Do dogs lose their appetite in the summer? If you notice your dog is not eating in the summer, you are not alone. That’s not necessarily the reason for panic. As temperatures rise, many dogs eat less naturally. It can definitely take your pet’s parents a surprise, especially if the puppy is usually obsessed with food.
Good news? This season of appetite slows down is often perfectly normal. It’s a way to deal with fever in your dog. After all, just like us, dogs can feel relaxed or hungry when there is a swell outside.
In this post, we break down the ways in which the reason why dogs can take off their food in the summer, the normal (and not) can help keep puppies happy and healthy throughout the hot month.
Do dogs lose their appetite in the summer?
If your dog doesn’t seem to want to eat at all, you Please contact your vet. A complete loss of appetite is not a good thing.
However, if your dog is much less frequent than normal during a few hot summer months, it’s fine as well as the dog eats. It’s a natural event.
This is why.
1. It’s too hot
Like people, Dogs are affected by summer temperatures. What do you think when it’s really hot outside? Perhaps you want to be indoors and just be cool.
The idea of going outside to do some kind of activity sounds awful. Because you can feel overheated just thinking about it. The same goes for your dog. In fact, dogs run hotter than humans, so it’s actually even worse for him.
A normal human has a temperature between 97.6 and 99.6, and a dog’s temperature Average 101-102.5 degrees. It’s a big jump from our temperature, and with the addition of a layer of fur, things tend to toast even more.
2. They are not very active
During the summer heat, many dogs want to do exactly what their owner wants to do, but that’s nothing. It’s too hot.
In fact, during these hot months you will often find your dog doesn’t even want to go outside to do his business. He often chooses to hold it for much longer than usual to avoid the heat.
I actually know that I have to force my dog to go outside to the toilet Just to maintain their schedule. If they don’t want to go to the bathroom, they certainly don’t want to go outside and play.
Unless your dog is one of the people who eat until he pops if you are forgiven him, you will realize that he is not really that interested in food.
This lack of activity and the tendency to sleep more than during the day lead to a decrease in energy requirements.
For most dogs, it means a decrease in appetite. His body adjusts his food intake to suit his calorie needs.
Dogs that don’t eat at all in the summer are not common
Dogs who don’t eat in the summer are normal. That’s not the case for dogs who don’t eat at all.
Many dogs eat less and often far less during the summer, but not eating at all is a source of concern. A complete loss of appetite is a clear indicator of the problem somewhere in your dog. It could be as simple as nausea or something much more miserable.
Some Common causes of not eating:
- Food changes
- stress
- bad teeth
- Foreign objects in the mouth
- nausea
- Blockage
- Underlying illness
- Viral infections such as distemper Parvovirus
The only way to know exactly why your dog isn’t eating is to take him to the vet.
If your dog hasn’t eaten for more than two days, take him to the vet immediately.
How to feed your dog in the summer
Dogs that don’t eat in the summer can be a disastrous scenario for owners. It’s completely natural, but you want your dog to feed something.
If he hasn’t eaten in the whole day, there are a few things that can help him try to regain his appetite.
1. Forget exercise on hot days
If there is one thing that there is no one human or dog, people who like to do it in the hot heat are running around the outside. And honestly, forcing your puppy to exercise when the temp is empty can do more harm than good. Dogs already have more naturally resting temperatures than us, and unlike us, they cannot remove layers.
Daily activities are important for dog health and mental stimulation, but summer fever calls for a change in priorities. Skipping long walks or play sessions is totally fine, especially on hot days. Instead, opt for indoor enrichment, such as puzzle toys, short training games, or even an old-fashioned abdominal friction session in your air conditioner. you Must do Go outside and try it early in the morning or after sundown, when the pavement and air cool a little.
Beware of signs of thermal fatigue
Knowing warning signs of heat exhaustion can literally save lives. Dogs can overheat fastespecially in the summer when both temperatures and humidity are high. And they can’t sweat like we do, so they rely on gasps to cool down. This means their cooling system is not that efficient.
✅ Excessive moaning and drooling – Some gasps are normal, but if it is stopped and heavy, it is a red flag.
✅ Feeling lethargy or weak – If your dog suddenly doesn’t want to move or appears confused, it’s time to act fast.
✅ Bright red or pale gums – Gum color is a great indicator of how your dog’s circulation system handles heat.
✅ Vomiting or diarrhea – These can indicate heat stress or dehydration.
