Veterinarian speaks out about the dangers of air conditioning for pets
Professor Rudenko: Air Conditioning Can Cause Dry Eyes in Dogs and Cats
Photo: Freepik
Cold air from an air conditioner directed at a pet can cause a cold, cystitis or arthritis, and it also reduces indoor humidity, which leads to dry eyes in dogs and cats. Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Rosbiotech University Andrey Rudenko told Lenta.ru about this.
"Cold air directed directly at an animal can cause a cold, cystitis or arthritis. The optimal temperature is not lower than plus 22 degrees. An air conditioner reduces humidity, which leads to dry eyes in dogs and cats, and to problems with shedding in reptiles," Rudenko said.
At the same time, excess humidity provokes the growth of fungi and fleas, and an air conditioner with a dehumidification function reduces the risk of skin diseases in animals, the veterinarian explained.
"Pets, especially small ones (hamsters, parrots), can catch a cold due to direct air flow. It is recommended to use smooth cooling (from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius) and avoid sudden changes. Direct the air flow upward or away from the animal's resting places," the specialist advised.
Lethargy, coughing or frequent sneezing may signal your pet's discomfort, Rudenko explained.
Air conditioning is safe for animals when properly adjusted. The main thing is to maintain moderation and take into account the individual needs of your pet.
Andrey Rudenko, professor at the University of ROSBIOTECH
Earlier, the National Veterinary Chamber (NVC) sent a letter to Rosselkhoznadzor and the Ministry of Agriculture, which reported that in 2025, veterinary clinics in Russia received three times fewer vaccines for cats and dogs. Due to the sharp drop in supply volumes, doctors fear that this will lead to an increase in cases of infection of domestic animals, and then people.
Rosselkhoznadzor promised to hold a meeting with the involvement of all manufacturers of vaccines for dogs and cats to sort out the situation. The Ministry of Agriculture, in turn, called the situation with providing the domestic market with veterinary drugs stable and emphasized that the most popular foreign drugs have domestic analogues.
lenta
