HEALTH
4 min
Why Do Dogs Eat Less in the Summer? 7 Vet-Approved Solutions!
Has your dog lost their appetite this summer? Fret not. Dr Rohit J explains why this happens & offers 7 ways to ensure our dogs get the nutrition they need.
Table of contents
Are you noticing your dog turning up their nose at their food bowls as the weather starts getting hotter? If your dog is losing their appetite, but is acting normal otherwise, don’t worry! This is a very common phenomenon. As the summers arrive, many pet parents ask us, do dogs eat less in summer? And the answer is a swift yes!
During the summer season, dogs tend to adjust their daily habits, including eating patterns, to stay cool and comfortable. In this article, let’s understand six key reasons behind reduced appetite in dogs and how you can ensure your dog remains happy, healthy, and well-nourished during the warmer months.
During the summer season, dogs tend to adjust their daily habits, including eating patterns, to stay cool and comfortable. In this article, let’s understand six key reasons behind reduced appetite in dogs and how you can ensure your dog remains happy, healthy, and well-nourished during the warmer months.
Why Do Dogs Eat Less in Summer?
Our dogs feel the summer heat just as we do. The rise in temperature affects their metabolism, energy levels, and even digestion. Here are some key reasons why your dog isn’t eating but acting normal when it’s hot:
- Temperature regulation: Digestion is an exothermic process, i.e., it produces heat. A dog’s regular body temperature already ranges between 38.2-39.2°C. In countries like India, where the temperatures can soar above 40°C- 50°C, dogs may naturally eat less to prevent overheating.
- Decreased physical activities: Similar to digestion, physical activity can increase your dog’s body temperature. Some dogs may reduce their activity levels and movements to avoid overheating. This lack of physical activity translates to fewer calories burnt, which in turn also reduces their need for food. High temperatures can make dogs lethargic, and a tired dog may prefer resting over eating.
- Metabolism adjustments: Some studies suggest that animals, including dogs, naturally adjust their metabolism with the seasons. In colder months, they may eat more to maintain body warmth, whereas in summer, their metabolism slows down, reducing their need for food. This is often linked to increased duration of light, which influences metabolism as well.
- Increased water intake: Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat to regulate their body temperature. Instead, they lose water through panting, which helps cool them down. To compensate for this water loss, they may prioritize drinking more water and eat less food.
- Hormonal Changes: The summer heat can influence your dog’s hormones, including leptin (which regulates your dog’s hormones) and cortisol (a stress hormone) and impact their appetite. Additionally, unneutered male dogs and female dogs in heat may also experience appetite fluctuations due to shifts in their reproductive hormones.
- Food spoilage: If the food is left out for too long, especially wet food, it can spoil faster. If it smells off, your dog is likely to refuse to eat it.
Kibble? In this weather? No, thank you!
Reduced Appetite In Dogs: 7 Ways You Can Help
If your dog is eating less during summer but is otherwise healthy and active, here are seven ways you can ensure they get the nourishment they need:
- Feed during cooler hours: You can slowly transition their meal times to early morning and late evenings when the temperatures are lower.
- Keep them hydrated: Always provide a fresh, clean bowl of water to prevent dehydration. If your dog does not like drinking water, you can add ice cubes, buttermilk, or bone broth to encourage them to drink more.
- Increase meal frequencies: If your dog is eating less consistently, consider splitting their meals into smaller, more frequent meals.
- Offer lighter meals: Certain ingredients, such as ginger, pepper, mutton, fats, and spices, can be heat-inducing in our dogs’ bodies. Lean meats like chicken or fish and lightly cooked vegetables can be easier on their stomachs during hot weathers
- Feed hydrating or frozen foods: Add water-rich, dog-friendly ingredients such as cucumbers, watermelons (seedless & in moderation), curd, and more to keep your dog hydrated and encourage them to eat.
- Adjust exercise routines: To avoid heatstrokes, exhaustion and foot pad burns, modify your walking times to cooler hours and avoid walking on heated surfaces. This can help keep your dog healthy, active, and work up an appetite.
- Make meal times fun: To encourage them to eat, you can switch their regular food bowls to slow-feeder bowls, licky mats, or Kong toys.
Reduced Appetite in Dogs: When to be Concerned
While a reduced appetite in dogs due to the hot weather is generally normal, a complete loss of appetite (skipping meals for more than 24 hours), vomiting or diarrhea may indicate underlying medical issues. Additionally, excessive panting while indoors, dizziness, and extreme lethargy can also be signs of concern. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately.
In Conclusion
Dogs eating less in the summer is a natural response to environmental changes. Changes in diet and routines, offering increased opportunities and sources of hydration can be key to helping your dog cope with the effects of the summer. While a reduced appetite in dogs is expected in summer, it is crucial to keep an eye out for any other symptoms and rush to your veterinarian if required.
Happy pet parenting!
Happy pet parenting!
Keywords:
Reduced Appetite In Dogs ,
Why Do Dogs Eat Less in the Summer? ,
do dogs eat less in summer ,
Reduced Appetite In Dogs , Why Do Dogs Eat Less in the Summer? , do dogs eat less in summer
Get daily pet parenting tips to your Whatsapp
thePack.in
Happier together
with dogs
Copyright Interspecies Caretech Private Limited 2023