You can take your dog out in hot weather, but only if you plan trips around cooler times, protect their paws, and watch for signs of overheating. If temperatures climb or surfaces feel hot to your hand, skip the walk or choose a shaded, grassy route and carry water for your dog.
You know your dog best, so tailor walks to their age, breed and fitness. Keep outings short, use early mornings or evenings, and check paws and behaviour often so you can stop at the first sign of heat stress.
Key Takeaways
- Walks are safe when you avoid peak heat and protect paws.
- Watch your dog closely for changes in breathing, energy or behaviour.
- Give extra care to puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds.
Understanding Dogs in Hot Weather
Dogs lose heat differently from people. Knowing how they cool down, why they struggle more than you, and how humidity makes this worse helps you pick safe times and actions for walks and play.
How Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature
Dogs mostly cool themselves by panting. Panting moves air across the moist surfaces in the mouth and throat so evaporation carries heat away. They also sweat very little through pads on their feet, so sweating does not help much.
A dog’s fur can protect skin from direct sun but can also trap heat, especially in double-coated breeds. Your dog’s heart and circulation work to move warm blood toward the skin where it can lose heat. If they can’t cool fast enough, body temperature rises and you see heavy panting, drooling or red gums.
You should watch breeds with flat faces, older dogs, puppies and overweight dogs more closely. These types pant less efficiently or have other health limits. Give water, shade and rest sooner for those dogs.
Why Hot Weather Is Riskier for Dogs than for Us
You sweat over most of your skin and that cools you efficiently. Dogs cannot. Panting becomes their main cooling tool and it fails if air is still or too humid. Even moderate exercise can cause a dog’s body temperature to climb much faster than yours.
Heat affects dogs faster when they are exercising, excited or wearing thick coats. A short, brisk walk on warm pavement can push some dogs toward heat stress. Flat-faced breeds like pugs, elderly dogs, and dogs with heart or breathing problems are at much higher risk. You must plan walks in cooler parts of the day and stop activity if your dog shows signs of overheating.
The Impact of Humidity on Dogs
High humidity cuts panting’s cooling power. When the air already holds lots of moisture, evaporation from the mouth and breath slows down. Your dog will pant harder and still not cool well.
Humid heat is therefore more dangerous than dry heat at the same temperature. You may see rapid, shallow breathing, very bright red gums, or wobbliness in humid weather. On humid days, pick early morning or late evening walks, use shaded routes, and offer cooling options like damp towels or a shallow paddling pool. If your dog struggles to breathe or collapses, seek veterinary help immediately.
How Hot is Too Hot for Dogs?
Dogs can overheat faster than you think. Small rises in temperature or humidity can cause heavy panting, collapse, or heatstroke without clear warning signs.
Safe Temperature Guidelines
Most dogs start to struggle when air temperatures reach about 20°C, and risk rises above 25°C. At 30°C and above, only very brief walks are safe unless you provide shade, water and cooling options.
Check surface heat: asphalt can be 10–20°C hotter than the air and burn paws. Test by placing your hand on the ground for five seconds — if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Use these quick rules:
- Under 20°C: normal walks for most dogs.
- 20–25°C: shorten vigorous play; bring water.
- 25–30°C: keep walks short and in shade; avoid midday.
- Above 30°C: avoid outdoor exercise; use indoor toilet options.
Always watch humidity. High humidity makes panting less effective, so a 25°C muggy day can be more dangerous than a dry 30°C day.
Factors Affecting Each Dog’s Limits
Your dog’s age, weight and health change how much heat they tolerate. Puppies and older dogs struggle to cool down. Overweight dogs and dogs with heart or lung problems overheat faster.
Coat type matters: thick double coats trap heat, while thin coats lose heat more easily. Dark-coloured coats absorb more sun than light ones.
Activity level changes risk too. Running or playing raises body temperature quickly. Even a fit dog can suffer heatstroke after intense activity on a warm day.
Medication and recent surgery can lower a dog’s ability to regulate temperature. If your dog is on meds or recovering, speak to your vet before longer outings.
Risk Groups and Breeds More Vulnerable to Heat
Some breeds need extra care whenever temperatures climb. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like pugs, bulldogs and boxers pant less effectively and can develop breathing trouble in warm air.
Deep-chested or heavy breeds, such as mastiffs and Newfoundlands, also struggle to cool down fast.
Other high-risk groups:
- Very young puppies and senior dogs.
- Overweight dogs and those with heart, lung or endocrine disease.
- Dogs on sedatives or diuretics.
- Dogs with thick double coats or very dark fur.
If your dog falls into any of these groups, reduce outdoor time sooner than you would for other dogs. Carry water, plan shaded routes, and consider early-morning or late-evening walks when temperatures drop.
For breed-specific advice, see practical guidance from animal charities like the RSPCA for keeping dogs safe in summer (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/summer/dogs).
Recognising Signs of Overheating in Dogs
Dogs can overheat quickly. Watch for changes in breathing, behaviour, gums and movement, and act fast if you spot worrying signs.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
Look for heavy, continuous panting that does not ease when your dog rests. Panting with the tongue hanging out and the corners of the mouth pulled back is common. Their breathing may sound faster or shallower than normal.
