Updated 07/11/2023
Is it too hot to walk my dog? A question many pet parents ask as the second summer arrives. The talk of high temperatures and heat waves seems to constantly be in the news, regardless of which side of the planet you live on. Not only can the summer heat be dangerous to us, it can also be a serious risk to our favorite furry friends.
To make sure you have a happy dog in hot weather, we have a few tidbits for you to be aware of and add to your checklist before venturing out into the sun. Keeping your pooch pal safe is just as important as making sure they have fun.
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How hot is too hot to walk your dog?
When walking dogs in hot weather, you need to take their size, age, underlying health conditions, and breed into account as well as the temperature on a hot day. Puppies, older dogs, big-boned babies, dogs that are unwell, and flat-faced dogs are more vulnerable when the heat rises, so always be overly cautious.
If the temperature rises over 68-70 degrees, wait for a cooler time of day to reduce the risk of your dog developing heat stroke and dehydration.
Dog walking temperature chart
We recommend following this dog walking temperature chart. It offers an overview and guidance on when to reconsider taking your pooch for their daily stroll:
| Temp. F | Temp. C | Small dog | Medium dog | Large dog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 35 | Life threatening | Life threatening | Life threatening |
| 90 | 32 | Life threatening | Life threatening | Life threatening |
| 85 | 29 | Very risky / dangerous | Dangerous weather | Life threatening |
| 80 | 24 | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe | Very risky / dangerous |
| 75 | 23 | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe |
| 70 | 21 | Unlikely to be risky | Unlikely to be risky | Potentially unsafe |
| 65 | 18 | No evidence of risk | No evidence of risk | Unlikely to be risky |
| 60 | 16 | No evidence of risk | No evidence of risk | No evidence of risk |
| 55 | 13 | No evidence of risk | No evidence of risk | No evidence of risk |
| 50 | 10 | Unlikely to be risky | No evidence of risk | No evidence of risk |
| 45 | 7 | Unlikely to be risky | Unlikely to be risky | No evidence of risk |
| 40 | 4 | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe | Unlikely to be risky |
| 35 | 2 | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe |
| 30 | -1 | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe | Potentially unsafe |
Things to be aware of when walking dogs in heat
Here are a few things to keep in mind when dog walking in hot weather. Make these checks part of your day before, during, and after walkies. Remember, every dog is different, so take note that some pups may be more susceptible to heat harm than others.
Heatstroke in dogs
Fun fact, dogs have a higher body temperature than us canine carers. Pups should have a body temperature of between 101 - 102.5 degrees, which makes them more vulnerable when the temperature rises. Heat stroke in dogs can be serious, so here are the key signs to look out for on a hot day:
- Fast and excessive panting
- Dry or sticky gums
- Discoloration of their gums - bright red, blue, or bruised coloring
- Drooling more than usual
- Disorientation, weakness, or a significant change in their behavior
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Collapse
Any of these symptoms can be scary to witness for any pet parent. However, noticing the first few signs of heat stroke in dogs can prevent them from becoming overheated and keeping them safe.
Flat-faced dogs and older dogs
Older snuffle babies and brachycephalic dogs (AKA flat-faced dogs) need some extra TLC during the summer heat. Both older dogs and flat-faced breeds struggle to regulate their body temperatures as well as other pooches. Be sure to stay in tune with your dog’s breathing and behavior, and take extra care to keep the cool both indoors as well as outdoors.
Tips for dog walking in hot weather
From hot pavement to wet towels, we have a few fetching facts and tips to help keep you and your fur baby safe and comfortable in high temperatures.
Walk early in the morning or around sunset
Makes sense, right? To avoid dog walking in hot weather simply avoid the sun. Choosing to take walks early in the morning or around dusk will make for a much more pleasant walking experience.
Remember the hot pavement rule! If it’s too hot for you to touch with your bare hand for 10 seconds or less, it’s too hot for pooch paws.
Use air conditioning and other cooling methods
If you’re a pooch parent with air conditioning, don’t be shy to blast it during the hottest part of the day. For those without, keep your dog out of sunlight, in a dark room. To create some home DIY air conditioning, fill a large bowl with ice water and have a fan blow over it. Otherwise, providing cold water after a hot walk can make a big difference.
It was once thought that wet towels should be used if your dog has overheated. However! If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, this can actually do far more harm than good. Try to find them a cool space to relax, or else run them a cold bath or shower.
Keep them hydrated
Make sure your pup is drinking enough water throughout the day. Even if you’re planning a short walk, be sure to pack fresh water and a decanter they can easily drink out of. When back home, be sure to give them cold water, not freezing water.
If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, don’t hesitate, take your dog to the vets as soon as possible. Overheating and dehydration can be fatal, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Meet our veterinary expert, Aisling
This article has been checked by veterinarian Aisling O’Keeffe MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB. Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland.
Staying safe in summer is just as important as making the most of the sunshine. If you’re a TrustedHousesitters member and you’re ever concerned about your dog’s behavior in the summer heat, call our 24/7 Vet Advice line for professional tips and reassurance. For those keen to find your pooch a new summer sitting pal, check out the latest list of dog sitters near you!
