How Hot Is Too Hot to Walk Your Dog? A Temperature Guide

Most of us judge the weather by how it feels to us. That's a problem, because dogs handle heat very differently. We sweat across our whole body. Dogs rely almost entirely on panting, plus a little heat loss through their paws and nose. When the air is warm, panting becomes less effective, and exercise piles on more heat than they can get rid of.

A rule-of-thumb temperature guide

Every dog is different, but this widely used guide from veterinary emergency services is a sensible starting point for a healthy adult dog:

• Below 20°C (68°F): generally comfortable for most dogs.
• 20 to 23°C (68 to 73°F): fine for most, but go easy on hard exercise, especially with at-risk dogs.
• 24 to 27°C (75 to 80°F): take real care. Keep walks short and shaded. Risky for large, overweight, flat-faced, very young and elderly dogs.
• 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F): dangerous for many dogs. Short toilet breaks only for anyone in a risk group.
• 32°C (90°F) and above: heatstroke is a serious risk for every dog, whatever their size or fitness.

It's worth knowing that most exercise-related heatstroke cases in vet studies don't happen in extreme heat. They happen on ordinary warm days when nobody thought twice about a game of fetch.

The number isn't the whole story

Humidity. Panting works by evaporating moisture. In humid air that evaporation slows down, so a muggy 26°C can be harder on a dog than a dry 30°C.

Sun and ground. Tarmac, sand and artificial grass can be far hotter than the air. Press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If you can't hold it there, it's too hot for paws.

Your dog. Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs), thick or dark coats, heavier dogs, seniors and dogs with heart or breathing problems all overheat sooner. Dogs that aren't used to warm weather are at higher risk too, which is why the first hot days of the year catch so many people out.

How to walk more safely in warm weather

• Walk early in the morning or after sunset.
• Choose grass and shade over roads and open fields.
• Carry water for your dog, not just yourself.
• Swap ball-chasing for sniffing. A slow, sniffy walk tires the brain without overheating the body.
• Use cooling gear as a helper. A light, breathable cooling vest such as The ChillVest™ shades the coat from direct sun and, when dampened, adds evaporative cooling on top.
• Watch your dog, not the clock. Heavy panting, lagging behind or heading for shade means the walk is over.

And if in doubt, skip it. No dog has ever come to harm from missing one walk. Play a scent game indoors instead and go out when it cools down.

This article is general guidance, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your dog in the heat, speak to your vet.