July 4, 2025, 2:55 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Summer, Sun, Heat: As temperatures rise, not only do many people’s eating habits change, but so do those of many dogs. Their appetite decreases, a situation that worries many pet owners. But is there really cause for concern? PETBOOK consulted two experts.
When temperatures rise, it’s not just our own appetite that changes–dogs also react to the heat and often eat less in the summer than usual. This phenomenon worries many owners, but in most cases, it is completely normal. “Dogs are extremely adaptable and regulate their energy needs based on their activity level and ambient temperature,” explains veterinarian Dr. Marco Antonio Fragoso in response to a PETBOOK inquiry.
In Extreme Heat, Many Dogs Lose Their Appetite
In extreme heat, their metabolism slows down–they move less, rest more often, and consequently need fewer calories. The result: interest in food decreases, and many dogs eat less in the summer. “I think it’s important that we don’t immediately see this as a problem–in most cases, it’s a completely normal adjustment,” explains dog expert Katharina Marioth. “Many dogs cleverly regulate this themselves and automatically eat smaller portions or less frequently.”
Besides the reduced energy needs, well-being also plays a role. Like us, many dogs find high temperatures burdensome–especially short-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs–or dogs with thick fur. The body conserves energy to cool down better and focuses on fluid regulation rather than digestion.
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Adjusting Feeding Can Help in the Summer
Feeding itself can be unpleasant for the dog in the midday heat: food smells more intense, spoils faster, and additionally burdens the circulatory system. But how should owners best react? First of all, as long as the dog drinks enough, seems lively, and shows no signs of illness, a reduced appetite in the heat is usually unproblematic.
“Especially in the summer, it can help to adjust feeding a little,” explains dog trainer Katharina Marioth. “Many dogs prefer food that is slightly chilled–not ice-cold, but fresh from the fridge can be quite pleasant.” Wet food or moistened dry food is often more readily accepted because it is easier to eat and provides some liquid. “Also, several small meals throughout the day are often better tolerated than one large portion. It’s always important not to leave the food in direct sunlight–for hygiene reasons,” Marioth explains.
How Owners Can Support Their Dogs’ Hydration
There are other ways to gently support a dog’s eating behavior. It is particularly helpful to move feeding times to the cooler morning or evening hours. Then the dog is more active and receptive. Owners of dogs that drink little can help stabilize their pet’s water balance by paying more attention to the choice of food form and offering more wet food. However, it is important to always offer wet food fresh and quickly remove leftovers in the heat.
Those who feed dry food should ensure increased water intake or occasionally enrich the food with water. Water-rich snacks like cucumber or melon (without seeds) can further increase fluid intake. “It’s very important to offer fresh water everywhere–even outside in the garden or on walks,” warns Marioth.
Owners Can Encourage Drinking Playfully
“Many dogs prefer to drink from several small bowls or a drinking fountain because the water is fresh and moving.” Drinking can also be encouraged playfully, for example, with ice cubes (without additives) or slightly chilled meat broth mixed into the water, the expert notes.
“As with drinking, everything in moderation. Too much water at once can be problematic, especially for greedy drinkers or when playing with the garden hose, and in extreme cases, even lead to water intoxication–so always observe carefully and offer in measured amounts.”
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In These Cases, You Should Quickly See a Veterinarian
In summary, eating less in the summer or during heat is usually a natural adaptation mechanism for dogs. “It becomes concerning if the dog really eats very little for several days (about 2-3 days), loses a lot of weight, appears lethargic, or other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea occur,” summarizes Katharina Marioth. “Then you should definitely have it checked by a veterinarian to see if there’s more behind it.”
Very young, old, or already weakened dogs are particularly sensitive–therefore, owners of such dogs should be especially attentive. But with a little sensitivity to feeding times, suitable food forms, and sufficient fluid intake, owners can optimally support their dog through the summer.