What Temperature Is Too Hot to Walk Dogs

Walking the dog is part of daily life, but when the sun is blazing, it can quickly turn from a pleasant routine to a risky outing. Dogs can overheat much faster than humans, and hot surfaces like pavement can burn their paws. Knowing what temperature is too hot to walk your dog is key to keeping them safe and comfortable.

Understanding Heat Risk for Dogs

Dogs don’t sweat the way we do. They mainly regulate heat through panting and a small amount of sweating through their paw pads. This means they’re less efficient at cooling down and more prone to overheating in warm weather.

Generally, if the temperature reaches around 23°C (73°F), you should start to be cautious. Once it climbs above 25°C (77°F), many dogs—especially those with thick coats, short noses, or underlying health issues—can struggle. Anything above 28°C (82°F) is considered dangerous for most breeds, even during a short walk.

Pavement Temperatures Are Often Hotter

It’s not just the air temperature that matters. Pavements and roads absorb heat from the sun and can become much hotter than you expect. If the ground is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

A simple test is to press the back of your hand against the pavement for seven seconds. If it feels too hot to hold there, it’s unsafe for your dog to walk on. Burned paw pads are painful and can take weeks to heal, so it’s better to skip the walk than risk injury.

Best Times to Walk During Hot Weather

On warmer days, walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun is lower. Choose shaded routes, grassy areas, or woodland trails over exposed tarmac paths. Bringing water and taking regular breaks also helps prevent overheating.

If it’s too hot even in the shade, consider skipping the walk and playing indoors instead. Mental stimulation, puzzle toys, or gentle training exercises can help use up energy without the risk of heat stress.

Recognising Signs of Heatstroke

It’s important to know the early warning signs that your dog may be overheating. These can include excessive panting, drooling, red or pale gums, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. If you notice any of these, move them to a cool area, offer water, and contact your vet immediately.

Heatstroke can come on quickly and can be fatal if not treated, so prevention is always better than cure. When in doubt, it’s safer to skip the walk than to push through unsafe temperatures.

Summary

When the weather heats up, walking your dog can become risky. Temperatures above 25°C can be too hot for many dogs, and anything over 28°C should be treated as a serious hazard. Stick to early morning or late evening walks, test pavement temperatures, and watch for signs of heat stress. Keeping your dog safe in hot weather isn’t just kind—it’s essential.