I was inspired by @Highfive’s recent topic about keeping pets safe during hot weather, and it got me thinking… how do you stay cool when the temperatures rise, whether you’re at home or abroad?
I know it’s currently cooler for our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, but let’s be honest… you’ve probably mastered the art of surviving scorching summers! Your tips and tricks would be more than welcome, too.
What helps you cope in the heat? Do you swear by cold showers, blackout blinds, or a trusty fan?
I’m on a sit now in the US. It’s been in the 90’s. They have a swimming pool so swimming with a 85 pound dog that follows me everywhere including the swimming pool, ha. Their air conditioner is cooler than I have it set at my own house. They said I am welcome to adjust it for my comfort but I leave it alone as I don’t want the dog to be uncomfortable.
I carry a hand fan and a small spray bottle whenever going to hot destinations. A spray bottle also works great if you’re without central air or air conditioning and have a table fan or such.
We have multiples of these for keeping our dog cool in desert climates, but they can work for humans, too.
The temperatures reached by such devices are equal to air conditioning, though of course you need to be directly in front of the device. All you do is pour in water and they run off USB power or battery power to chill the water, which creates a chilled breeze. (No water is sprayed out. This is generations-old tech that works.)
We have used these devices to keep our dog cool for example when we enter a super hot car and wait for the air conditioning to cool off the car enough from desert heat, meaning temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more (37 degrees celsius or greater).
There are a bunch of different makers of such devices and they’re easily available on Amazon or other places. If I were on a boiling hot sit without air conditioning or central air, or even a fan, I would order one of these. They are roughly the size of a lunchbox.
The hotter the better for me! I did a house sit in Palm Springs in June which was my ideal weather and as long as I have a swimming pool I’m happy no matter how hot it is. My hubby and I sleep with a fan blowing year round even though we’re in Vancouver although we occasionally have a heatwave here. We’ve done a couple of summer sits in the Okanagan area of B.C. where it gets quite hot and the homeowners have provided cooling mats for the pets which are very handy.
Hi Jenny, great post! Heat can definitely sneak up on both pets and sitters. Here are three things I’ve found super helpful, especially during long sits in hot climates:
Cool zones & floor fans – I set up one room as a “cool zone” with blackout curtains, a fan, and tile or laminate flooring. Great for pets to lie on. I rotate ice packs or frozen water bottles in front of the fan to keep airflow cooler.
Frozen treats for pets – I make DIY frozen snacks using low-sodium broth or plain yogurt in ice cube trays. Even anxious pets calm down when they’re licking something cold.
Early morning everything – I do all walks, garden chores, and errands early, then stay mostly indoors during peak heat. It makes a big difference in energy levels for me and the animals.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to understand how the animal you’re caring for reacts to heat. Some dogs and cats are more sensitive than others — flat-faced breeds, older pets, or those with thick coats can struggle in hot weather.
A few tips that have helped us:
Know the signs of overheating – heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, or disorientation can all be red flags. Always carry water and a collapsible bowl on walks or outings. Adjust walking times – early mornings and late evenings are usually cooler and safer. Look after yourself, too – if you’re overheated or dehydrated, you won’t be able to care for the pets properly. Rest in the shade, drink water, and pace yourself.
I’m using a great heat-hack right now, quick and inexpensive, good solution for bedrooms, at least.
Hang up aluminium foil in the window. It will reflect the sun and heat. It will leave the room dark, ofc. You would need to keep the door closed so you don’t get the heat from other rooms, but can keep the bedroom cool (or cool-ish) on the hot days.
It looks sh.. from the outside, though. If on a sit with neighbors, I’d consider mentioning it to host and/ or neighbor so they don’t think anything shady is going on.
Know the signs of overheating – heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, or disorientation can all be red flags.