You’ve probably noticed that warm weather affects your pet’s mood. Perhaps they laze around more, or maybe they love splashing about in the ocean on trips to the beach. But what about mealtimes? Do dogs eat less in summer? Why does the temperature affect their appetite? And is it anything to be worried about? We’re answering all these questions in today’s post. Plus, we’ve got practical advice on how to make sure your pooch gets the nutrients they require during hot seasons. The summer doesn’t have to be ruff for our furry friends!
Is it normal for dogs to eat less in summer?
We want to start by putting your mind at ease. Yes, just like us humans, it’s completely natural and very common for dogs to eat less in warm weather. Research shows our canine companions tend to have a higher calorie intake when it’s cold, and lower when it’s hot.(1) In fact, you can expect your pet to consume roughly 10-15% fewer calories when temperatures are high. And if your pooch is healthy and doesn't have any other symptoms, it should be nothing to worry about. So don’t panic if your mutt starts leaving grub in their bowl when the mercury rises.
Of course, not all pups experience a decrease in appetite during the summer. Our pets are individuals, and the heat will affect some more than others. For example, short-nosed breeds normally have a lower tolerance for high temperatures.(2) That’s because it’s harder for them to cool down effectively via panting. Likewise, large dog breeds, overweight pooches, and those with thicker fur and double coats are all more prone to overheating. Senior mutts and puppies can also find it more difficult to regulate their body temperature. Plus, some animals are just naturally fussy eaters, and it doesn’t take much to put them off their dinner!
So, having a decreased appetite in warm weather is common for our furry friends. But what’s the reason for this? Why do dogs eat less in the summer?
Why hot weather affects your dog’s appetite
Not only do dogs eat less when it’s hot, but there are several reasons why. Perhaps most obviously, our pets often feel lethargic in the warmth and spend more time lying around. One study found that 81.7% of owners thought their dog exercised for a shorter duration during hot weather. Along similar lines, 87% said their pooch exercised less vigorously in the heat.(3) This may be partly to avoid the risk of overheating. Because our pups are not as active in the summer, they’re burning fewer calories – meaning they require less food. Conversely, animals expend more calories in cold weather because it takes more energy to maintain their body temperature.
Do dogs eat less in summer purely because of the heat? Not necessarily. The extra hours of sunlight may also play a role. Increased daylight and warmer weather both cause hormonal changes in our pets, slowing their digestion and metabolism. This can result in them feeling fuller for longer, reducing their desire to eat. Lethargy and the general discomfort of being hot often exacerbates this lack of appetite, further decreasing food intake.
Another reason your pooch might eat less in warm seasons is because heat negatively affects their sense of smell.(4) This is partly because they can’t pant and sniff at the same time. Reduced smell sensitivity may make food less tempting to your dog. What's more, grub is more likely to spoil in hot weather, lowering its appeal even further.
That covers the main reasons why the answer to ‘do dogs eat less in summer?’ is yes. So how can we make sure our beloved pets get the nutrients they need when it’s hot?
How to encourage eating and ensure your pup gets sufficient nutrition in hot weather
It’s normally nothing to worry about if your pooch consumes a little less food during periods of warm weather. However, it’s important that they still get all the nutrients they require to be happy and healthy. Here are some top tips to encourage your mutt to tuck into their meals during the summer.
Adjust meal timing and environment
Why do dogs eat less in summer? It’s primarily because of the heat. As such, it’s best to avoid feeding them at the hottest time of day, as they’re unlikely to have much of an appetite then. Instead, dish up their meals in the early morning and late evening, when temperatures are cooler. If your pooch doesn't normally eat at those times, you might need to make the change gradually.
You should also ensure your pup’s mealtimes aren’t too close to walkies or playtime. One reason for this is eating too soon before or after exercise raises the risk of digestive issues like bloat. Thinking specifically about hot weather, your dog will be warmer after exercising and therefore less likely to have an appetite.
Moving on to environment, try to find a cool and comfortable area for your pup to eat in. This will normally be inside or in a shady and breezy spot outside, depending on where you live. Either way, it should be out of direct sunlight. Most mutts also like to dine in a quiet place, away from distractions and other people or animals.
Finally, always provide cold, fresh water for your dog to drink – ideally several bowls around the house and garden. This enables them to stay hydrated, which is crucial for their health.
Offer lighter, more hydrating foods
What would you rather eat on a boiling hot summer’s day – a refreshing salad or a hearty roast dinner? Most of us would pick the salad, and chances are your pup would make an equivalent choice. The good news is that there are plenty of foods you can offer your pooch that are light and hydrating. Do dogs eat less in summer? Maybe it depends on what you dish up for them!
For instance, your mutt might enjoy chunks of watermelon (without seeds), peeled cucumber, pineapple, or strawberries (without stalks). Other fantastic options to cool them down include frozen bananas, blueberries, yoghurt, or even special ice cream for dogs. If these ingredients are new to your pet, start off with small quantities to check how they react. And always serve them in moderation.
