Summer Heat: What to Do If Your Dog Isn't Eating

Indeed, there are numerous reasons for a dog's lack of appetite, extending beyond illness. These can include a longterm diet of a single type of food, or food that has expired and become spoiled; environmental and climatic changes; emotional fluctuations caused by heat cycles or the introduction of a new pet into the home; and even the dog's mood being affected by its owner's scolding or negative demeanor.

Should a dog not eat for more than 24 hours, it's crucial to take notice and seek veterinary care promptly to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions. With the weather growing increasingly hot, it's not just humans whose appetites may suffer; dogs, with their fur and lack of sweat glands, are particularly vulnerable.

Here are some tips to help keep your furry friend cool and comfortable during the summer heat:

1. Bathing: While it's a great way to cool down, bathing your dog too frequently is not advisable. In the summer, you can increase the frequency of baths, but don't need to wash them thoroughly each time. Just wet your dog's coat with clean water, then dry and blowdry it. Use a shampoo once every two weeks for a thorough cleaning.

2. Air Conditioning and Fans: This is a tactic used by almost every pet owner and is highly effective. During the peak of summer, it's hard for anyone to resist turning on the air conditioning. After all, why would you want your beloved pet to suffer in the heat? However, be aware that pets, like humans, can also suffer from air conditioningrelated illnesses. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Especially during hot midday hours, abruptly moving pets from outside to an airconditioned home or vice versa can trigger these issues. Nature is the best environment for animals, and they have an innate ability to regulate their temperature. While it's okay to let pets enjoy a bit of air conditioning during extreme heat, be cautious not to set the temperature too low.

3. Summer is a challenging time for dogs, especially those with long fur. High temperatures and humidity can lead to heatstroke, and it's also a season when skin diseases are prevalent. Unlike humans, who have sweat glands all over their bodies, dogs have sweat glands primarily on their paws. They usually cool down by panting and sweating around their tongues and chests, which can lead to eczema. It's generally not recommended to shave a dog's entire body unless there is a severe skin condition. Dogs have a different skin structure and protective layer than humans, and shaving can leave their skin exposed, making them more susceptible to intertrigo, fleas, and mites. It can also be detrimental to their mental wellbeing.

Tip: For more information on what to do if your dog isn't eating, check out our article "What to Do If Your Dog Isn't Eating."