Veterinarian shares the “key” sign that something is wrong with your dog in heat

A heat health alert has been issued for parts of the UK as we prepare for a sizzling summer weekend. It’s not just us humans who need to be prepared for rising mercury; so are our dogs. Just like their human companions, dogs can feel the impact of heat on their appetite, hydration requirements and general well-being with their fur giving them an extra layer of warmth to deal with.

Sean McCormack, Chief Veterinarian, along with behaviorist and dog trainer Carolyn Menteith of Tails.com, have come together to offer essential tips to ensure your pup stays healthy as the temperatures rise. If your dog leaves his food untouched, it could be a sign that he is not handling the heat well.

Carolyn said: “Like us, if a dog doesn’t like their current diet, the most obvious symptom is that they won’t eat it. bowl Carolyn also notes that dogs may start looking at human food more than usual, indicating that they are after something more appealing than their usual meals.

She points out that during the summer, dogs can leave their meals unfinished, especially if they are only fed once a day, the Mirror reports.

This reluctance is often due to the fact that, like people, a large meal can be unappealing when it’s already hot and uncomfortable outside. Despite this, dogs still need proper nutrition, Carolyn said: “Often, like us, a big, heavy meal when we’re already feeling warm and a little uncomfortable just isn’t appealing. However, they have the same nutritional needs, so little and often in the summer is often the best feeding mantra – both for our dogs and for us.”

Sean offered some tips on how to keep your dog happy and well-fed during these blistering temperatures. His first tip is to make sure they stay hydrated by placing several water bowls around your home that are filled frequently and only taking your dog for walks in the early morning or late evening.

When it comes to changing your pet’s diet, he suggests feeding in a cooler place, switching to wet food or adding broth to dry food. He said: “Switching to wet food or adding water/broth to dry food can increase your dog’s water intake, helping them to stay hydrated.

“Wet food or frozen food can also help lower the dog’s body temperature and relieve the heat. You can easily make frozen meals at home using dog-safe ingredients like yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. Freeze them in ice cube trays for easy, refreshing snacks.

“If you’re going to incorporate different foods and ingredients into their diet, do it gradually over a period of time so as not to upset their stomach. Mix new ingredients with old foods and gradually increase the proportions as time goes on. “