Simple feeding change that could help dogs cope better in hot weather

As temperatures rise, dogs often eat less or prefer to eat during cooler parts of the day, but Dr Sean McCormack, Head Vet at dog food subscription brand Tails.com, explains how small adjustments to feeding routines can help maintain wellbeing through the summer months.

1. Expect appetite changes in hot weather: Many dogs will naturally eat less in hot weather, especially during the middle of the day when temperatures peak. However, this is a normal response, as digestion generates heat and dogs instinctively reduce intake to help regulate body temperature.

In most cases, this is a short-term shift in appetite rather than a cause of concern, so adjusting feeding times to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, often improves intake more than changing food itself. Offering smaller portions more frequently can also help encourage dogs to eat when their appetite is reduced, while avoiding leaving food sitting out in the heat for long periods.

2. Lower appetite may reflect reduced energy needs: A reduced appetite in summer is often simply a reflection of how a dog’s energy needs change when activity levels drop in hotter weather.

When dogs are exercising less and spending more time resting in cooler spots, their calorie requirements naturally adjust, which can lead to smaller or less frequent meals.

What matters most is not reacting to every missed meal in isolation, but instead understanding how the dog is behaving overall across several days and whether their general well-being is consistent.

3. Prioritise hydration in warmer weather: Dogs lose more fluid in warm weather simply through panting, which is how they regulate their body temperature.

This means hydration becomes more important during summer months, especially after walks, play or any form of physical activity.

Fresh water must always be available, and owners may also find that some dogs benefit from additional moisture in their diet if they are naturally eating less than usual. Dog-safe, water-rich foods such as cucumber or seedless watermelon can be offered as an occasional treat, or owners can add a little water to their dog’s usual food to help increase moisture intake.

It’s really important to ensure consistent fluid intake as this supports temperature regulation and helps reduce the risk of heat-related strain during warmer periods.”

4. Adjust feeding times around exercise: Meal timing is another factor that becomes especially important during the warmer months because both digestion and exercise place additional demands on the body.

Feeding too close to physical activity in hot conditions can make some dogs uncomfortable and may also reduce their willingness to eat properly.

For that reason, dogs generally cope better when they are fed either well before exercise or after they have fully cooled down later in the day when temperatures are lower.

It’s generally recommended not to exercise our dogs until at least two hours after a meal, especially large, deep-chested breeds that can be prone to stomach twists and bloat.

5. Monitor appetite changes over time: Short-term changes in appetite are very common in warmer weather, but it becomes more important to monitor things closely if those changes continue over a longer period.

If reduced eating is accompanied by changes such as lethargy, weight loss or altered behaviour, then it should not automatically be attributed to the heat alone.

Because dogs are unable to communicate discomfort directly, it is the pattern of behaviour over time that provides the most reliable indicator of whether something is normal or needs attention.

In cases where appetite changes persist beyond a few days or begin to worsen, it is always sensible to consider veterinary advice rather than assuming it is purely seasonal.