When is it too hot to walk your dog?

Dogs love walks, but soaring temperatures can make their favourite activity dangerous. Knowing when it’s too hot to head out can protect your furry friend from overheating.

Is it too hot to walk my dog?

As a general rule, walking your dog at any temperature below 20C is ideal. Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15-25°C, but this is very much dependent on their age, breed, size, coat length, amount of exercise they're engaging in, health and fitness.

The hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog.

Some dogs are at higher risk from the heat than others, so be extra careful:

• Overweight dogs
• Brachycephalic breeds, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs
• Older dogs over 8-years-old
• Younger dogs under 6-months-old

During the hot summer months, take your dog out before 8am or after 8pm when temperatures cool down. Offer them plenty of fresh water and choose shaded areas if you can.

Temperature guide for walking dogs

Here’s how to decide if it’s safe to take your dog for a walk:

• Below 12°C: Perfect walking weather! Your dog will be comfortable and ready to explore.
• 12-19°C: Safe for most dogs, but keep an eye out for signs of overheating if they’re running around a lot.
• 20-23°C: Start to take precautions. Stick to shaded areas, keep walks short, and bring water.
• 24-26°C: This is risky territory. Only take your dog out if it’s absolutely necessary, and make it a quick, shady stroll.
• Above 27°C: It’s too dangerous to walk your dog. Stay indoors or let them relax in a cool, shaded area instead.

Remember, every dog is different, so always monitor how yours reacts to the heat and adjust their activity accordingly.

Why can't I walk my dog in hot weather?

Apart from being very uncomfortable for them, there are some serious reasons why you shouldn't walk your dog in hot weather:

• Dogs have hairy coats, even those that have had a recent haircut. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be to walk around with a duvet around your body in the summer. Then, think of your dog.

• Dogs don't sweat as we do. They have small sweat glands on the pads of their paws, but this doesn't make a lot of difference when they try to cool off. You may notice them panting. This is another dog cooling technique that can work but is not hugely effective. Dogs are not efficient creatures when it comes to cooling down. 

• Walking on hot surfaces can cause severe burns to the sensitive skin on the pads of their paws. This will be intensely painful for your dog and leads to open wounds where the skin has burnt and peeled off.

Top Tip: Take off your shoes and stand on the pavement or patio with bare feet. Is it too hot for your feet? If so, it is far too hot for your dog on that surface.  

How to tell if your dog is overheating

Any excessive panting is your first warning sign that your dog is overheating. So, if you see this, don’t wait for any more symptoms – get them cooled down immediately.
 
The quickest and simplest way to do this is to remove them instantly from the source of the heat and into a cool environment. As dogs are unable to cool down by sweating, we can create the effects of sweating for them simply using a tea towel or towel.
 
Lay the towel over the dog’s body and pour cool (not cold) water over it, allowing the heat from the dog to evaporate the water, which will reduce their temperature. A fan can also be very helpful to speed up the process.

Life-threatening warning signs

Once overheating has developed, your dog may:

1. Become restless and show discomfort
2. Vomit or have diarrhoea
3. Drool excessively
4. Have an increased heart rate
5. Lose coordination, have seizures or muscle tremors

Keeping your dog cool during walks

If you decide to head out on a warm day, make sure you’re taking steps to keep your dog cool. Stick to grassy or shaded paths, avoiding pavements that can burn their paws. Always carry water and a portable bowl to keep them hydrated, and take frequent breaks in shady spots. For an extra cooling boost, consider a lightweight cooling vest or bandana for your dog. Remember, a shorter, safer walk is always better than risking their health.

By following these tips, you can keep your dog happy and safe, even during the summer heat.

For more information on keeping your dog cool in the summer, read our guide.

FAQs about walking dogs in hot weather