When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog? A Complete Guide to Keeping Dogs Safe in Warm Weather

There’s no exact temperature that’s considered “too hot” for every dog. There’s no single number that always means it’s too hot to walk a dog. Some dogs can overheat even during mild weather. In some cases, they can overheat even in winter. However, warm temperatures can significantly increase the risk of heatstroke, especially during exercise or walks.

If you’re planning to take your dog out on a hot day, you must understand the risks. You should also know how to keep them safe.

The Five-Second Tarmac Test

One of the biggest dangers during hot weather is overheated pavement or tarmac. Surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paws within seconds.

Before heading out, try the simple five-second tarmac test:

• Place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds.
• If it feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

If the ground is too warm, delay the walk until temperatures cool down later in the day.

Best Times to Walk Your Dog in Hot Weather

During warmer months, aim to walk your dog:

• Early in the morning
• Late in the evening

These cooler parts of the day reduce the risk of overheating and heatstroke.

Extra caution is needed for dogs that are:

• Older
• Overweight
• Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs
• Suffering from breathing or heart conditions
  
  
  
  Why Overheating Is Dangerous for Dogs
  

Dogs cannot sweat like humans. Apart from limited sweating through their paw pads, they mainly cool themselves by panting.

Panting is far less effective than sweating, particularly in humid conditions. As a result, dogs can quickly become dangerously overheated.

Heat-related illness in dogs can range from:

• Heat stress
• Heat exhaustion
• Heatstroke

These conditions become progressively more serious and can rapidly become life-threatening.

Many people assume heatstroke only happens during extremely hot summer days. However, studies show dogs can develop heatstroke at temperatures as low as 16.9°C, especially during exercise.

Signs Your Dog May Be Overheating

Recognising the early symptoms of heat-related illness can save your dog’s life.

Watch out for:

• Heavy or constant panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red or pink gums
• Lethargy or weakness
• Wobbliness or lack of coordination
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Seeking shade constantly
• Refusing to walk or move
• Collapse or seizures

One common sign is a “smiling” appearance, where dogs pull back the corners of their mouths while panting heavily.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Too Hot

If you suspect your dog is overheating, act immediately.

Cool First, Transport Second

Follow these emergency steps:

1. Stop all exercise immediately.
2. Move your dog to a cool, shaded area.
3. Offer fresh drinking water.
4. Begin cooling them down straight away.

Cooling Young, Healthy Dogs

For young and otherwise healthy dogs:

• Immerse them in cool water if possible
• Keep their head above water
• Alternatively, continuously pour cool water over them

Cooling Older or Vulnerable Dogs

For older dogs or dogs with health conditions:

• Use room-temperature water
• Avoid spraying directly onto the face
• Use fans, air conditioning, or airflow to help cooling
• Apply wrapped ice packs to the groin and armpits

Always monitor your dog carefully and stop cooling if they begin shivering.

Avoid covering them with wet towels, as this can trap heat and make things worse.

After initial cooling, contact your vet immediately and transport your dog safely with windows open or air conditioning running.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk of Heatstroke?

Although any dog can overheat, some are more vulnerable than others.

High-risk dogs include:

• Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs)
• Puppies
• Senior dogs
• Overweight dogs
• Large breeds
• Dogs with heart or respiratory conditions
• Dogs not accustomed to warm climates

Research from the Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are 14 times more likely to suffer heat-related illness. They are much more at risk than Labrador Retrievers.

Will Dogs Stop When They’re Too Hot?

Unfortunately, not always.

Many dogs continue running, playing, and exercising even when they’re dangerously overheated. This is why owners must recognise the signs and intervene early.

Exercise is actually the leading cause of heatstroke in dogs. Studies show that nearly 75% of heat-related illness cases in UK dogs were triggered by exertion. Many cases resulted from ordinary walks alone.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Heat

There’s no universal answer to “how hot is too hot to walk a dog,” because every dog is different. However, hot weather, warm pavements, and exercise can quickly become dangerous.

To keep your dog safe:

• Walk during cooler times of day
• Always perform the five-second pavement test
• Bring water on walks
• Watch closely for signs of overheating
• Avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather

When in doubt, it’s safer to skip the walk and keep your dog cool indoors.