When is it too hot to walk your dog?

On a warm day when the temperature hits 20°C or over, you should be wary about taking your dog for a walk.

Dogs tend to love spending more time outside in the summer months, but the chance of developing heatstroke is a real danger to our canine friends. So, at what kind of temperatures should you think twice before taking your dog on their daily walk - and which dogs are most at risk of struggling in the heat?

In this article, we’ll go into which dogs need extra care in the sun, and how to spot the signs your dog may be overheating. We’ve also created a heat scale, so you can gauge when it’s safe to walk and when to keep your pooch at home in the shade. 

Ideal walking temperatures for dogs 

The safest temperature to walk almost all dogs is between 12°C and 15°C, even better if weather conditions are mild (meaning, no heavy rainfall or extreme winds!). 

Thick-coated breeds, puppies, and flat-faced, senior or overweight dogs may start to overheat in temperatures above 16°C. Read on for more about how to navigate dog walks in these warmer temperatures.

If you’re thinking, “But what about colder days?”. Below 12°C is also fine for most dogs, though smaller breeds, puppies and older dogs may start to get a bit chilly in the single-digit temperatures. 

How hot is too hot to walk your dog?

This will differ between dog, but let’s run through a scale of average UK summer temperatures so you can learn when it’s safest to take your dog for a walk. 

• Between 12°C and 15°C, it’s totally safe for almost all dogs to go out for a walk, regardless of their breed or size. It’s the perfect temperature for having some outdoor fun, without having to worry about your pooch overheating.

• Between 15°C and 18°C, it’s still a safe range for small and medium-sized dogs. However, larger breeds may start to feel the heat, so it’s best to keep a close eye on them during walks and maybe consider shortening the duration. 

• Between 18°C and 21°C, most dogs will be fine to go for a walk outside, but they may overheat if walking for a long time, playing fetch or running around so stick to short, relaxed walks. This goes for small, medium and especially large dogs but coat length and breed should be considered.

• Between 21°C and 23°C, it’s reaching a danger zone for all dogs, but especially large size breeds and brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds.Walk your pooch in the mornings and evenings when it’s cooler (ideally before 8am and after 8pm), and totally avoid the midday heat. Bring lots of water for your dog to take regular pit stops. 

• From 23°C to 27°C, it’s too hot for dogs to walk. For overweight, small, flat-faced or senior dogs, these are particularly dangerous temperatures, and it’s better to wait until the weather cools down.

• When temperatures exceed 28°C, this can be life-threatening for more vulnerable pooches, even inside the house. Keep them either in a well-ventilated house or in a shaded part of the garden with plenty of water until the temperatures drop.

• When it’s 32°C and over, keep all dogs at home in the shade until the weather cools down. All dogs are in danger of heatstroke in these very hot conditions. 

What dogs are more vulnerable in the heat?

Some dogs are more at risk of becoming uncomfortable in heat and developing heatstroke. These include:

• Puppies (aged under a year old)
• Senior dogs (aged seven and over)
• Dogs who are overweight
• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs such as Pugs, as they find it harder to breathe
• Small dog breeds such as Toy Poodles or Chihuahuas
• Dogs with thick coats will also get very hot on warm days, and find it hard to cool down quickly
• Dogs with light-coloured coats and/or exposed skin are prone to getting sunburn.

If you own a dog that fits any of the above criteria, you should be extra vigilant during warm weather to ensure they stay cool, comfortable and safe. 

The risks of walking your dog when it’s too hot

• Overheating. Dogs can’t regulate their temperature in the same way that we can. Dogs do have certain canine cooling mechanisms (such as panting, drinking water and refusing to walk further) which they use to regulate their temperature. However, they can’t rely on these techniques, especially when exposed to extreme weather. It takes longer for a dog’s body to cool down, so it’s best that they don’t overheat in the first place. 

• Sunburn, which is higher in light-coloured dogs

• Burnt paw pads on hot pavements or tarmac. 

• Cases of dogs with heatstroke go up in the summer, which can too often prove fatal. Over 28°C is a dangerously high temperature for all dogs to walk in, as heatstroke is very likely. 

Signs your dog is too hot 

If you’re on a warm summer walk and your dog is showing any of the following signs, it means they’re too hot:

• Excessive panting. Pooches wag their tongues to release heat in the same way that we sweat from our skin, so excessive panting means they’re struggling to cool down.

