Summer is finally here! This season means holidays, warmth, and swimming! So much fun ahead! I love summer!
However, our dogs sometimes suffer from the heat, and we must be very careful because heatstroke in dogs can be fatal! This week, I'm giving you some tips for managing their diet in summer and hot weather!
The summer heat affects us and can affect our dogs, particularly in terms of appetite.
Here are some tips related to nutrition to promote the well-being of your dogs during the summer and especially during heat waves.
Feeding your dog smaller meals spread out during the cooler parts of the day (early morning, late evening) will stimulate their appetite. When it's very hot, the act of digesting food alone can generate heat that's difficult for the body to dissipate. Giving several small meals can help your dog feel the heat less.
- Add a little water to your dog's food bowl. Adding 1/4 cup of water (for dogs under 20 lbs) and 1/2 cup of water (for dogs over 20 lbs) to your dog's food bowl helps keep them hydrated, which is so important during a heat wave.
- Avoid all strenuous outdoor exercise, especially one hour before and after meals. Favour outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler.
If your dog is less active due to the heat, they may need less food to meet its nutritional needs and may feel less hungry. If you notice your dog has a reduced appetite, decrease its food portions by 10-20% during warmer periods. Monitor their weight and adjust the amount as needed throughout the summer.
- Offer frozen food in toys like Toppl (see our website for more information). This will keep your dog occupied and refreshed at the same time.
Obviously, never leave a dog in a car, even with the windows open, when it’s hot, and avoid walking your dog on asphalt in hot temperatures as this can cause serious burns to your dog's paw pads.
Swimming, even in a children's paddling pool, helps lower a dog's body temperature and keep it cooler. Using a cooling vest or simply placing a damp towel on your dog for 30 minutes a few times a day can greatly help them get through the hottest periods!
Have a great summer!
Karine Simard, agronomist, M.Sc.
Expert consultant in canine nutrition
