When temperatures rise, you may notice your dog leaving a little food in the bowl, while your cat seems less enthusiastic at mealtime.
And that’s usually when the familiar thought begins:
“Maybe they don’t like their food anymore?”
In reality, it is quite common for both dogs and cats to eat less during the warmer months of the year. Changes in temperature affect their bodies, activity levels, and ultimately their appetite.
Why does appetite decrease in summer?
Pets, like humans, need to maintain a stable body temperature. When it is hot, their bodies use more energy to stay cool. This can lead to:
- reduced appetite
- less interest in activity
- more hours of rest during the day
In simple terms, when the body is trying to cope with heat, the need for food often decreases naturally.
Reduced activity also affects their needs
During very hot days, most pets move less. Walks become shorter, playtime is reduced, and rest periods increase, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Since they burn less energy, it is logical that their need for food also decreases. And suddenly, the pet that used to wait in front of the bowl a few minutes earlier now looks at you as if you offered them… a salad.
Why dogs struggle more with heat
Dogs are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, as they do not sweat like humans do. To regulate their body temperature, they:
- pant more
- drink more water
- seek cool places in the house
This mechanism can temporarily affect their appetite, especially when the heat is intense or when their daily routine changes. For example, if walks are moved to hotter hours of the day, many dogs may feel more tired and less interested in food.
Cats are affected too
Cats usually handle heat differently, but they can also become less active during summer. They often seek cooler spots indoors and spend more time lying down. This reduction in activity can also lead to a decreased appetite. In addition, prolonged sun exposure or increased indoor temperatures can affect their comfort and mood.
How you can help your pet
Some useful tips:
- always provide fresh, cool, clean water
- place food bowls in a shaded, cool area
- offer smaller and more frequent meals
- adjust walks to cooler times of the day
- increase hydration through diet
Foods such as the Welly range by Tanko for dogs and cats, with easily digestible ingredients and a balanced composition, can also help support your pet’s overall wellbeing, even when their appetite is reduced.
When reduced appetite needs attention
A slight decrease in appetite during hot days is usually normal. However, you should contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- complete refusal of food
- severe weakness or lethargy
- vomiting or diarrhea
- reduced water intake
- excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Dehydration and heat stress can develop quickly, especially during the summer months.
Summer requires small adjustments
Heat affects each pet differently. Some maintain their normal appetite and energy levels, while others need more rest and small changes in their routine. By observing your dog’s or cat’s needs and maintaining consistent care and proper hydration, you can help them get through summer comfortably, healthily, and a little cooler.