• Drooling more than usual. When it’s hot, this can be a general sign of discomfort and a result of their excessive panting. 

• Discomfort in paws. If they’re nuzzling their paws, hopping, or they keep moving to grass, it means the pavement are too hot for them to walk on.

• Slowing down or stopping on the walk. If your pooch is going at a super slow pace or taking frequent breaks, their body is telling them to stop. 

• Pink, reddening skin on face, tummy and ear tips is a sign of sunburn, and is especially common in short-haired dogs with exposed skin, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Whippets. 

• Seeking shade and lying down. Dogs seek shade for the same reasons we do - as a protection technique in hot weather!

• Reluctance to keep moving. If they refuse to walk further, they’re sending you a message: ‘I’m too hot!’ 
  

Signs of heatstroke in dogs

If they show the above, plus any of the following danger signals, they may have developed heatstroke and you should get them out of the sun immediately and contact your vet.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs can include:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Confusion, wobbliness when walking
• Collapsing, or simply lying down, with an inability to get up
• Glazed eyes
• Difficulty breathing and a faster heart rate
  
  

What do I do if I think my dog has heatstroke? 

Vets see a rise in cases of dogs getting heatstroke in the summer, and it can prove fatal if not treated fast. If your pooch is showing any of the above signs of heatstroke, it’s vital to cool them down and seek treatment right away. 

You can cool your dog down by:

• Getting them into shade, ideally somewhere with air flow/breeze
• Offer some fresh, cold water (but don’t force them to drink it if they don’t want to).
• Get an ice pack wrapped in a towel, or a cool, wet blanket for them to lie on or next to. Don’t cover them in the towel or blanket, as this can trap heat - but do gently pour some cool water on their paws, neck and tummy. 
• Call your vet immediately for more advice. 
  
  

Walking your dog in the sun: Safety tips and advice

Dogs must take care in the sun just like humans do, but they need your help to do so. Here are some tips to keep your pooch cool, calm and carefree if you want to walk them on a warm day.

•  Walk them at cooler times of day, such as in the early morning or late evening, when the temperatures are cooler. 

• Avoid midday and taking them outside at peak times when it’s hot and uncomfortable. To test whether it’s too hot, touch the pavement with your hand or your bare foot. If it’s too hot for you, it’s far too hot for your dog’s delicate paws. 

• Make sure they always have access to water. Carry water with you on walks, and maybe a collapsible bowl so it’s easy for them to get a drink. Offer them a drink regularly, not just when they seem to need it.

• Choose a shaded walking route. Even on a warm day, secluded places such as forests can be much cooler, and the shade will protect you and your pooch from the sun’s strong rays.

• Use dog-safe sunscreen (never human sunscreen). If your dog has short hair or exposed skin on their nose, chest, stomach and paws, it’s worth rubbing in some dog-friendly sunscreen. Be sure to avoid human versions, as they can contain ingredients such as zinc, which is toxic to dogs. 

• Never leave your dog in the car. If you’re driving during your dog walk, don’t leave your pooch in a parked car on a hot day under any circumstances. Even if it’s just for five minutes. Cars are one of the most dangerous places for a dog when it’s hot, and more than 1 in 10 cases of heatstroke are linked to hot cars (1). 

• Let them go for a swim. If you’re walking on the beach or near a clean, freshwater lake, letting your pooch splash about or go for a swim is a great way of cooling them down. Just be wary of sunburn, especially if your pooch is of a lighter colour. Also be sure to be up to speed on water safety for dogs, including the risk of blue-green algae.

• Take it easy. On warm summer days, you might be tempted to take your dog out for a longer walk, but be wary of how long they can withstand the higher temperatures. Keep your walk gentle and relatively short. This also applies to playing fetch, running and playing, which can cause your pooch to get hot and bothered.

• Keep them cool at home. Be sure your pooch stays cool all through the day. Set up a ‘cool zone’ for your dog, with shade and good air flow, and a few calming dog treats, potentially mixed into some frozen goodies. Offer them fresh water, frozen fruit to munch on (such as strawberries, blueberries, apples) and be sure there’s easy access back into the house if they need it. 

FAQs

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