Sizzling Summer Heat & Its Impact on Your Pet’s Appetite

In this post, we will explore the reasons behind appetite changes in dogs during hot weather and provide tips to help maintain their nutritional needs during the summer season.

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As the temperature rises during the summer months, it’s not just us humans who feel the effects of the heat. Changing weather also impacts dogs, and they may experience fluctuations in their appetite. Understanding how heat and summer can affect your dog’s appetite is essential to support their overall health and well-being.

The heat can result in your pup having a decreased appetite for several reasons:

a) Discomfort: Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting. In hot weather, excessive panting and higher body temperature can lead to discomfort and reduced interest in food.

b) Dehydration: Increased temperatures can cause dogs to become dehydrated, reducing their appetite. It’s critically important to ensure your dog has access to fresh water from a clean and sanitary source at all times, and that you encourage them to drink regularly.

Tip: Try adding some water to your dog’s TLC at mealtime. Not only will this help keep them hydrated, but it brings out the natural flavors in the food!

c) Increased Daylight: Longer and hotter days can impact your pet’s metabolism and can slow down how quickly they digest their food. As long as your pet continues to demonstrate a healthy activity level, and there are no accompanying symptoms, it’s not unusual to see changes in the amount of food they eat during summer mealtimes.

d) Food Spoilage: Heat can accelerate food spoilage when it’s not stored properly. We recommend storing your pet’s TLC in a cool, dry environment.

Maintaining Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs During the Summer:

a) Hydration is Key: Provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your dog throughout the day.

b) Choose the Right Time: Schedule feeding times during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, making mealtime more comfortable for your dog.

c) Opt for Lighter Meals: Offer lighter, easily digestible meals during the summer months. Try feeding less food more frequently.

d) Monitor Weight and Adjust Portions: Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly. If their appetite and weight decrease significantly, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

e) Quality Food: Feed a complete and balanced diet, like TLC Pet Food, that will provide your pet with all of the nutrients they need to live a happy, healthy life all year ’round!