In summer, fans and air conditioning ensure pleasantly cool temperatures – but unfortunately also drafts. This can be dangerous for pets and make them sick. Find out here how you can best protect your guinea pigs, budgies, dogs and cats.
Danger! Fan drafts are not good for dogs and other pets – Shutterstock/Ezzolo
If you want to keep yourself and your pets cool, fans and air conditioning are not the best choice. The cold draft from the devices is harmful to the health of your animal roommate and the loud hissing and roaring is unpleasant for the animal’s sensitive hearing.
Fan and air conditioning hazards for pets
The greatest danger from air conditioning and fans is the drafts that come from the units. Small animals and birds in particular in their enclosures and cages can become life-threateningly ill if they are directly exposed to the draft. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, can move around freely in the home and withdraw when it gets too cold for them.
The draft can weaken the immune system and make the pets more susceptible to colds and get other infections. This applies in particular to the sensitive airways. In addition, neck stiffness, conjunctivitis and other eye diseases can result. The devices are also not conducive to healthy ears. Curious cats or dogs who get too close to a fan run the risk of injury.
This will protect small animals and birds from drafts
It is best to leave the air conditioning and fans off in the room where your hamster, rabbit or parrot’s cage is located. The aviary is also ideally covered on three sides and protected from drafts. Guinea pig and other small animals need a cozy little house or den where they can retreat when needed.
Make sure your pets have enough to drink and are not in direct sunlight, otherwise a heatstroke threatens. In summer it can make sense to move the cage to a cool, shady place where there is no draft. Here, for example, the laundry room or the pantry are ideal. An outdoor enclosure with plenty of shade is also a good alternative.
Safety tips for dogs and cats
Don’t take any risks, even if dogs and cats can get themselves safely out of the draft. Make sure that the cold air does not blow on your loved one’s bed. Also, only use fans that have protected rotor blades. When you leave the room, be sure to turn off the fan to reduce the risk of injury to pets.
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