Summer feeding for pets

Summer is the worst time of the year for both pets and their parents. A number of pets will limit eating proper meals during summers. So a happy-go-lucky Labrador who loves to eat his four meals a day may suddenly stop eating, sending his pet parents in a frenzy.

STOP! It is absolutely normal if your pet decides to eat less. Summers mean less physical activity and hence less food intake.

According to Dr KG Umesh, Waltham Scientific Communication Manager, Mars India, “If you see that your dog is panting heavily, salivating or foaming, these may be the first signs of a heat-related problem.

The hall mark of heat-stroke is severe central nervous system (brain) disturbance and is often associated with multi-organ dysfunction. Get your dog to a cool location, provide small drinks of cold water, and, if he doesn't improve within a few minutes, contact your veterinarian. ”

Feeding during summer

• Dogs tend to eat less in summer but they spend more energy in an effort to lower the body temperature (eg. panting). Pedigree wet food (pouches and cans) are best toppings on dry pet foods.
• Do you know that Homemade diets for summer (eg. curds and rice) contains more water (70- 80 %) but not adequate levels of energy, vitamins, minerals etc your pet should need.
• If dog doesn’t like dry food, you can add wet food to encourage the dog to eat the dry food
• A well-balanced nutritionally complete diet like pedigree (which also contains some nature antioxidants) confers some protection against the effects of heat stress.
• Because wet food (pedigree pouchs or cans) contains comparatively more water it can be used to maintain a healthy water balance especially in small breed dogs, those in a centrally heated environment, increased summer temperatures and those in a hot climate
• Feed during cooler part of the day, if possible OR increase frequency of feeding Make sure that you feed total recommended quantity of pedigree for your pet in 2-3 meals.
• By taking a few steps to ensure your pet's safety and comfort, he too can enjoy the "dog days of summer."