Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Rule
As the temperatures start to rise this week and we head towards the Bank Holiday weekend, one of the biggest questions dog owners ask is:
When is it too hot to walk your dog?
This is one of the biggest questions dog owners ask every summer, especially when temperatures suddenly rise.
Many owners ask when is it too hot to walk your dog during UK heatwaves.
And honestly, there isn’t one simple answer.
Because there is no universal “safe” temperature for every dog.
A fit young Labrador walking through shaded woodland is very different to a flat-faced French Bulldog walking on hot pavements in direct sun.
A quiet sniffy stroll is very different to an hour of ball throwing.
A cool breezy 22°C day is very different to a humid, still 22°C day.
This is why I don’t like blanket “all dogs are fine under X temperature” advice online. We have to look at the individual dog in front of us.
One thing I will say though is this:
Dogs won’t suffer from missing a walk, but heatstroke can become life-threatening very quickly.
Sometimes skipping the walk entirely is the safest and kindest choice.
Why Hot Weather Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
Dogs do not cool themselves the same way we do.
Humans sweat efficiently across our bodies. Dogs mainly cool themselves through panting, which is far less effective, especially in hot or humid weather.
Once a dog starts overheating, their temperature can rise dangerously fast, particularly if they are:
- exercising
- over-aroused
- stressed
- in direct sunlight
- walking on hot surfaces
- or struggling to breathe already
Many owners assume heatstroke only happens in locked cars, but exercise-related heatstroke is actually incredibly common during warmer weather.
And unfortunately, some dogs will keep going long after they should have stopped.
Understanding when is it too hot to walk your dog can help prevent heatstroke and overheating.
There Is No Universal “Safe” Temperature
This is the bit that really matters.
You’ll often see graphics online saying:
- “Below this temperature is safe”
- “Above this temperature is dangerous”
But real life is much more nuanced than that.
Things that affect how well a dog copes in heat include:
- breed
- age
- fitness levels
- weight
- coat type
- humidity
- stress levels
- exercise intensity
- medical conditions
- and even the environment they’re walking in
For example, shaded woodland walks are very different to walking around busy pavements and roads with heat bouncing back from concrete.
Humidity also plays a huge role. Dogs cool through panting, so humid weather makes it much harder for them to regulate their temperature effectively.
Dogs Most at Risk in Hot Weather
Some dogs are naturally much higher risk in warm weather than others.
Flat-faced breeds
Breeds such as:
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Boston Terriers
can struggle significantly once temperatures rise because their airway structure already makes breathing less efficient. Since dogs rely heavily on panting to cool themselves, this can put them at much higher risk of overheating.
Overweight dogs
Extra weight makes it harder for dogs to regulate body temperature and puts more strain on the body during exercise.
Puppies and senior dogs
Very young and older dogs often cope less efficiently with heat and can tire much faster.
Thick-coated breeds
Heavy-coated breeds may struggle more in warm temperatures, especially if exercising in direct sun.
High arousal or working breeds
Spaniels, Collies, ball-obsessed dogs and many working breeds can be particularly tricky because they often will not self-regulate well.
And this is SUCH an important point.
Just because your dog still wants to chase a ball does not mean they are coping safely.
Some dogs will genuinely run themselves into trouble if we allow them to.
Signs Your Dog May Be Overheating
Early signs of overheating can include:
- excessive panting
- drooling
- bright red gums or tongue
- slowing down
- seeking shade constantly
- noisy breathing
- lethargy
- weakness
More serious signs can include:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- wobbliness
- collapse
- confusion
If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.
Move your dog somewhere cool, offer small amounts of water and start cooling them gradually while seeking veterinary advice.
What I Personally Do With My Dogs in Hot Weather
My own dogs generally cope fairly well in warmer weather, but that absolutely does not mean I take risks with them.
As temperatures rise:
- I stick to shaded woodland walks
- I shorten walks significantly
- or skip walks completely if needed
- I avoid the hottest parts of the day
- I make sure they always have access to shade
- and I keep them indoors during extreme heat
I also keep a close eye on each individual dog because they all cope differently.
For example, Envy has hip dysplasia and arthritis, so I am always mindful of her comfort levels generally as well.
One of the biggest mistakes I see owners making is still walking dogs during the hottest part of the day, often on pavements and roads where the heat reflects back upwards.
And importantly, the hottest part of the day is not always midday. Sometimes temperatures continue rising well into the afternoon.
It’s simply not worth the risk.
Hot Pavements Matter Too
Pavements and artificial surfaces can become dangerously hot surprisingly quickly.
A good rule is:
If you cannot comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Burned paw pads can be incredibly painful and may require veterinary treatment.
Hot Weather Enrichment Ideas
Many owners panic that if they skip a walk, their dog will go crazy at home.
But mental enrichment is incredibly valuable and often much safer during hot weather.
Some easy ideas include:
- frozen Kongs
- frozen lick mats
- scatter feeding
- sniffing games
- training games indoors
- natural chews
- paddling pools
- cooling mats
- fans
- calm enrichment activities
Hot weather is not the time for intense exercise, endless ball throwing or long hikes in direct sun.
Sometimes calmer, quieter activities are exactly what dogs need.
Here is a blog I wrote on Natural Chews to give you some ideas and a free series of video Home Enrichment for Heatwaves to help you.
Final Thoughts
Hot weather safety is not about being dramatic or wrapping dogs in cotton wool.
It’s about learning the individual dog in front of you and making thoughtful decisions for them.
Some dogs cope much better than others.
Some dogs will push themselves far beyond what is safe.
And some dogs are at much higher risk before temperatures even become “extreme”.
Missing one walk will not harm your dog.
But heatstroke absolutely can.
So as the temperatures rise this week, slow things down, adjust expectations and focus on keeping your dog safe, cool and comfortable.
How to keep your dog cool during a heatwave ideas here for your dog.
For more advice on recognising heatstroke and keeping dogs safe in warmer weather, both the Dogs Trust Hot Weather Advice and RSPCA Summer Dog Advice have some helpful resources for owners.
If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately. The RSPCA Heatstroke Advice for Dogs page also explains emergency first aid steps.
