Walking Dogs in Heat Safety Tips and Considerations

Walking your dog in the heat can be a challenge, but with the right precautions, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe and healthy.

The ideal walking time for your dog in the heat is early morning or evening when the temperature is cooler, typically between 6am and 8am or 5pm and 7pm.

Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm, as the pavement can reach temperatures of up to 140°F, which can cause burns to your dog's paws.

Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of water breaks and shade to cool down during walks.

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If you're planning to walk your dog in hot weather, it's essential to know the risks and take necessary precautions.

Temperatures over 77F are considered very risky for dogs, and even at 70F, they can be at risk of developing heatstroke.

Large, obese, flat-faced, or very young dogs, as well as those with underlying health problems, should be kept a careful eye on at temperatures of 68F and upwards.

For dogs living in the UK, hot summer days are rare, and they may not be acclimatised to the heat.

Walking your dog at any temperature over 20C should be avoided, especially long or energetic walks.

The hotter the weather, the more at risk your dog becomes, with the risk increasing for every degree of temperature increase.

Dogs that are more at risk from the heat include overweight dogs, brachycephalic breeds, dogs with heavy coats, older dogs, and younger dogs and puppies.

Here are some extra tips to keep your dog safe:

It's generally safe to take your dog for a walk in temperatures up to 68F, but anything over 77F is considered very risky. Be mindful of the temperature and humidity levels, as well as whether or not there is a breeze.

Large, obese, flat-faced, or very young dogs, as well as those with underlying health problems, should be kept a careful eye on at temperatures of 68F and upwards.

Even at temperatures as low as 70F, dogs can be at risk of developing heatstroke, a high temperature that isn’t caused by a fever.

There are things you can do to reduce the risks associated with hot summer walks for your pet, such as keeping a close eye on your dog's behavior and health.

For large or vulnerable dogs, it's best to limit walks to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Asphalt temperatures can be much hotter than the air temperature, especially when in direct sunlight with no wind and low humidity. This is why it's essential to check the pavement temperature before walking your dog.

The difference between pavement and air temperatures is significant. For example, at 77 degrees F, the air temperature might feel pleasant, but the pavement can reach a scorching 125 degrees F. Here's a comparison of air temperature and pavement temperature:

You can also check the pavement temperature by putting your bare hand on it and trying to hold it there for 10 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for your dog.

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If you're walking your dog on a hot day, it's crucial to recognize the signs of overheating. Any excessive panting is your first warning sign that your dog is overheating.

Dogs can't cool down by sweating, so it's essential to help them in other ways. Pouring cool water over them using a hose if possible can be a great way to help.

If you notice your dog is panting excessively, it's essential to act quickly. Get them out of the heat and into a cool environment right away.

Pavement and air temperatures are not the same thing. In fact, pavement temperatures can be much hotter than the air temperature, especially when it's sunny with no wind and low humidity.

Asphalt temperatures can reach up to 135 degrees F when the air temperature is only 86 degrees F. Concrete surfaces can also get too hot for a dog to walk on, even if the air temperature is relatively cool.

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Here's a comparison of air temperature and pavement temperature:

This means that even if the air temperature is comfortable for a dog to walk, the pavement temperature might be scalding hot. It's essential to check the pavement temperature before taking your dog for a walk, especially during hot summer days.