The Hidden Dangers of Heat: How to Protect your Dog

Claire Lucie Sonck
Jul 25
4 min read

Updated: Sep 25

The Hidden Dangers of Heat: How to Keep Your Dog Cool, Hydrated, and Healthy in Hot Weather

As temperatures rise, our dogs face more than a simple discomfort, they face real health risks.

From heat exhaustion to dehydration, summer weather can put significant stress on your dog’s body, especially if they’re small, senior, flat-faced, or chronically ill.

But there’s good news: by understanding how heat affects your dog’s appetite, hydration, digestion, and overall wellbeing, and supporting them with the right foods and fresh filtered water, you can dramatically improve their comfort, resilience, and recovery.

Let’s break it down:

✔ Why dogs lose their appetite in the heat (and when it’s normal)

✔ How dehydration harms the gut and internal organs—especially the kidneys

✔ Why filtered, mineral-rich water is essential during hot months

✔ Cooling, hydrating whole foods that support your dog naturally

✔ Science-backed strategies to prevent overheating and heat stroke

Let’s dive in.

Appetite Loss in the Heat: A Natural Response With Hidden Risks

It’s common for dogs to eat less in hot weather—and in most cases, it’s perfectly normal.

Studies show that ambient temperature can suppress appetite by altering hormone levels like leptin and ghrelin (Wang et al., 2019).

This change in appetite is the body’s natural way of preventing internal heat production from digestion, a process that can increase core temperature (known as postprandial thermogenesis).

But here’s the danger: Reduced appetite in summer often leads to reduced nutrient intake. If your dog already has a chronic condition—or if their meals are low in moisture or highly processed—this can quickly spiral into dehydration, fatigue, and digestive issues.

Quick fix: Offer lighter, smaller meals rich in moisture, fiber, and cooling plant foods. Digestibility and palatability are key.

Dehydration Is More Than Just Thirst—It Damages the Gut, Kidneys, and Immune System

Water is life—and for dogs, hydration becomes even more critical during summer.

Even mild dehydration can:

Disrupt gut motility and microbiome balance
Reduce the mucosal barrier protecting the intestines
Concentrate toxins in the blood
Stress the kidneys and liver
Impair thermoregulation (Klein et al., 2010; Hall et al., 2020)

Dehydration can also trigger or worsen heat stroke, which has a mortality rate as high as 50% in dogs once severe symptoms occur (Bruchim et al., 2006).

Filtered water makes a difference. Tap water often contains chlorine, nitrates, and contaminants that alter gut flora and may increase long-term health risks. Filtering your dog’s water—ideally through carbon or reverse osmosis—and ensuring access throughout the day is one of the most important summer health practices to protect your dog's health and wellbeing.

The Best Cooling Foods for Summer: Whole Plant-Based Options Backed by Science

Certain foods have natural cooling, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory effects—making them ideal for summer support.

Here are some science-backed foods to include:

🥒 Cucumber, Zucchini & Celery

High in water content (~95%)
Rich in silica and electrolytes to support hydration
Natural cooling properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Shown to support kidney and urinary health (Zhou et al., 2021)

🫐 Blueberries & Watermelon (seedless)

Packed with polyphenols and antioxidants
Reduce oxidative stress from heat exposure
Naturally sweet, enticing for dogs with low appetite
Support brain and cardiovascular function (Krikorian et al., 2012)

🌿 Mint, Parsley & Basil

Cooling herbs with carminative (gut-soothing) effects
Mint improves digestive comfort and palatability
Parsley is a gentle diuretic that supports detoxification

🍠 Pumpkin & Cooked Sweet Potato (in moderation)

Rich in soluble fiber to support gut integrity
Help regulate stools, especially during stress
High in beta-carotene for immune resilience

⚠️ Avoid feeding ice-cold foods directly from the fridge, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach, as it can create a shock within your dog's body—room temperature is ideal.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool (Beyond Food)

Walk early morning or late evening when pavement is cool
Never leave your dog in a car—even with windows cracked
Use cooling mats, fans, and shaded areas indoors and out
Brush excess undercoat to prevent heat trapping
Offer food in cooler parts of the day to support appetite
Add filtered water to meals, broths, or smoothie blends

Science-Backed Hydration Boosters

You can naturally boost hydration with gentle, gut-friendly additions like:

Coconut water (unsweetened): High in electrolytes, but use in small amounts
Chia or flaxseed gel: Hydrophilic seeds that hold water and soothe the gut
Herbal infusions (cooled): Chamomile or nettle tea can calm digestion and support detox
Homemade dog-safe broths: From simmered carrots, celery, parsley, and a pinch of seaweed

Heat Stress Is Real—But You Can Protect Your Dog

Summer doesn’t have to be dangerous. By understanding how heat affects your dog’s body—and taking simple, evidence-based steps to protect them—you can help them feel better, digest better, and stay safer all season long.

In my practice, I’ve seen dogs regain energy, appetite, and comfort just by adjusting their diet and hydration in summer.

References

Wang, J., et al. (2019). The effect of environmental temperature on food intake regulation: Hypothalamic mechanisms and metabolic signals. Journal of Physiology.
Klein, M.O., et al. (2010). Hydration, thermoregulation and the microbiome in animals. Veterinary Research Communications.
Hall, J.A., et al. (2020). Effects of water quality and hydration on health outcomes in dogs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition.
Bruchim, Y., et al. (2006). Heat stroke in dogs: Clinical signs and prognosis. Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine.
Zhou, Y., et al. (2021). Dietary plant compounds for renal and urinary support in companion animals. Animals (Basel).
Krikorian, R., et al. (2012). Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

About the Author: Claire Lucie Sonck is an UK-trained, CMA-registered canine nutritionist specializing in fresh, whole, anti-inflammatory plant-based diets for dogs. With experience helping dogs from 65+ countries, Claire provides science-backed nutrition guidance to improve canine health, longevity, and well-being. She is a global speaker, educator, and advocate for ethical and sustainable pet nutrition. Claire’s work has been featured in international conferences, research projects, and educational platforms, helping dog parents make informed, science-driven decisions about their dogs’ diets.

Learn more: www.mycaninenutritionist.com

Follow on Instagram: @clairethedognutritionist

Get in touch with Claire Lucie: info@clairethedognutritionist.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet, health routine, or medical care. The author is a certified canine nutritionist and does not claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions.