:quality(75))
:quality(75))
Understanding when it’s too hot to walk your dog is essential for their safety and comfort. But what temperature is too hot for dogs, and how can you tell?
We surveyed 500 dog owners to see how they care for their pets during hot weather. And we’ve got some expert veterinary advice for the things they’re less sure about.
This guide will help you recognise signs of dangerous heat, choose safe walking times, and find ways to keep your dog happy and cool at home on hot days.
:quality(75))
What temperature is too hot for dogs, and how to keep them cool?
:quality(75))
Experts agree that temperatures above 20˚C can be too hot for certain dogs, such as senior pets, brachycephalic breeds, or those with health issues.
Key risk factors when it comes to heat include:
A long or thick coat
Age (young and old dogs)
Coat length and thickness
Energy levels (high-energy breeds are more at risk)
Health issues
When temperatures reach 24 ˚C or higher, it's generally too hot to walk any dog, as paws and internal temperatures can quickly become overheated.
When temperatures reach 24 ˚C or higher, it's generally too hot to walk any dog, as paws and internal temperatures can quickly become overheated.
Here's a more detailed temperature scale:
12-19 ˚C: Safe for most dogs. But keep an eye on overheating if you have an at-risk breed and they're exercising strenuously.
20-23 ˚C: Be careful. Stay in shaded areas, and keep walks short. Make sure your dog is well-hydrated.
24-26 ˚C: Too risky. Only take your dog out if 100% needed, and make it as short as possible.
Above 27 ˚C: Too dangerous. Stay indoors.
The most popular way to keep your pet safe in the summer was to avoid dog walks during the hottest daytime hours – 78% of you said you do this already.
Almost 54% of the dog owners who responded to our survey said they put ice cubes in their dogs’ water bowls to cool off their hot dogs in summer.
Frozen food treats are also a popular strategy, with 42% offering them to their dogs in sweltering weather.
And 30% of you got the clippers out to give your pet a short back and sides to cool them down, and 27% liked to take your dog swimming to provide relief from the heat.
But over half of you (56%) said you’d bought a product to help keep your dog cool. We don't want you to waste your money on the wrong cooling products for your pet, so we've tried, tested and reviewed some of the best cooling mats and jackets around.
What about humidity?
It’s essential to look at humidity levels as well. High humidity exacerbates heat and makes it hard for dogs to pant and cool themselves down. So if the temperature is nearing hot weather but it’s combined with very high humidity (over 80%), we’d recommend staying home.
Veterinarian tips on how to keep dogs safe when it’s too hot for walks
:quality(75))
Veterinary surgeon Dr Neerja Muncaster has this advice for heatwaves:
“The research shows many owners already use some of the best DIY techniques to help cool down pets, such as ice cubes in water bowls and toys stuffed with frozen dog food treat paste or water.
“They can also provide shade in the garden and an area of soil they can dig and lie in."
For inspiration, we've filmed some great garden hacks to keep your pet cool and happy with pet and garden expert Jean Vernon.
"Most importantly, owners should be mindful and only take their dogs out very early or late in the day," says Dr Muncaster.
Luckily, eight out of 10 of you already do this.
Sometimes this means that dogs might be getting less exercise, so Dr Muncaster recommends increasing training activities at home. You could try some of these fun tennis ball games with no throwing.
“If you can’t time your walks for the coolest hours of the day and you do go out, take cold bottles of water and travel bowls with you,” Dr Muncaster says. Offering your dog regular drinks and wetting their fur with water will help them to stay cool.
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
:quality(75))
To check if it’s too hot to walk your dog, use the 'seven-second pavement test.' Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds—if it’s too hot to hold, it’s too hot for your dog's paws.
Our survey revealed that 60% of dog owners don't know that dogs' main sweat glands are only located on their paw pads. This is one of the reasons why dogs find it difficult to cool down as the temperature rises.
We also found that while owners in the UK know how to keep their dogs cool at home during heatwaves, this was more difficult when they were out and about. Almost all owners (98%) said restaurants and shops should do more to help keep dogs cool in the heat.
