Keeping your pets (and your energy bill!) comfortable

Dear Pat: I recently adopted a dog, but I work during the day. I want to make sure he stays comfortable without making my electric bill go haywire. Can you offer any tips?
— Annie D.

Dear Annie: Congratulations on your new furry family member! It’s a good idea to think about your energy bills. I remember working with a homeowner concerned about high energy bills and discovered that an uninsulated double garage was being heated all winter to keep the dog warm! Keeping your pet comfortable and entertained when you’re away doesn’t have to take a bite out of your energy bill.

Pet owners often assume their indoor pets want the same level of cooling and heating as the rest of the family. However, most dogs and cats can be comfortable with a wider range of temperatures. An exception might be an older pet or one with medical issues, which might require consultation with your veterinarian.

Here are a few tips to keep your pet cozy without cranking up the thermostat:

• An insulated doghouse might be all your outdoor dog needs, except on the very coldest of days.
• Make sure your indoor pet has a warm place — like a pet bed with a blanket — to sleep. Consider giving him a few sleeping options throughout your home in different temperature zones so your pet can adjust his comfort as needed.
• If you have a very drafty home or an older pet who may appreciate more warmth, a heated pet bed or bed warmer will use far less energy than running your central heating high all day. This solution can also be good for those who keep their pets in the garage and worry about them staying warm enough. Instead of heating a large, uninsulated space, provide a nice warm bed! If you only plug in the heated beds when needed, they will use far less energy.

Those with unique pets like birds or lizards may need to keep them in warmer environments. Consider moving these pets to a room that can be easily kept warm, but note that this may change over the course of a year. David Bopp, an energy advisor at Flathead Electric Cooperative in Montana, shared that he performed an energy audit for a member with tropical birds kept in a sunroom at more than 80 degrees. While this temperature was easy to reach in the summer, winter weather — combined with the sunroom’s windows — resulted in very high heating bills.

Pet doors are popular, but they can also be a major air leak that drives up your energy use. When purchasing a pet door, make sure it has energy-efficient features like thick construction, weather-sealing and the ability to be closed off when not in use. Some newer models have magnet or battery locks: A small magnet or sensor on your pet’s collar opens the door, and the rest of the time, the door is shut tight, keeping out other critters — as well as blowing wind and snow!

Some people also leave their televisions or radios on while they’re away, thinking that the voices will keep their pets from being bored (and destroying their shoes!). However, there are ways other than flipping a switch to keep your pooches and kitties entertained. Exercising your pet when you’re home and giving him or her a variety of toys or a nice perch to see out a window when you leave will be more entertaining and less energy-intensive than a TV. If you must leave something on when you’re away, try soothing, calm music instead of a blaring TV.

We all love our furry family members, but remember that keeping them comfortable doesn’t mean you have to pay more on your monthly bill.

Prepare for the dog days of summer

When summer comes, you don’t need to leave the air conditioning on full blast for Spot and Fluffy. Dogs and cats have higher body temperatures than humans, and they are comfortable with temperatures between 78 degrees and 82 degrees. In addition, dogs and cats sweat differently than humans, so running fans will not have the same effect it has on you. Here are other ways to keep your pets comfortable when it’s warm out:

• For indoor pets, keep shades drawn and direct light filtered. Provide cool areas to rest such as a basement or a tile floor with a cooling mat. For outdoor pets, provide a shady spot with plenty of airflow such as under a tree or a tarp.
• Give them plenty of water, perhaps with ice, and cool treats like peanut butter popsicles.
• Exercise pets during the cooler parts of the day to prevent heat fatigue.

Keep your pets warm — but stay safe!

Take special care when choosing and using electric warming devices for your pet.

• Choose only UL-approved items designed specifically for pets.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions.
• Don’t use electric blankets or other products designed for people. They can often get too hot and may not be as resistant to punctures from pets’ claws.
• Under no circumstance should you fold an electric blanket or other warmer. This can cause overheating of the product and result in a fire.

This column was co-written by Patrick Keegan and Amy Wheeless of Collaborative Efficiency. Keegan writes on energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.