Dogs love to be outside; they need regular exercise for good health and mental stimulation. However, whilst you may think a bright summer’s day is the best time to walk dogs, it can actually be dangerous to walk dogs in hot weather as it can increase their risk of getting heat stroke. Unlike humans, dogs can’t just take their coat off to cool down - they can only release heat from their bodies through their paws, noses and panting. Heat strokes can happen suddenly and symptoms may escalate quickly, which is why it’s crucial for your dog’s wellbeing to listen to experienced professionals and keep them safe in summer.
You should never leave your dog in the car on a hot day - not even for a few minutes. This is because the temperature in a parked car rises rapidly, even if the window is open and the car is parked in the shade. In this situation, your dog could quickly develop heat stroke and there is a high risk of death. The same advice applies to leaving your dog in a caravan, shed or conservatory on a hot day.
In this article, PEDIGREE® provides expert advice to help dog owners navigate walking their dogs in the heat. We advise on when it’s too hot to walk your dog, how to keep your dog comfortable in the heat, and the warning signs of heat stroke. It’s important for dog owners to know how to protect their dogs in hot weather to avoid a critical situation.
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
Temperatures above 20°C can quickly become too hot to walk a dog and depending on their age, breed, size and coat type, the risk of heat stroke increases. Young, elderly and obese dogs, as well as brachycephalic dogs and dogs with health problems, are at higher risk of heat stroke.
It is generally safe to walk your dog in temperatures up to 18°C. Some dogs are able to withstand higher temperatures up to 23°C or more, and it helps if they have access to water and shaded areas. However, even 22°C may be too hot to walk some dogs, especially if they are less than 6 months old or are elderly, obese, poorly, flat-faced or have a thick, dense coat. These dogs are more vulnerable to heat stroke for various reasons.
Large and obese dogs have an excess of fat that adds an extra layer of insulation, which is why they tend to lose body heat at a slower rate. Puppies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adult dogs, and since they have high energy levels, they may run around more which can be dangerous in the heat. On the other hand, elderly dogs are generally more sensitive to heat and more likely to have an underlying medical condition, which is why poorly and elderly dogs are more vulnerable to heat stroke. Lastly, dogs of a brachycephalic breed are unable to pant as efficiently as other dog breeds, which makes it more difficult for them to cool themselves down. In any of these cases, dog owners should take extra precautions to keep their dogs safe in hot weather.
To see if it’s too hot to walk your dog on the pavement, you can check the ground by touching it with your hand; if you are unable to keep your hand there for more than 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Similarly, sand is another surface that can get unbearably hot in the sun and potentially burn your dog’s paws, so it’s best to avoid it on hot days. In these cases, you can stimulate your dog indoors instead. There are many games you can play with your dog indoors to ensure they get mental stimulation if it’s too hot to walk them. If ever in doubt, it’s much safer to not take your dog for a walk as missing the odd walk is not a problem. However, you could consider walking them at dawn and dusk when it’s cooler.
How do you walk a dog in extreme heat?
If you need to walk your dog in extreme heat, there are various steps you can take to keep your dog comfortable and safe. You should take regular breaks in shaded areas for your dog to rest and ensure that they have access to fresh drinking water whilst outside.
We have listed 7 essential tips on how to walk dogs in hot weather in order to keep them as cool and safe as possible.
Choose a route with shaded areas
When walking dogs in the heat, you should ensure there are shaded areas available to offer your dog some relief. You could take a break under a tree in the park or any other sheltered area that provides cover from the sun.
Make sure there is access to water
It’s essential your dog stays hydrated whilst walking in hot weather to minimise the risk of dehydration or heat stroke. Dog owners should keep clean and cold drinking water on hand to offer to their dogs during a walk. You can bring a water bottle and a portable bowl with you to keep your dog hydrated.
Time your walks
It’s important to take your dog for a walk at safe temperatures, which is why the best time to walk dogs is usually early in the morning or later in the evening - as opposed to midday when the sun is at its strongest. The pavement also won’t be too hot to walk your dog, so you can look after their paws. Ideally, you should choose woodlands and grassed areas to walk your dog in summer, as these areas are generally cooler and safer.
