When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?

Warm weather can feel wonderful for us. Sunshine, longer days and blue skies often make people eager to head outside. But for dogs, rising temperatures can quickly become uncomfortable — and in some situations, dangerous. Every year, vets see dogs suffering from heat exhaustion and heatstroke simply because the risks of warm weather were underestimated.

Understanding when it is too hot to walk, and how different conditions affect dogs, can help owners make safer decisions during warmer months.

Dogs Handle Heat Very Differently From Humans

Humans cool themselves mainly by sweating. Dogs, however, have far fewer ways to regulate their body temperature. Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting and a small amount of heat loss through their paw pads. This means that once a dog begins to overheat, their body has fewer ways to cool down again. Exercise, excitement and environmental conditions can all raise a dog’s body temperature quickly.

Temperature Is Only Part of the Picture

Many people rely on air temperature alone to decide whether it is safe to walk their dog.

But several other factors can significantly increase the risk of overheating:

• humidity

• lack of shade

• still air with little breeze

• intense sunlight

• warm ground surfaces

A cloudy but humid day can sometimes be just as challenging for dogs as a sunny one. Likewise, warm evenings may still hold a lot of heat, even if the sun has gone down.

Not All Dogs Cope With Heat the Same Way

Some dogs struggle far more with warm weather than others.

Dogs who may be more vulnerable include:

• brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs)

• thick-coated breeds

• overweight dogs

• older dogs

• puppies

• dogs with underlying health conditions

Some energetic breeds may also push themselves hard during exercise, making it easier for them to overheat without realising their limits. Understanding your individual dog’s needs is important when deciding whether to walk in warm conditions.

The Hidden Danger of Hot Pavements

Ground surfaces can become far hotter than the surrounding air temperature. Pavements, roads and artificial surfaces absorb heat throughout the day and can remain dangerously hot even after the air temperature begins to drop. Hot surfaces can burn a dog’s paw pads very quickly. If a surface feels too hot for the back of your hand after a few seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on. This is one reason why shaded woodland walks are often a much safer option during warmer weather.

Evening Walks Are Not Always Safer

Many owners try to avoid the midday heat by walking their dogs later in the evening. While this can sometimes help, it is not always a guarantee that conditions are safe. On warm days, the ground and surrounding environment may still hold heat well into the evening. Urban areas in particular can stay warm long after sunset because buildings and roads slowly release the heat they have absorbed during the day. A walk at 10pm may still be warmer and more humid than we expect.

Signs Your Dog May Be Overheating

It’s important to recognise early signs that a dog may be struggling with heat.

Some warning signs include:

• excessive panting

• drooling

• slowing down or stopping during a walk

• seeking shade

• vomiting

• disorientation

If a dog begins to show signs of overheating, it is important to stop exercise and help them cool down gradually. Heatstroke can escalate quickly and requires urgent veterinary attention.

What To Do If You Think Your Dog Is Overheating

If your dog begins to show signs of struggling in the heat, the most important thing is to stop activity immediately and help them cool down.

Move your dog to a cool, shaded or well-ventilated area as quickly as possible. This might be under trees, inside a building, or into a car with air conditioning running.

You can then begin gently cooling them by:

• offering small amounts of cool water to drink (do not force them)

• pouring cool water over their body

• encouraging airflow with a breeze, fan or open windows

Water used for cooling should be cool but not ice-cold, as extremely cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict and slow cooling.

Continue monitoring your dog closely. If they do not improve quickly, or if you are unsure how serious the situation is, it is safest to contact your vet for advice.

What Not To Do

When a dog is becoming overheated, some well-meaning actions can actually slow down the cooling process.

Avoid:

• Covering your dog with damp or wet towels – this can trap heat against the body rather than allowing it to escape.

• Using ice or ice-cold water – very cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, slowing the body’s ability to release heat.

• Forcing your dog to drink water – offer small amounts but allow them to drink at their own pace.

• Continuing the walk or activity – stop exercise immediately and move to shade.

What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate action.

Veterinary guidance often summarises the correct response as:

Stop – Cool – Transport.

1. Stop the activity and remove your dog from the heat immediately.

Move them to a shaded or cool area as quickly as possible.

2. Begin cooling your dog straight away.

Pour cool water over their body and increase airflow using a fan or breeze to help evaporation.

3. Offer small sips of water if your dog is alert.

Never force water into their mouth.

4. Contact your vet or the nearest emergency vet immediately.

Even if your dog appears to recover, veterinary assessment is essential because heatstroke can cause internal damage.

Signs of heatstroke may include:

• excessive or frantic panting

• drooling

• vomiting or diarrhoea

• wobbling or weakness

• confusion or disorientation

• collapse or seizures

If any of these symptoms appear, cool the dog and seek veterinary care urgently.

What Not To Do

If you suspect heatstroke, avoid actions that may delay cooling or veterinary care.

Do not:

• Wrap your dog in wet towels or blankets – these can trap heat and slow the cooling process.

• Use ice baths or ice packs directly on the body – extreme cold can reduce blood flow to the skin and prevent heat from escaping.

• Delay veterinary attention if symptoms are severe or your dog is not improving quickly.

• Assume your dog is safe once they appear better – heatstroke can cause internal complications that require veterinary assessment.

Alternatives to Walking in Hot Weather

On very warm days, skipping a walk can sometimes be the safest option. Fortunately, dogs can still enjoy enrichment and stimulation without needing to exercise outdoors.

Activities that can help keep dogs engaged include:

• scent games around the house or garden

• puzzle feeders

• short training sessions

• enrichment toys

• calm exploration in shaded areas

Mental stimulation can often be just as tiring for dogs as physical exercise. You can read more about this in my blog “Why Tired Dogs Are Not Always Happy Dogs.”

Putting Your Dog’s Safety First

Most dogs love their walks and look forward to them every day. But on very warm days, the kindest decision we can sometimes make is to slow down, shorten walks or skip them entirely. By paying attention to the environment and understanding how heat affects dogs, we can help ensure that our four-legged companions stay safe and comfortable throughout the warmer months.

If you’d like help building calm behaviour, enrichment and training routines for your dog, you can find more information about my services here:

www.thepaw-sitiveexperience.co.uk

Based in Stourbridge, I offer training and support designed to help dogs and their owners build confident, calm behaviour in real-world environments.

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