As spring turns into summer, nature awakens in full glory – and the same happens in many dogs’ everyday lives. The days grow longer, time outdoors increases, and many dogs become more active and energetic. At the same time, the dog’s nutritional needs also change. As the weather gets warmer, the coat changes, and the amount of exercise increases, the dog’s body goes through changes that can be supported through feeding. In summer, energy and electrolyte requirements may rise significantly, especially in working and sporting dogs. Properly adjusted feeding during the spring–summer season usually does not require major changes, but rather small and carefully considered adjustments. The goal is to support the dog’s well-being, stamina, and recovery throughout the warm season.
More movement, more energy?
For many dogs, summer brings longer walks, more time outside, forest outings, and even swimming in lakes. Many dogs get to move more freely and more often – and especially for working and sporting dogs (such as agility dogs, hunting dogs, and pulling dogs), energy expenditure may increase by as much as 20–40% compared with resting levels.
What does this mean in feeding?
Monitor the dog’s weight, muscle condition, and general alertness. If the ribs begin to disappear from feel or sight, or if the dog seems more tired than before, it may be time to increase the amount of food or switch to a slightly higher-fat diet.
Heat and panting – invisible fluid loss
Dogs do not sweat like humans do – they cool their bodies by panting, and in the process they lose a considerable amount of fluids and electrolytes: especially sodium, potassium, and in smaller amounts magnesium and calcium. An active dog may lose as much as 1.5–2 liters of fluid per day.
Always provide fresh water, and consider electrolyte and recovery drink products especially during hot weather or after strenuous exercise. Moist food, such as wet food or a homemade soup/broth, can also support hydration.
The coat is renewing – the skin needs support
Coat shedding is a metabolic effort for the dog’s body, during which it builds new hair to replace the old coat. This process uses especially proteins, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
Nutritional support for shedding season:
Fish or vegetable oils may support the skin and help relieve itching.
A zinc supplement (10–20 mg/day for a medium-sized dog) helps support coat renewal.
Biotin and vitamin E support skin renewal.
Treats, barbecue food, and everything in between
Summer is a season of indulgence for people – but often also for dogs. Training sausages, barbecue leftovers, and “just a little ham” from the terrace can accumulate surprisingly quickly in the dog’s daily calorie intake. In addition, many dogs find their own “treasures” in nature, such as berries, grass, or even animal feces.
Why monitor the amount of treats? Extra calories can lead to weight gain.
In addition, fatty foods can increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Special considerations for risk groups
Senior dogs, dogs with heart disease, and brachycephalic breeds (for example pugs and bulldogs) tolerate heat more poorly. In these dogs, feeding and daily rhythm require fine-tuning:
Please note:
Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest hours of the day
Choose easily digestible, protein-rich food
Offer meals during the cooler parts of the day
In senior dogs, fluid balance also becomes more easily compromised, so water and lightly salted food may help during the summer months.
Sources:
Bauer, J. E. (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239(11), 1441–1451. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.239.11.1441
Fascetti, A. J., & Delaney, S. J. (2012). Applied veterinary clinical nutrition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Freeman, L. M., & Chandler, M. L. (2012). Canine and feline nutrition: Nutritional assessment and management of dogs and cats with chronic disease. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 42(4), 769–790.
Hand, M. S., Thatcher, C. D., Remillard, R. L., Roudebush, P., & Novotny, B. J. (2010). Small animal clinical nutrition (5th ed.). Mark Morris Institute.
Hinchcliff, K. W., Geor, R. J., & Kaneps, A. J. (2008). Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery (2nd ed.). Saunders Elsevier.
NRC (National Research Council). (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668
