Pet expert reveals the REAL reason your dog has stopped eating this summer - and it's not always due to the heat

Daily Mail​

a day ago

As the UK braces itself for yet another heatwave, it's not just humans who are bearing the brunt of the uncomfortable weather conditions - the scorching sun can also affect animals.
But beyond changing weather conditions, there are a number of changes that can have an impact on your dog's gut during the summer months. From travel stress to eating tempting table scraps, even the most minute changes can wreak havoc.
Fatima Maktari, pet nutrition expert and founder of Tribal Pet Foods, has revealed five hidden reasons behind why your pooch might be turning their nose up at their dinner - and what can improve their appetite.
1. Summer slows your dog's digestion
When the temperature rises, a dog's routine can change. They may be less active, drink less water, and spend more time resting, and all of this can make their stomach work more slowly.
That hearty dry food they would usually gobble down in winter can be tougher on a canine's stomach during the summer.
According to Fatima, warmer weather can make certain foods feel heavy and uncomfortable, leaving pooches reluctant to eat.
Additionally, typical brands of kibble can be susceptible themselves to changing weather conditions, and can lose freshness if not stored correctly. Dogs have incredibly sensitive noses and can pick up on the slightest change in freshness – which may put them off eating.
Fatima suggested offering lower-fat, easier‑to‑digest meals and make sure fresh water is always on hand.
2. They might be lovesick
If you ever go away on holiday and the pet sitter says there were constantly pining for you or they had a touch of diarrhoea, it is not a coincidence.
Because dogs form deep emotional bonds with their family, when there is sudden change, like the family going away on holiday for a week or one of the children goes to summer camp, pups can experience serious emotional turmoil.
Much like humans, a dog's feelings and digestions are closely linked and when these emotions are sent into overdrive, pups can be more reluctant to eat.
They can also find themselves being more fussy with meals, eating slower, refusing food or even going to the toilet in the house.
Fatima suggested leaving familiar bedding, toys, or an unwashed item of clothing with your scent to comfort them if you're away. Pheromone diffusers which work like air fresheners that plug into a socket releasing calming pheromones over time can also help.
3. Be mindful of their regular diet
In the warmer weather, high-fat, greasy or overly processed foods are harder to digest and can leave your dog feeling uncomfortable so should be avoided. The gut will work overtime to try and break it down and cause a sluggish system, which can lead to them potentially rejecting their next meal.
Fatima advised offering foods with fresh meat rather than heavily processed pet foods, and those that are gently cooked at lower temperatures - such as cold-pressed diets.
These are easier to digest so softer on the stomach and keep more of the nutrients. She said owners could also add ingredients like sweet potato, inulin which acts as a pre-biotic and carminative herbs (such as chamomile, coriander and thyme) which can relax the gut muscles and promote smoother digestion.
4. Upheaval in routine
Dogs are creatures of habit, but summer often throws their sacred routine out the window. New environments, noisy car journeys, trips to the local pub, longer walks, new walks, a different feeding schedule can all lead to gut disruption.
It is very common for dogs to refuse their food after they travel as even the slightest of changes can disrupt their internal stress response. This inevitably impacts their gut, which is where many dogs show emotional or physical discomfort first.
To reduce the chances of this happening, Fatima encouraged owners to keep feeding times and bowl location the same when possible, even while on holiday.
5. Treat intake increases when owners become more social
Be it leftover half of a burger, a handful of crisps or extra treats from visiting guests, extra food intake can add up and lead to digestive upset.
With summer in full swing, many pet owners will find themselves indulging in more social events and entertaining guests.
Be it a leftover half burger, a handful of crisps, or extra treats from visiting guests, extra food intake can add up and lead to digestive upset.
Especially when the weather is warmer, even tiny amounts of high-fat, salty or unfamiliar processed scraps can irritate the gut - particularly when your dog is already dealing with heat, travel, or a disrupted routine.
If they already have a rich diet, little extras can lead to bloating, diarrhoea, and a lack of interest in their next meal.
Fatima Maktari's four golden rules for summer feeding
1. Serve food at room temperature - not fridge-cold: Let meals sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving, just be mindful not to leave it sitting for longer than 45 minutes because of the heat - if they don't eat all within this time period - disregard and wash their bowl.
2. Protect their routine, even on holiday: Try to keep feeding times, portion sizes, and environment consistent or calm - especially while travelling. Routine helps keep everything as their guts don't respond well to change.
3. Hydration is essential, and it doesn't just start in their water bowls: Ensure that your dog always has access to water, even on walks, and try to always use your own.
Even dog designated water at establishments when out and about can sometimes be contaminated with bacteria which can cause an upset stomach. These simple shifts can prevent fussiness and keep your dog comfortable all summer and agile to their environments.
If a companion animal has stopped eating, this can be a cause for concern, and pet owners should seek veterinarian advice.