How Hot Is Too Hot to Walk a Dog? Summer Safety Guide
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Key Takeaways
- Hot weather can make walking unsafe for dogs, even if the air temperature feels comfortable to you.
- Pavements, sand, and artificial grass can become much hotter than the surrounding air.
- Early morning and late evening are usually the safest times to walk your dog in summer.
- Watch for signs that your dog is becoming too hot and always prioritise hydration.
- On very hot days, indoor enrichment can be a safer alternative to long walks.
A daily walk is one of the highlights of most dogs' routines, but during summer it's important to know how hot is too hot to walk a dog. While dogs still need exercise and mental stimulation, hot weather can increase the risk of overheating, dehydration, and burnt paw pads.
The good news is that you don't have to stop exercising your dog altogether. By adjusting your routine and understanding the risks, you can help your dog stay active while remaining safe during warmer weather.
How Hot Is Too Hot to Walk a Dog?
There isn't one exact temperature that is safe for every dog.
How your dog copes with the heat depends on several factors, including:
- Age
- Breed
- Coat type
- Weight
- Overall health
- Humidity
- Access to shade
- The temperature of the ground
For example, a young, healthy dog may cope better than an older dog with arthritis, while flat-faced breeds often find hot weather more challenging because they cannot cool themselves as efficiently.
The guide below is a general recommendation rather than a strict rule. Always consider your individual dog's needs and how they're coping with the weather.
|
Air Temperature |
General Advice |
|
Below 15°C |
Comfortable for most dogs to enjoy their usual walks. |
|
15–20°C |
Generally safe for most dogs, but bring water on longer walks and avoid prolonged exercise in direct sun. |
|
20–23°C |
Take extra care. Choose shaded routes, carry water, and monitor your dog for signs of overheating. |
|
24–26°C |
Consider shortening walks and stick to the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Check the pavement before setting off. |
|
27–30°C |
Too hot for many dogs, especially puppies, senior dogs, flat-faced breeds, and overweight dogs. Keep walks short or replace them with indoor enrichment. |
|
Above 30°C |
Walking is generally not recommended for most dogs. Stay indoors where it's cool, provide plenty of fresh water, and focus on keeping your dog comfortable. |
The Best Time to Walk Your Dog During Summer
During warm weather and especially during heatwaves, changing the time of your walk can make a huge difference.
Aim to walk your dog:
- Early morning (before 8–9 am) when temperatures are at their coolest.
- Late evening (after 8 pm) once the sun has begun to set and pavements have cooled.
Try to avoid walking between 11 am and 3 pm, as this is usually the hottest part of the day. During a heatwave, the safest option may be to skip a long walk altogether and replace it with indoor enrichment, gentle play, or a short toilet break until the weather cools down.
Remember, it's better to miss one walk than risk your dog developing heatstroke. On very hot days, mental stimulation through scent games, puzzle toys, frozen treats, or training sessions can be just as rewarding as physical exercise.
Why Hot Weather Affects Dogs Differently
Unlike humans, dogs don't cool themselves by sweating through their skin.
Instead, they mainly rely on:
- Panting
- Small amounts of sweating through their paw pads
- Resting in cool places
This means their body temperature can rise much faster during exercise on warm days.
Even if you feel comfortable walking outside, your dog may already be working much harder to stay cool.
Don't Forget About Hot Pavements
One of the biggest summer dangers isn't the air, it's the ground beneath your dog's feet.
Pavements, sand, decking, and artificial grass can become significantly hotter than the surrounding temperature after sitting in direct sunlight.
This can lead to:
- Uncomfortable walks
- Sensitive paw pads
- Burns
- Dogs refusing to continue walking
If the ground feels too hot for the back of your hand for several seconds, it's likely too hot for your dog's paws too.
For more advice, read:
→ Hot Pavement Dangers for Dogs in Summer
Signs It's Too Hot for Your Dog
Pay attention to your dog's behaviour during walks.
Signs they may be struggling include:
- Excessive panting
- Walking more slowly
- Frequently stopping
- Looking for shade
- Reluctance to continue
- Lying down unexpectedly
- Excessive drooling
If your dog appears unwell or shows signs of heat-related illness, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Dogs That Need Extra Care in Summer
Some dogs are more vulnerable to hot weather than others.
This includes:
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Flat-faced breeds
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with heart or breathing conditions
- Thick-coated breeds
These dogs may need shorter walks, additional rest breaks, or more indoor enrichment during hot weather.
Safer Ways to Exercise Your Dog During Hot Weather
Exercise doesn't always have to mean a long walk.
On hotter days, consider:
- Short sniff walks
- Gentle garden play
- Training sessions
- Puzzle feeders
- Scent games
- Hide-and-seek
- Frozen enrichment toys
Mental stimulation can be just as rewarding as physical exercise.
For ideas, read:
→ Best Indoor Games for Dogs During Heatwaves
Help Your Dog Stay Cool
There are lots of simple ways to help your dog stay comfortable during summer.
These include:
- Providing fresh drinking water
- Walking in shaded areas
- Taking regular rest breaks
- Using cooling mats
- Offering frozen treats
- Setting up a paddling pool
- Keeping indoor spaces well ventilated
You can find more practical tips here:
→ How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer
Cooling Foods for Summer Walks
After a walk, many dogs enjoy refreshing dog-safe snacks.
Some good options include:
- Watermelon (seedless)
- Cucumber
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Pumpkin
These foods can provide hydration and make excellent enrichment treats.
Read more:
→ Best Summer Foods Dogs Can Safely Eat
Plan Summer Adventures Carefully
Whether you're heading to the beach, a country park, or your local café, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Remember to bring:
- Fresh water
- A portable bowl
- A lead
- Towels
- Dog-safe treats
- Plenty of shade if possible
If you're planning a day out, you may also enjoy:
→ Dog Holiday Checklist for Summer Travel
People Also Ask
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
There is no single temperature that applies to every dog. The safest approach is to consider the air temperature, humidity, your dog's health, and how hot the ground feels before heading out.
Is it safe to walk a dog at 25°C?
Some dogs may cope well with short walks in cooler parts of the day, while others may struggle. Always adjust your walk based on the conditions and your dog's individual needs.
Can hot pavements burn a dog's paws?
Yes. Pavements, sand, and artificial grass can become much hotter than the air temperature and may cause discomfort or burns.
What time should I walk my dog in summer?
Early mornings and late evenings are usually the coolest and safest times for summer walks.
What can I do instead of walking my dog when it's too hot?
Indoor games, scent work, training sessions, puzzle toys, frozen enrichment, and gentle play can all help keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Paws for Final Thoughts
Knowing how hot it is to walk a dog is an important part of keeping your dog safe during summer. While every dog is different, paying attention to the weather, the temperature of the ground, and your dog's behaviour can help you make the right decision each day.
On particularly hot days, don't be afraid to swap a long walk for indoor enrichment or a shorter outing during the cooler hours. With a little planning, your dog can still enjoy an active, enriching summer while staying comfortable and safe.