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Helping Your Dog Stay Safe and Happy in Hot Weather
As the temperatures rise, many of us look forward to sunny walks, garden barbecues, and days outdoors. But while we may enjoy the warmer weather, our dogs can find it much harder to cope with the heat. Unlike humans, dogs can't cool themselves efficiently by sweating. Instead, they rely mainly on panting, making them much more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. The good news is that with a few simple precautions, you can help keep your four-legged friend comfortable, safe, and happy all summer long. Walk at the right time One of the easiest ways to protect your dog is to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. Early morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler, are the safest times for exercise. Not only is the air cooler, but pavements and artificial surfaces are less likely to burn sensitive paw pads. A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Always provide fresh water Hydration is essential during warm weather. Make sure your dog has constant access to clean, fresh water both at home and when you're out. If you're heading out for a walk or a day trip, pack a portable water bottle or collapsible bowl so your dog can have regular drinks. Some dogs also enjoy ice cubes in their water bowl or frozen dog-friendly treats as a refreshing way to cool down. Create cool places to rest Dogs naturally seek out cooler spots when they're warm. Inside the home, keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest hours and ensure there's good airflow. Cooling mats can provide welcome relief, and many dogs enjoy lying on tiled or shaded floors. If your dog spends time in the garden, make sure there's plenty of shade available throughout the day. Never leave a dog in a parked car Even on what feels like a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise dangerously within minutes. Opening the windows slightly is not enough to keep your dog safe. If you're running errands where your dog can't accompany you, it's always safest to leave them comfortably at home. Watch for signs of heatstroke Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can develop quickly. Watch for symptoms including: Excessive panting Heavy drooling Bright red gums or tongue Lethargy or weakness Vomiting Confusion or unsteadiness Collapse If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, gently cool them with cool water, and contact your vet without delay. Choose cooling activities Hot weather doesn't have to mean staying indoors all day. Instead of energetic games, try activities that help your dog stay cool, such as: Splashing in a paddling pool Playing with frozen enrichment toys Gentle walks in shaded woodland Sniffing games indoors Relaxing in the garden under supervision Mental stimulation can be just as rewarding as physical exercise when temperatures soar. Be extra careful with certain dogs Some dogs struggle with heat more than others. Take extra care if your dog is: A flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed such as a Bulldog, Pug, or French Bulldog Elderly A puppy Overweight Living with heart or respiratory conditions A thick-coated breed These dogs may overheat more quickly and often benefit from shorter walks and extra cooling measures. Summer treats they'll love Cooling treats can help keep your dog refreshed while providing enrichment. Try freezing: Dog-safe peanut butter inside a toy Plain natural yoghurt (in moderation) Mashed banana Watermelon (without seeds or rind) Dog-friendly broth into ice cubes Always introduce new treats gradually and ensure ingredients are safe for dogs. A happy dog is a safe dog Summer can be one of the best times of year to enjoy adventures with your canine companion. With a little planning, plenty of fresh water, and sensible precautions, you can help your dog stay cool, healthy, and comfortable throughout the warmer months. At Chomp & Chew, we're passionate about helping dogs live their happiest, healthiest lives. Whether you're looking for nutritious treats, enrichment toys, or everyday essentials, choosing products that support your dog's wellbeing can make every season more enjoyable. Here's to a safe, tail-wagging summer!
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The Difference Between Hunger, Appetite, and Food Motivation in Dogs
Most dogs love food, whether it’s table scraps, kibbles, delicious chews, or pretty much anything else in between. But did you know that there are important differences between hunger, appetite, and food motivation, all of which can result in begging for food? Many dog parents assume this behaviour must indicate hunger, but in reality, that’s not always the case. Understanding the differences between these three concepts can help you better interpret your dog’s behaviour and avoid common issues like overfeeding. What is hunger? Hunger is the body’s physical need for food and nutrients. It is controlled by biological signals and the body’s requirements for energy. Essentially, hunger tells your dog that their body is in need of sustenance to continue functioning optimally. Similarly to humans, it’s normal for healthy dogs to feel hunger between their meals. However, hunger doesn’t discriminate between foods. It is about meeting physiological nutritional needs and fuelling the body, not cravings for specific types of food. What is appetite? Appetite is the desire to eat. It can be influenced by factors like smell, taste, novelty, and excitement, rather than the simple physiological need for sustenance. So, in the same way that some people find themselves snacking even when they’re not hungry, whether it be out of boredom, cravings, or otherwise, dogs can also have a strong appetite even when they don’t feel true hunger. For example, they may beg for scraps even after they’re full from their own food. Likewise, your dog may feel true hunger, but if the food they’re offered isn’t appealing to them, this can result in a reduced appetite. So, while they closely relate to one another, hunger and appetite are distinct concepts that don’t necessarily go hand in hand (or paw in paw). What is food motivation? Food motivation is both related to and separate from hunger and appetite. It refers to how willing your dog is to work for rewards in the form of food. This is the type of desire for food you’ll see in training sessions. Some dogs are naturally more food motivated than others. In fact, levels of food motivation can be influenced by various factors, including: Breed Age Activity levels Personality Past experiences Treat type Reward value Feeding schedules Environmental distractions Food motivation can be useful in training your dog, but should not be confused with hunger or appetite. Why do the differences matter? All of these concepts amount to your dog wanting to eat for one reason or another, so why do the differences matter? The truth is that dogs are opportunistic eaters by nature. This means that many dogs will accept additional food, especially high value foods like treats, even after eating a full meal and no longer feeling any hunger. Hunger, appetite, and food motivation are closely related but distinct, and that distinction is important to understand as a pet parent. Scenarios like being able to tell if your dog is full but food-motivated, or hungry but lacking appetite due to the food in front of them, helps you better support their needs. It gives you valuable insight into your dog’s relationship with food, allowing you to ensure they’re getting what they need without falling into the trap of mistaking other cues for true hunger. While hunger is not the only valid reason for offering food, being able to distinguish it gives you a better understanding of your dog’s needs vs their wants, and the appropriate ways to respond in each scenario. Final thoughts As a pet parent, it’s important to know that behaviours like begging, scavenging, and seeking food aren’t always indicative of hunger. Knowing the differences between hunger, appetite, and food motivation can help you better read your dog’s signals and avoid issues like overfeeding. Plus, this understanding of your dog’s food cues can also lead to greater success with training, especially in selecting appropriate rewards. Paying attention to where your dog’s food-seeking behaviour is coming from allows you to look at the whole picture and make educated assessments, rather than assuming it’s always rooted in hunger.