Avoid intense exercise
Although dogs enjoy running alongside whilst you jog or cycle, strenuous exercise in the sun can cause dogs to quickly become dehydrated and puts them at higher risk of heat stroke. It’s best to avoid heavy exercise and keep your dog’s walks brief and light in hot weather.
Apply pet-safe sun cream
You should apply pet-safe sun cream to any exposed areas of your dog’s skin - such as the tip of their ears and nose - in order to prevent sunburn. This is also essential for dogs with light-coloured fur, as they are more likely to burn.
Consider a cooling vest
If your dog is prone to overheating due to their thick coat, you may consider investing in a cooling vest. These can help regulate your dog’s body temperature with cool air. You should also regularly groom your dog’s coat to remove any dead hair or knots to keep their coats less dense
Incorporate water play activities
Playing with water is a great way for your dog to enjoy the weather whilst staying cool and safe at the same time. You can provide a paddling pool or water sprinklers as an alternative to walking your dog in the heat. Make sure the paddling pool is shallow enough so that only your dog’s paws are immersed, and never leave them unattended near water.
What are the 6 signs of heat stroke in dogs?
Heat stroke is a high temperature which is not caused by a fever. Signs of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting, uncoordinated movements, excessive drooling, vomiting, lethargy and fainting. If you notice these signs, cool your dog down safely in a steady manner by following our first aid tips and take them to the vet as quickly as possible.
Walking your dog in extreme heat can be dangerous if your dog is unable to regulate their body temperature, leading to heat stroke. Heat strokes can quickly become life-threatening, which is why it’s essential for owners to act promptly when noticing any of the symptoms below:
While dogs generally pant, they usually do so in short bursts and stop panting when they’re resting. However, if your dog is panting heavily for a continued period of time, hyperventilating or has difficulty in breathing even when resting, they may be experiencing heat exhaustion.
Your dog may become dehydrated and therefore dizzy during a heat stroke. If they are unable to walk straight and their movements are uncoordinated, you should seek help from a vet promptly.
Drooling takes heat away from the body and can help your dog to cool down, which is why excessive drooling may be a sign that your dog is getting too hot. If your dog is drooling more than usual or if their drool becomes thicker, this may be the onset of heat stroke.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are emergency symptoms of heat stroke as your dog’s body struggles to cope with the heat. You may notice blood in their vomit or stool, in which case you should get them help immediately.
Heat exhaustion can also cause your dog to become lethargic and fatigued. If your dog is sleeping more than usual, or is exhibiting muscle weakness, this may be a symptom of heat stroke.
Unconsciousness can be a fatal sign of heat stroke. If your dog is experiencing seizures or has collapsed, you must take them to the vet as a matter of urgency.
It’s essential to support your dog’s health in all types of weather by looking out for any signs your dog or puppy is unwell and taking them to the vet as soon as possible. Your dog’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, which is why it’s also important to manage a stressed dog.
Heat Stroke First Aid for Dogs
If your dog displays any of the above signs of heat stroke, you must contact a vet immediately. In the meantime, you can cool your dog down safely by performing the following first aid tips:
- Gently move your dog to a cooler/shaded area
- Place a cooling fan near your dog
- Wet your dog down with cool water
- Place wet towels under your dog
- Offer cool water for your dog to drink
- Check your dog’s temperature regularly
- Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog’s condition does not improve or if their temperature remains high
It’s important to not pour cold water over your dog as this can cause a shock to their system. If you ever pour water on a dog, you should also pour it away from their head to avoid drowning them in water, particularly if they are unconscious or of a brachycephalic breed. If you’re using a wet towel to cool down your dog, immerse the towel in cold water and wring it out slightly before placing it underneath your dog - do this regularly to keep the towel cool. You should never place the towel on top of your dog as this can trap in heat and make the situation worse.
A dog suffering from heat exhaustion can lose consciousness. It is important to get them to the vet as soon as possible for emergency care.
While heat stroke can be dangerous, it is entirely preventable by knowing which temperatures are safe to walk your dog and taking the necessary precautions to protect them. By following our advice on how to keep your dog safe and comfortable, you can enjoy your summer together. It’s also crucial for your dog’s well-being for you to familiarise yourself with dog and puppy first aid in case of any adversities.
