When Is It Too Hot To Walk Your Dog?
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I write this article at the start of heat wave number three for the UK.
At the weekend I left my little dog at home to go to the shops as I could not guarantee we could walk in the shade or just how hot it was going to be.
I was saddened and worried to see quite a few dogs walking in the heat on hot pavements at the peak of the day. I was even more concerned to see that some of these dogs were elderly and breeds that really struggle in the heat.
It's important as responsible dog owners that we are fully informed of the risks of hot weather, how to avoid those risks and how to act if problems occur.
"It's important as responsible dog owners that we are fully informed of the risks of hot weather, how to avoid those risks and how to act if problems occur."
Table of contents
Why is heat so problematic for dogs?
Dogs cope with heat differently and because of that we need to be mindful of how we care for them when the heat rises.
Where humans can sweat and use evaporation to cool the whole-body dogs cannot. They can only sweat from small areas like paws and noses.
Dogs rely on panting mostly to cool down. This can be less effective on humid days. Panting works by pulling air across their moist respiratory tract and evaporating heat as they breathe. If it's humid the air is more saturated with moisture, so this method is less effective.
They are also covered in fur. Those with thinner coats are more at risk from sunburn especially in places where hair is very thin. Those with dense coats like huskies will overheat much quicker.
Temperatures
So, what is too hot for your dog?
Ideal temperatures normally sit between 15 and 19 degrees although the higher end of that range strenuous exercise should be avoided, and care taken with at risk breeds and age groups covered later in this article.
19-24 degrees exercise should be moved to the cooler parts of the day. Walks should be short and high energy games and exercise like fetch and agility should be avoided.
Over 24 degrees dogs should only go out for essential toilet breaks.
Dark asphalt is a major hazard and pavements in general are not much better. Temperatures can reach up to 60 degrees enough to cause severe burns to pads in under a minute.
Signs of heat stroke in dogs
If your dog has been exposed to too much heat just like humans, our doggies are at risk from heat stroke.
What to watch out for….
Panting will have become rapid, might be noisy and doesn’t stop even when resting.
There might be vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and the saliva may become thicker.
Their gum and tongue colour will have gone from a healthy pink to a red or dark red to purple.
It’s helpful to check what your dog’s normal colour and breathing pattern is before extreme weather events so you can spot changes easily.
Other risk factors
There are two other things to consider when thinking about keeping your dog safe.
Dogs with thick coats like huskies, Eurasia’s, Samoyed etc and brachycephalic breeds (that’s those dogs with shorter noses) like bulldogs are at higher risk of problems in the heat and extra care should be taken.
Age can also be a factor in coping with heat. Puppies and older dogs for different reasons are also at higher risk of complications relating to heat and should be closely monitored and supported.
Puppies need support to settle more in cool places, and older dogs will need water right next to their resting places to encourage more water intake especially if they have difficulty getting up and down.
When to speak to your vet
You can always call your vets if you are worried about your dog.
With heat stroke it’s important to act quickly as it can be life threatening so call if you are worried. Make sure you know what number to call and where your vets have their out of hours service as it may be that you need to travel to a different branch of your vets or they may even share out of hour care with another practice.
Things you can do to help your dog cool down include moving them to a cool space, you can use a fan to cool them. Cool damp towels and flannels can be placed in armpits and for them to lay on. Do not wrap them in wet towels as they will just heat up. They can also be placed on the inner thigh. Basically, wherever there is the least hair and they are happy for you to touch.
It is vital though that these things are cool and not cold.
Do not use ice to cool them down as this can cause shock or make them shiver which will increase temperature.
The same goes for drinking water.
Cool water should be offered little and often but not cold or ice water.
Call your vets for advice on next steps and how to transport safely to the vets. If you do not have air conditioning in your car they may advise you to go to a different branch or even practise closer to you or suggest a home visit.
Top tips for keeping your pooch cool & happy
With my pets we make sure that dead hair is brushed out, this is a short daily affair.
Our dog has a super short clip in time for the hotter months.
We have water bowls in every room they go in.
We have cool bed toppers on a couple of beds.
We restrict access to the garden as my Cavapoo thinks she’s a movie star and likes to lie in the sun.
I have a water fountain for our dog and cat that keeps water fresher for longer and they find it fun to drink from.
You can make gravy ice cubes and pop one in a water bowl to encourage a good drink in the morning before it gets hot. Ice in water should be avoided in the heat wave.
Frozen treats and Lick mats are used in warm weather when I can ensure the pets are in the shade but not used in the heat wave.
I increase activity feeding options in the early morning when it's cool so the brain gets a workout but the body is only moving more when it's cool.
I also increase my training and mental stimulation games but make the sessions shorter with breaks and at the cooler times of the day and evening.
This prevents frustration and boredom related behaviour problems whilst not getting the dog hot under the collar.
Sending you all cooling vibes for the week!
FAQs
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
There is no single safe temperature for every dog, because age, breed, coat type, fitness, health and humidity all make a difference. As a general guide, once temperatures reach 19-24 degrees, walks should be moved to the cooler parts of the day and kept short. Over 24 degrees, dogs should only go out for essential toilet breaks, especially if they are elderly, very young, flat-faced, thick coated or unwell.
How do I know if the pavement is too hot for my dog?
A simple way to check is to place the palm of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Dark asphalt can become dangerously hot in warm weather, so it is safest to stick to shaded routes, grass where possible, and walks early in the morning or later in the evening.
What are the signs of heat stroke in dogs?
Signs of heat stroke can include rapid or noisy panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, restlessness, confusion, collapse, or gums and tongue changing from a healthy pink to red, dark red or purple. If your dog’s breathing, gum colour or behaviour looks different from normal during hot weather, it is safest to treat it seriously and call your vet.
Which dogs are most at risk in hot weather?
Some dogs are more vulnerable to heat than others. This includes brachycephalic breeds, which are dogs with shorter noses, such as bull dogs, as well as dogs with thick coats, puppies, elderly dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with existing health or breathing problems. These dogs may struggle to cool themselves down and should be monitored closely in warm weather.
What should I do if I think my dog has heat stroke?
If you think your dog has heat stroke, move them to a cool, well-ventilated space and call your vet straight away. You can begin helping them cool down with cool water, a fan, or cool damp towels placed on areas with less hair, such as the armpits or inner thighs. Do not wrap them in wet towels, and do not delay getting veterinary advice, as heat stroke can become life threatening quickly.
Joanna Sutherland
VN, Cert AAB
Veterinary Nurse & Behaviourist
Joanna is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and Behaviourist with over 15 years of experience in first opinion and referral practice. She holds a Certificate in Applied Animal Behaviour and has long focused on preventative health- spanning nutrition, dental care, and behaviour. Her interests include gut health, fussy eating and using food to support training and mood. A passionate advocate of holistic pet care, she’s worked with hundreds of families to find diets that are both practical and health-promoting. Joanna is thrilled to support Years because, as she says, we’ve created “the food I always wished existed”.