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4 Signs Your Dog Needs More to Chew
Chews can serve as delicious treats for dogs, but more importantly, they provide a necessary outlet for instinctive canine chewing behaviours. They’re also beneficial to dogs in various other ways, from supporting dental health to fighting boredom and beyond. A lack of healthy chews can therefore lead to both behavioural problems and health issues over time. This article breaks down four key signs that your dog may need more to chew. 1. Destructive or misplaced chewing If your dog is acting out in certain ways, they may be trying to tell you they need more outlets for chewing. For example, if you find that your pooch has an affinity for gnawing on household items, furniture, or shoes, the likely cause is that they have no suitable alternative. The same applies to quickly destroying toys. Both puppies and adult dogs typically begin showing increased gnawing, licking, and/or chewing outbursts as a misdirected instinct when they don’t have a proper chewing outlet. Offering them a safe, healthy, natural chew means they get the benefits of a good chew session without ruining any of your belongings or furnishings. 2. Restlessness or difficulty settling Does your dog struggle to settle, even when they’ve had plenty of exercise? If you find them consistently pacing, switching spots, and generally finding it difficult to relax, it could be that they’re feeling bored. This often comes from a lack of mental stimulation. While their body may have been worked sufficiently, their mind is still active and looking for more to do. Chews are excellent for breaking this boredom and serve as one of the simplest and healthiest forms of mental stimulation for dogs. Most pet parents see improvements in their dogs’ restless behaviour after implementing regular chew sessions into their routines. 3. Constant begging or food fixation Most dogs love food, and certain breeds (*cough* Labrador Retrievers *cough*) have a particular affinity for all things edible. However, there is a difference between loving food and becoming completely fixated on it. In an effort to soothe overly food-focused pooches, some pet parents accidentally overfeed their dogs, which can lead to long-term health issues over time. If your dog never seems satisfied by their food, is always begging for some of yours, and short-lived treats don’t fill the gaps, it’s time to introduce long-lasting chews. This gives them a way to enjoy something tasty for an extended period without racking up unnecessary calories. Instead, they get the satisfaction they’re looking for both mentally and physically in a way that supports their overall health. 4. Dental build-up Aside from behavioural issues, one of the key benefits of natural chews is the way they support canine dental health. While chews are not a cure for advanced dental disease and do not replace veterinary dental cleanings, they can help prevent common issues and even aid in reducing their severity. For example, chews can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, and help scrape it off once it begins to form. If your dog is showing signs of these issues, whether visually or via some particularly stinky breath, chews may be beneficial in supporting their ongoing dental health. However, remember to also have your dog’s dental health checked by a vet regularly, especially if you suspect dental problems. Chews are simply a preventative measure and daily support tool. To help maintain your dog’s dental health, from their teeth to their gums to the strength of their jaw, it’s useful to include natural chews as part of their routine. Choosing the right chew Not all chews are created equally. First, make sure you’re choosing something completely natural without any preservatives or other artificial additives. Single-ingredient chews, like those found in our Chomper Boxes® and Chomper Bags, are ideal. Next, find a chew that suits your dog’s size and jaw strength, as some are much larger and tougher than others. It’s also advisable to rotate between different chews to maintain your dog’s interest. Regardless of what you choose, it’s important that you always make sure to provide fresh drinking water and supervise your dog while they’re chewing. Final thoughts The key to remember is that chewing is a natural need for your dog, not a bonus activity. So, while it may seem like a treat, it’s also something they require for their overall wellbeing. Having the right outlet for chewing instincts can improve your dog’s behaviour and support both their mental and physical health. When introducing chews to your dog’s routine, it’s important to make sure they’re healthy, natural, and free from additives, as your pooch deserves only the best.
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