If you find yourself in a hot shop or restaurant and are worried about your dog, be on the lookout for heatstroke symptoms:
How do dogs cool down?
Dogs have a three key methods to cool down:
Behaviour changes, like drinking more and resting
Sweating through their paw pads
These are much less efficient than in humans; dogs don't sweat like us, which is why it's important to be proactive when the weather's hot. The best way to stop a dog from overheating is to avoid hot weather.
Can you give your dog ice to keep them cool?
:quality(75))
Some people think it’s dangerous to give dogs ice water in hot weather, but that’s a myth, as long as your dog’s in good health.
“Dogs who are fit and healthy and not showing any signs of heatstroke can be offered ice in their water, frozen treats such as blueberries or raspberries (both excellent antioxidant foods for dogs) and ice cream made for dogs,” says veterinary surgeon Dr Sophie Bell.
“Licking ice can help keep them cool on hot days. It’s fine for them to ingest, but if you think your dog is overheating you shouldn’t suddenly cover them or immerse them in ice or freezing water.”
Using cooling mats, a paddling pool, shaded areas, and mental stimulation will help reduce the risk of heatstroke – and don’t forget to make sure they’ve always got a bowl of water available.
Again, do not give ice to dogs if they're experiencing heatstroke. It can cause significantly more damage due to shock.
What to do with your dog if it’s too hot
:quality(75))
You’ll still need to exercise and mentally stimulate your dog if it’s too hot. But you need to do this out of the sun.
Choose safer alternatives like:
Hydrotherapy, especially if they’re an older dog
Indoor training sessions, like new tricks
Puzzle toys
Safe, water-based play
When temperatures are too hot to walk a dog, consider offering alternatives like cooling mats, shaded areas, and mental stimulation games.
“Hydration is especially important when it’s hot", says Dr Bell. "Remind your dog to drink, keep the water clean and cool, and add extra water bowls around the house.”
What to do if you're already outside and the weather's very hot
Dr Bell agrees with Dr Muncaster about being cautious when walking a dog in very hot weather.
“Don’t walk your dog in the heat, choose early morning or late evening walks instead of during the hotter parts of the day,” says Bell. “No dog died from missing one walk, but they can die from heatstroke.”
If you end up stuck outside in hot weather, make sure you:
Avoid open, hot spaces
Get inside as soon as you can, and keep the walk very short
Keep your dog well-hydrated
Stick to shaded areas
Again, we don’t recommend walking your dog in very hot weather. Avoid it.
Heatstroke in dogs
When the weather’s hot, the risk of heatstroke to your dog increases. Most cases are due to owners leaving their dogs in a car while they pop into a shop. But just five minutes can be too long, especially for high-risk dogs like:
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
Dogs with breathing problems
Dogs with heart disease
Overweight and obese dogs
Senior dogs
Dogs with thick coats
All the above struggle to cope with temperatures over 20˚C, so they shouldn’t be walked or left in a car when it’s hot, not even for a minute.
Within 10 minutes, if the outside temperature is 21˚C, the temperature inside the car will exceed 32˚C putting all dogs at risk of this condition that kills dogs in the UK every summertime.
For dogs showing signs of heatstroke, do not offer ice and do not be tempted to submerge them completely into icy cold water. Both actions can lead to shock and worsen the situation. Cool water is preferred.
Our guide on heatstroke in pets explains more about identifying and treating it.
What dog breeds struggle most in hot weather?
:quality(75))
Dogs that struggle in the heat fall into two categories.
Brachycephalic breeds
Examples include:
Boston Terriers
Boxers
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
English Bulldogs
French Bulldogs
Pekingese
Pugs
Shih Tzus
Thick-coated breeds
Examples include:
Akitas
Alaskan Malamutes
Chow Chows
Golden Retrievers
Huskies
Saint Bernards
Samoyeds
How pet insurance can help
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, immediately contact the nearest vet practice.
If you have a dog insurance plan with us, you'll have access to our unlimited, 24/7 online vet advice service. You can use it to get first aid advice while you arrange for your dog to see a vet in person.
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
:quality(75))