Another tactic is giving your pooch smaller meals more frequently, to see if that suits their summer eating preferences. Alternatively, just dish up their dinner when they show you they’re hungry. Assuming your dog is otherwise healthy, missing the occasional meal shouldn’t do them any harm.
You might also try mixing up wet food and kibble, as heat could affect the type of grub they want. Remember that if your pooch is only eating biscuits, it’s especially important that they drink enough water. Soaking kibble is one way to add moisture to dry food, but not all dogs enjoy soft biscuits.
Make food more palatable
As well as offering different types of food, you can try making your pup’s normal food more appealing to them. For example, some people find warming up their dog’s meals increases their appetite because it makes the grub smell more tempting. However, for obvious reasons, this trick might not work as effectively in hot weather.
An alternative option is to add appetising toppings to your pooch’s bowl to encourage them to tuck in. That could be unseasoned pieces of boiled egg, vegetables like carrots and broccoli, or cooked beans. Do dogs eat less in summer? Yes. Do they still need sufficient nutrients to stay healthy? Also yes. So, choosing functional foods that are high in vitamins and minerals can be especially beneficial. At Boosie, we offer a range of ingredients that we’ve specifically chosen to support pet wellbeing. These include omega-7-rich sea buckthorn oil for healthy skin, eyes, and fur, and inulin-rich Jerusalem artichoke for gut health.
Whatever tactics you use, it’s important not to try and force your dog to eat. This will only cause them stress, and could even result in injury or gastrointestinal problems. Always allow your pooch to tuck in at their own pace. If you have any concerns about the amount they’re eating, take them to the vet.
Ensure your dog is hydrated
Not only do dogs eat less in summer, but if they’re not consuming as much wet food, they might also take in less water. That’s important because pooches lose water through panting – which they do when they’re hot – raising the risk of dehydration. Dehydration can lessen appetite and cause serious problems, including preventing your mutt from being able to regulate their body temperature. And if dogs can’t cool themselves down, they’re at risk of heatstroke.
This is why leaving out multiple bowls of fresh, clean, cool water for your pet in summer is vital. You could also make drinking water more appealing to your dog by adding ice cubes. Other pups enjoy munching on frozen treats or slurping low-sodium broths. Praising your pooch when they hydrate can help to encourage the behaviour too. Hydrated animals have more of an appetite and feel better in general, so this tip is key.
When to be concerned if your dog eats less in the summer
We’ve established that the answer to ‘do dogs eat less when it’s hot?’ is yes, plus explained the reasons why. Does that mean you should never worry if your pup goes off their food in summer? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. A lack of appetite can be an indicator of more serious problems, including dehydration, heatstroke, and other illnesses.
If your pet doesn’t eat anything for 24 hours, it’s best to take them to the vet for a checkup. Likewise, if they experience other symptoms like weight loss, diarrhoea, vomiting, or extreme lethargy, book an appointment immediately. Monitor your dog’s body condition throughout periods of hot weather, and contact a professional if you have any concerns.
Do dogs eat less in summer? Final thoughts
It’s common for dogs to eat less in summer because they’re burning fewer calories and have a reduced appetite. This behaviour is totally normal, and rarely a cause for concern. However, if your pup doesn’t eat for 24 hours or shows warning signs of illness, take them to the vet. You can encourage your pooch to tuck in by offering frozen treats and feeding them at cooler times of day. And, ensuring they always have access to fresh, cold water will help prevent dehydration and heatstroke. You could also consider adding functional foods to their meals to boost their nutritional intake whatever the weather.
Summer feeding FAQs
Should I change my dog’s diet during summer?
If your pet eats less during hot weather, you might want to reduce the amount you feed them by 10%. You can also alter their schedule so they’re eating in the early morning and late evening, when temperatures are cooler. Adding cold treats like frozen fruit and special ice cream for dogs to their diet could help too. In addition, it’s important to make sure they always have access to fresh, cool water to prevent dehydration.
Can heat cause long-term eating problems in dogs?
No, although hot weather can reduce your dog’s appetite in the short-term, it’s unlikely to cause any long-term eating problems. However, if your pup’s eating habits don’t return to normal when the weather turns mild, consult a vet. Heatstroke can result in long-term health problems in animals, so always keep your pup cool when the weather’s hot.
What if my dog only eats at night in summer?
Not only do dogs eat less in summer, but they may eat less frequently. If your dog only eats at night in the summer, it might be because the temperature is cooler then. Provided they’re still getting sufficient calories and nutrients, this isn’t necessarily a problem. In fact, a study found that dogs who ate once daily had better health than those who ate more frequently.(5) However, research in this field is limited and most vets recommend feeding your pup 2-3 times a day. If you’re unsure, speak to a vet about this issue.
