When Is It Too Hot to Walk My Dog Outside?

It’s a question every dog owner asks when the sun is shining: “When is it too hot to walk my dog?” We all love the summertime, but as the temperature rises, we must put our dogs' safety first. 

Knowing when it's safe to head out and how to prevent dangerous conditions like heatstroke is essential. This isn't being overly cautious, walking a pet in extreme heat can be deadly, and understanding the risks could save your companion's life.

What is Heatstroke in Dogs?

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that happens when a dog's body dangerously overheats. It doesn’t happen all at once. The first signs are often milder, like muscle cramps or spasms, usually caused by dehydration. 

If a dog isn't cooled down, this can progress to heat exhaustion, where you might notice them becoming very weak, tired, and they could even have an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhoea.

The real danger zone is when their body temperature increases above 40°C, and this is when heat exhaustion turns into full-blown heatstroke.

At this stage, the dog’s internal cooling system is completely overwhelmed. Their body can no longer regulate its temperature, which starts to cause serious internal damage. This can restrict blood flow to essential organs like the kidneys, liver, and brain, leading to organ failure.

How Hot is Too Hot for Your Dog?

Let's talk numbers. Generally, dogs have a 'comfort zone' where they don’t have to work too hard to stay cool. This sweet spot is usually between 20°C (68°F) and about 30°C (86°F). Once the mercury climbs past 30°C, we're entering the danger zone. At this point, your dog has to put in a lot of effort to cool down, putting them at a much higher risk of overheating. 

As an owner, your goal is to make sure their internal body temperature doesn't creep up towards that critical 40°C mark.

But how do dogs cool themselves?

Since dogs don't really sweat like we do, they have natural smart ways to cool off. The most important is panting, which works like a self-air-conditioner by letting heat escape from their tongue and mouth. 

They also sweat a little through their paw pads. You’ll often find them using conduction, stretched out on a cool tiled floor or a patch of damp earth to transfer their body heat to a cooler surface. A good breeze provides convection, helping to lift trapped warm air away from their coat. 

Finally, their body uses radiation, naturally sending more blood to the surface of their skin to release heat directly into the air.

Things That Affect How a Dog Handles the Heat

It's worth remembering that every dog is different, and some will struggle with the heat far more than others. A dog's breed makes a huge difference. For example, flat-faced dogs like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers find it much harder to cool themselves down simply because of how they breathe. 

A dog's coat also plays a big role, as those with thick, fluffy fur, like Huskies or Malamutes, are naturally insulated for the cold and can overheat very easily. A little extra weight can make a huge difference, too, as heavier dogs find it tougher to stay cool. 

Age is another thing to consider, since both senior dogs and young puppies are more sensitive to high temperatures. On top of all this, if your dog has any health issues, particularly with their heart or lungs, they will be at a much greater risk.

Of course, it’s not just about the dog itself, because their immediate surroundings play a huge part. Being in a place with no air movement, like a parked car, is incredibly dangerous because it prevents them from releasing excess heat.

Likewise, not being able to reach a shady spot or a bowl of cool water takes away their natural options for cooling off. Humidity is another critical, and often overlooked, factor. Panting works by evaporating moisture from a dog’s tongue, but when the air is already thick with water, this process slows right down. It means their main cooling system becomes much less effective, and their temperature can quickly rise.

How to Know if it's Too Hot to Walk

A great way to check if the ground is safe is to try the five-second rule, which simply involves placing the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too uncomfortable for you, then it’s far too hot for your dog’s paws. 

It's easy to forget how hot surfaces can get! On a warm 30°C day, tarmac in direct sunlight can soar to over 55°C, which is easily hot enough to cause painful burns.

This means timing your walks is key. It's best to avoid the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 am and 3 pm. Instead, stick to the cooler early mornings and evenings. When you do head out, try swapping the pavement for softer, cooler ground like a grassy park or a shaded woodland path.

Helping Your Dog Cool Down Safely

If you're seriously worried your dog has heatstroke, the only right answer is to call your vet immediately. It's a true emergency, and even if your dog seems to recover after cooling down, they still need a professional check-up, as heatstroke can cause other internal problems that aren't visible.

For milder cases of overheating, your goal is to bring their temperature down safely. The first step is always to offer them fresh, cool water to drink, you can even pop a few ice cubes in their bowl. Another simple way to help them cool off externally is to drape a cool, damp towel over them. Specialised cooling mats, which contain a gel that absorbs body heat, are also brilliant for them to lie on.

The key is to do everything slowly and calmly to avoid the mistakes dog owners often make in a panic, like resorting to extreme cold. Never plunge a dog into an ice bath or spray them with a freezing hose, as the shock can be dangerous.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying the summer with your dog is all about being prepared and putting their safety first. It comes down to a few simple but essential habits: being mindful of the temperature, using the five-second rule to check the pavement, and choosing the cooler parts of the day for your walks.

Remembering that every dog is different, whether due to their breed, age, or health, will help you make the best decisions for your pet. And if you ever have any doubt, especially if you suspect heatstroke, the only right choice is to contact your vet immediately.

Happy summertime!

Woof Frills Team x