summer by protecting it from the sun. Placing a cover over it means that the sun won’t get a chance to heat the space inside and will keep it nice and dark. You can do one better and keep the curtains closed in one room of the house all day to make sure it doesn’t get the chance to soak up the sun and get warm. A nice cool room makes a great resting area for all of your furry friends.  

If you have air conditioning, set it to a temperature that keeps the environment cool but not too cold. Alternatively, use fans strategically to improve airflow and circulation in your home. This helps prevent heat buildup and keeps your pet comfortable while you're away. If you’re getting fans to keep pets comfortable, tower fans are the better option. Traditional fans with visible rotating blades can be a little too tempting, especially for curious kitties who love to paw at any movement.  

 

There is an amazing range of cooling options for your furry friends throughout the summer months. It used to be just soaking a towel in cold water and putting it on the floor for them to lie on but you can avoid all that mess with a cooling mat. While the DIY method of a wet towel may be cost effective, the water will quickly warm up to room temperature and doesn’t last very long. A cooling mat like the Rufus & Rosie Pet Cooling Mat stays cool for hours and takes less than an hour without contact to be ready to provide cooling comfort for your pet again.  

If you are going to be leaving your pet at home in the heat, try to exercise them earlier in the day, even if that means getting up early to let them out for a wander or to take them out for a walk. Getting in some exercise before the sun is high in the sky will mean they’re more settled and able to relax when you do leave them. You shouldn’t walk your dog in high temperatures so getting out early means you can still meet their exercise and enrichment needs without risking them overheating.  

It's essential to monitor your pet for signs of heat stress, which can indicate they're struggling to cope with the heat. You should check to make sure they’re not showing any signs of overheating as soon as you get home from leaving them alone. Some common signs include: 

If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and provide them with water. If their condition doesn't improve then give your vet a call and discuss if you need to take them in to see them. 

With proper provisions and precautions, most pets can be left alone briefly in the summer heat. It's crucial to monitor them closely for any signs of distress when you return. Never leave pets in hot cars, as temperatures can rise rapidly and pose a severe risk to their health and well being. By taking these steps, you can ensure your furry friends stay safe and comfortable while you're away during the hot summer months.