Summer is a time of intense heat that can impact our dogs' well-being. Hot days can affect their appetite and nutritional needs. To ensure their comfort and health during this season, it's crucial to adapt their diet.
Discover in this article practical tips for adjusting your dog's meals in summer to meet his specific needs and ensure he stays in shape throughout the summer season.
Why do dogs lose their appetite in summer?
It is not known exactly why pets eat less in summer.
However, a six-year study* showed that cats consumed about 15% less during the warmer months, probably due to changing temperatures and daylight hours.
Heat
High temperatures can make dogs lethargic and less interested in food because the heat increases the effort needed to regulate their temperature, leading to fatigue and reduced appetite.
Thermal discomfort and the need for hydration can also decrease their interest in food. Be sure to provide them with a cool place, refreshing food, and fresh water to maintain their appetite.
Dehydration
A dehydrated dog may lose its appetite because water is crucial for metabolism. Without sufficient hydration, its stomach empties more slowly, decreasing hunger. Excessive thirst can also reduce interest in food.
In addition, dehydration can lead to fatigue and digestive problems.
Hormonal changes
Increased daylight and temperatures can slow your dog's metabolism and digestion, reducing their appetite and energy. These hormonal changes affect their biological rhythms, making it more difficult to manage their diet in the summer.
Make sure you provide him with the right diet and a comfortable environment to help him adjust.
Activity level
In warm weather, dogs are often less active, which reduces their energy needs. With less energy expenditure, their appetite naturally decreases. The heat encourages them to rest rather than play or walk, which leads to a decrease in appetite in response to a decrease in their caloric needs.
It is important to monitor their diet and offer them meals adapted to the climatic conditions to maintain their well-being.
Heat stress
Prolonged exposure to heat can cause heat stress or heatstroke, which significantly reduces a dog's appetite. These conditions make it difficult to regulate body temperature, leading to symptoms such as rapid breathing, excessive salivation, and lethargy.
In severe cases, heatstroke can cause unconsciousness and vomiting. Opt for a cooling mat for dogs to prevent heatstroke during the summer.
Change of routine
Summer activities or vacations can disrupt your dog's eating schedule by changing their daily routine. Changes in routine due to travel or outings can shift their mealtimes or decrease their appetite.
Additionally, stress or excitement caused by new situations can also influence one's appetite.
How to encourage your dog to eat during the hot season?
If your dog's appetite decreases during the summer, don't worry. To encourage him to eat, start by choosing a cool, shady spot for his meals and avoid leaving his food out for too long.
Next, to stimulate your dog's appetite during the summer, vary the types of food. Try proteins like chicken, duck, or salmon, or opt for raw meat recipes. Nutrient-rich bone broth can add flavor to meals. For a sweet and nutritious touch, you can also offer fresh blueberries.
Feed your dog a balanced mix of wet and dry food. Wet food has a high water content, which helps maintain hydration. It comes in a variety of flavors and textures to suit your dog's preferences! These changes can make the food more appealing and help stimulate appetite, especially in warm weather.
Introduce these new foods gradually to avoid digestive upsets and better meet your dog's preferences. Also, adjust meal times by moving them earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler.
Finally, make sure he always has access to fresh, cold water by adding ice cubes to keep it nice and cold.
What are the best times of day to feed your dog during the summer months?
During the summer months, it's best to feed your dog when temperatures are cooler. This means early morning or late evening are ideal. Feeding your dog during the hottest hours of the day can make them uncomfortable and increase the risk of digestive upset.
Additionally, it's important to avoid feeding your dog immediately before or after intense physical activity. This can help prevent digestive issues and allow your dog to better enjoy their meals without heat-related discomfort.
By adjusting your dog's meal times you contribute to his well-being throughout the summer.
7 tips for food that helps dogs stay cool in summer:
- Freeze plain yogurt or mashed banana on a lick mat or in a Kong for long-lasting refreshment.
- Offer frozen raw chew bones to stimulate your dog while keeping him cool.
- Offer fruit like frozen strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing and hydrating snack.
- Prepare salt-free chicken or meat broths and then freeze them into ice cubes for a refreshing treat.
- Blend fresh fruit (such as apples or pears) with natural yogurt and freeze the mixture in small pots or ice cubes.
- Offer vegetables like carrots or cucumbers that are hydrating and can be served fresh or slightly frozen.
- To give honey to your dog , mix it with water or unsalted chicken broth, pour the mixture into ice cube molds, freeze, and then serve the ice cubes as a cool treat.
Please note: Some summer foods can be particularly toxic to dogs. Make sure raisins, onions, chocolate, garlic, and alcohol are always kept out of reach of your dog.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food in Summer
How can I encourage my dog to eat if he loses his appetite in the summer?
Offer fresh, appetizing foods like cooked meats or fresh vegetables. Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water ( dog water fountains and dog water bottles are ideal for this). You can also add supplements like dog broths to stimulate their appetite.
What types of food are best for dogs in summer?
Choose light, easily digestible foods. Kibble with fresh, natural ingredients and wet food can be beneficial. Avoid heavy or fatty foods that can aggravate digestive problems in the summer.
What are the risks of overfeeding my dog in the summer?
Overfeeding your dog in the summer can lead to weight gain, heat-related problems, and additional stress on their joints and organs. It can also cause digestive upset and discomfort in hot weather.
Make sure to adjust the portions (opt for an anti-glutton bowl ) according to his activity and nutritional needs to avoid these problems.