✅ Rapid Heartbeat – If you snuggle, hold or hold your dog, you may notice this.
✅ Collapse or unconscious – This is a medical emergency. Don’t wait. Give your dog to the vet immediately.
If your dog appears to be overheating, immediately move to a cool, shady area. Provide water (but do not force it) and use a cool, damp cloth to help lower your body temperature. Especially on the legs, belly and armpits. Avoid ice cold water or completely submerged. Because it can shock their systems.
2. Get some cold water
If a dog’s appetite decreases when it’s hot, it’s natural that it increases when he cools down.
During a few hot summer months, you’ll probably have an AC explosion, and it’s a great start.
However, your dog runs 3-4 degrees hotter than you, so it may not be enough to completely counteract the excess heat outside.
A good way to help keep him cool is to make sure his water is wonderfully cold.
➡➡️ Try this:
Throw some ice cubes into your dog’s water bowl to keep them fresh and cold. Not only does it help regulate his internal temperature, but it also actually does have some dogs love Crunch the ice cubes like a little treat. You can also freeze low sodium soup or fruit (like blueberries) into an ice cube tray to replenish your fun, moist snack.
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Don’t forget Frequently refresh the water. A bowl that is left sitting in the heat can warm up quickly, and stagnant water is not appealing to dogs (or anyone). Clean the bowl every day to prevent bacteria buildup. Especially when adding extras such as soups and fruits.
3. Don’t feed him when he’s hot
You don’t want to sit on a big, steamy meal right after running around outside in the summer heat. And there are no dogs either. So, if he comes in from a walk or toilet break and sniffs with his food, don’t panic. He’s not loud. He’s just hot.
Outdoors, especially during the warmest part of the day, your dog’s temperature rises. He gasps violently, trying to cool him down, and the last thing in his mind is to eat. Digesting food creates internal heat, so it makes sense for him to instinctively avoid it when he is already overheating.
Instead of dropping his bowl right away, give him a chance to literally relax. He will relax him in a cool, shady (or air-conditioned) space at least an hour before serving his meal. Not only will he be more likely to eat, but he will also be comfortable while doing it.
Bonus Tips: You can also help by serving Cooler meals During the summer. Try refrigerating damp food or adding a bit of cold water or bone soup to kibble. Some dogs love “dog pocking,” made from frozen food blends and treats. This is beneficial for both hydration and nutrition.
Timing and temperature make a huge difference. Feed your dog when it’s relaxed and cool, and you’ll probably see a much better appetite.
What to give to dogs that don’t eat in the summer?
If you’ve never tried it, and it appears to boost your dog’s appetite, talk to your vet about foods that may help him to invite him to eat.
That being said, there are several food options that you can add to your dog’s food, and you’ll start eating it.
Note that I wrote “Add to dog food.” It is important to keep him in dog food throughout this process as he has all the vitamins and minerals he needs.
I’ve been prescribed it many times by the veterinarian at the veterinarian I worked for, so I’m totally confident in the foods listed below.
These foods provide the extra flavor that almost every dog loves and are easy in the digestive tract.
protein
- Grilled white meat chicken
- Bake Doreen Pork Chop
- egg
carbohydrates
- brown rice
- White potato
- Brown potato
- Sweet potato
- pumpkin
You can combine any of these ingredients into your dog’s food to help him tempt him to eat. It mixes a bit with his regular food and adds an extra kick of flavor that usually at least brings back a bit of his appetite.
As always, check with your vet first, as there are all kinds of changes in your dog’s activities and diet.
They know your dog’s history and will tell you which foods are safe to add to his diet and which are not based on his medical history.
For example, my dog suffers from liver disease, so he must take a special liver diet food with no additional extra to ensure long-term liver function.
Dogs that don’t eat in the summer? That’s fine, but be careful.
Although dogs who don’t eat to some extent in the summer are normal, it’s always important to be vigilant about his health. Don’t stress that, but take a closer look at him.
If your dog doesn’t eat in the summer becomes a dog that doesn’t eat at all, it’s important to contact your vet immediately.
But if he eats sporadically all day or every other day, it’s perfectly fine.
He’s too hot to care about food and his activity is diminishing, meaning he doesn’t need that many calories. Don’t take your eyes off, but don’t worry too much. It could be, he’s fine.
Have you dealt with a dog you don’t eat in the summer? How did you manage it? Share it below!
