VET APPROVED
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Iulia Mihai
DVM MSc (Veterinarian)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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Dogs need their daily walk for bathroom breaks and exercise, but dealing with hot weather can pose challenges. What should you do when it’s scorching outside? What’s the threshold temperature that makes it too hot for walking your furry friend?
If the thermometer reads around 68°F, it’s safe to take your dog out for a stroll. However, once the temperature climbs above 75°F, it’s best to stay indoors to prevent your dog from suffering dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
In this article, you’ll find insights into the ideal outdoor walking temperature for your dog, signs of heatstroke in dogs, and steps to cool down your pet if they’re overheated.
How Hot Is Too Hot for My Dog’s Body?
On hot days, going for a midday walk can be a challenge for dogs due to hot sidewalks that can cause burns even through their thick fur.
The optimum temperature for walking your dog is around 68°F. Temperatures surpassing this mark may cause discomfort for your pet, with temperatures over 75°F posing a risk of dehydration and heatstroke. Besides air temperature, factors like air humidity and wind should also be considered when deciding to take your dog out for a walk.
You should also take into account your dog’s breed and size. Brachycephalic dogs, such as Pugs, Boxers, and Bulldogs, have a different heat tolerance due to their short heads and breathing difficulties, hindering their ability to cool down effectively. Puppies, overweight dogs, and sick dogs also heat up faster than healthy adult dogs. Certain breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky are more susceptible to heatstroke.1
As temperatures rise, ground temperatures can be up to 59°F higher than the air temperature (in direct sunlight, with no wind and low humidity), potentially burning your dog’s paw pads. Walking your dog on a 124°F sidewalk for just a minute is enough to cause paw burns.
If your dog experiences paw burns, they may exhibit the following signs:
- Limping
- Excessive licking of paws
- Blistered paws
- Darker or peeling paw pads
Recognizing Heatstroke Symptoms in Dogs
Heatstroke occurs when dogs are exposed to high temperatures, leading to overheating as they struggle to cool down. This condition typically arises from prolonged activity in hot conditions or direct sun exposure on their head or being left in a hot car without proper ventilation.
Dogs with long, dense fur are more prone to heatstroke compared to those with short fur. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:
- Body temperature exceeding 105°F (normal range is 101°F to 102.5°F)
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Collapsing
Should your dog experience heatstroke:
- Move them to a shady, cool spot
- Dampen their body with lukewarm water and apply wet towels on their neck and chest
- Offer water in small amounts without force-feeding
- Seek immediate veterinary attention for signs of disorientation, unconsciousness, or difficulty in breathing
6 Tips for Walking Your Dog in Hot Weather
Here are some tips to mitigate risks when walking your dog in hot weather.
1. Timing Is Key
Go for walks early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak heat times and ensure the ground has cooled down.
2. Test Ground Temperature
Even in the evenings, when the air feels cooler, the ground may still be hot. To safeguard your dog’s paw pads, place your hand on the ground for 5 seconds; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Wait until the ground cools before walking.
3. Opt for Shaded Routes
On extremely hot days, limit the distance and choose shaded paths for your dog’s walk.
4. Consider Different Walking Surfaces
If sidewalks are too hot, opt for grass (watch out for ticks) or dirt paths as they don’t retain heat like concrete or asphalt, safeguarding your dog’s paw pads.
5. Hydrate Your Dog
Dehydration is a concern in high temperatures, so bring water for your dog with ice cubes to keep it cold longer and offer frequent sips during the walk.
6. Avoid Leaving Your Dog in a Hot Car
Leaving your dog in a hot, unventilated car can be fatal as it can become an oven. Ensure proper ventilation or avoid leaving them in a car altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walking a Dog in 20°F Safe?
Temperatures below 32°F are not advisable for taking your dog outside due to the risk of frostbite. If it’s necessary, limit outdoor time to bathroom breaks only. Avoid icy surfaces and keep outdoor time short to prevent harm. In 20°F weather, walk medium or large dogs for 30 minutes and small dogs for 15–20 minutes.
Can Fans Help Cool Dogs?
Fans do not effectively cool dogs as they lack sweat glands all over their bodies and rely on panting for cooling. To combat heat, engage your dog in water play, provide a shaded and cool environment, or take them to a pet-friendly store with air conditioning.
Conclusion
Hot weather can discomfort dogs and raise the risk of dehydration or heatstroke. A temperature around 68°F is ideal for dog walks. If it’s above 75°F outside, it’s advisable to keep your dog indoors and opt for a walk during cooler times like early morning or late evening when the ground has cooled. Watch out for hot pavements that can burn paw pads. Heatstroke signs in dogs include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, pale gums, and rapid heart rate. Seek veterinary help if you notice these symptoms. Avoid walking your pet in temperatures below 20°F to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Featured Image Credit: Elizabeth Grieb, Shutterstock