Check the gums and tongue colour. Pale, bright pink or very red gums can show rising body temperature. A dry or sticky mouth and drooling more than usual are other early clues.
Notice behaviour changes. Your dog may slow down, lie down more, seek shade, or refuse toys and walks. They might seem unsteady, wobble, or act unusually quiet. Puppies, old dogs, overweight dogs and flat-faced breeds are at higher risk, so watch them closely.
Life-Threatening Symptoms
If your dog collapses, has seizures, or cannot breathe properly, treat it as an emergency. Confusion, extreme weakness, or difficulty standing are serious signs. Vomiting, diarrhoea and blood in vomit or faeces can mean internal damage.
Very dark red or purple gums, a bluish tinge to the tongue, or a sudden drop in responsiveness show severe heatstroke. Rapid heartbeat, bleeding from the nose or gums, and uncontrolled drooling also point to major organ stress. These signs need immediate veterinary care.
Actions to Take If Your Dog Overheats
Stop activity immediately and move your dog to shade or a cool room. Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink. Do not force large gulps; let your dog lap gently.
Begin cooling by pouring cool water over the chest, belly and paws, or place damp towels on the body. Use a fan or open windows to increase airflow. Avoid ice packs directly on skin; wrap ice in a towel and apply to groin and armpits if available.
Monitor breathing and gum colour. If your dog collapses, vomits repeatedly, shows seizures, or the mouth turns blue or very dark red, call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away and transport them while continuing to cool. For more general advice on prevention and first aid, see guidance on keeping dogs safe in heat from the Dogs Trust.
Practical Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely in Warm Weather
Keep your dog cool, protect their paws, and reduce effort. Choose cooler times, check the ground, and cut intensity or length when needed.
Choosing the Best Time of Day for Walks
Walk early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are lowest. Aim for before 8am or after 8pm in summer heat; these times usually avoid the peak sun between 11am–4pm. If you commute or work, split walks into two short outings rather than one long one.
Pick shaded routes through parks or tree-lined streets. Shade cuts direct sun exposure and helps your dog pant less. If your dog is older, flat-faced, very small or overweight, keep walks very short even in mild warmth. Carry water and a collapsible bowl so you can offer drinks every 10–15 minutes on longer outings.
How to Test Ground Temperature Safely
Use the five-second test: press the back of your hand to the pavement for five seconds. If it feels too hot for you, it will burn your dog’s paws. Test tarmac, tiles and sand because they heat up faster than grass.
Carry a portable thermometer app or sensor for exact checks when you need precision. Look for signs of paw stress — limping, lifting paws or hesitation. If the ground is hot, walk on grass, dirt or use dog booties. Booties protect pads but introduce a learning curve; try them at home first to avoid stress during the walk.
Adapting Walk Length and Intensity
Cut walks to fit the heat. Replace a 40-minute brisk walk with two 10–15 minute gentle strolls. Avoid running, ball chases or fetch during warm periods; these spike body heat quickly.
Watch your dog’s breathing, gum colour and energy. If they pant heavily, slow down, find shade and offer water. For breeds at higher risk of overheating, reduce exertion by 50% on warm days and choose cool routes. Bring a cooling mat or spray bottle for rapid cooling after activity.
Keeping Dogs Cool and Comfortable Outdoors
Keep shade, fresh water and slow, low‑energy activities ready. Use cooling aids and watch your dog closely for any signs of overheating.
Providing Shade and Water
Always give your dog constant access to shaded spots outside. Use trees, awnings or a pop‑up sun shelter so they can escape direct sun at any time. Move bedding into shade and check ground temperature—if you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
Place at least two bowls of clean, cold water in different spots. Refill them often and add ice cubes on very hot days. Consider a spill‑proof water bowl if your dog is restless or a fountain that keeps water moving and cooler.
Watch for changes in drinking or behaviour. If your dog refuses water, pants heavily or seems disoriented, bring them indoors and wet their paws and belly while you call your vet.
Safe Outdoor Activities During Heat
Time your walks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lowest. Keep outings short—10 to 20 minutes depending on breed, coat and age. Stay on grass or shaded paths to protect paws and reduce heat exposure.
Avoid vigorous play, running or long games of fetch during the day. Slow, shaded sniffing walks and gentle training sessions are safer. For flat‑faced breeds, senior dogs and puppies, limit outdoor time more strictly and choose air‑conditioned spaces when possible.
Carry a towel and a bottle of water for short cool‑down breaks. If your dog shows heavy panting, stumbling, or excessive drooling, stop activity, cool them with wet towels and seek veterinary help if symptoms worsen.
Using Cooling Gear and Accessories
Try a cooling mat or a shallow paddling pool for supervised cooling. Cooling mats filled with gel work well for short rests, while a paddling pool lets dogs lie down and wet their belly. Always place these on cool, shaded ground.
Use a breathable, lightweight harness rather than a full chest strap to help air flow. Cooling vests and bandanas that you wet with cold water can lower body surface temperature. Change the water every 10–20 minutes in very hot weather so the item stays cold.
Never use ice directly on the skin or wrap ice packs on bare fur. Instead, wrap cold packs in a towel before applying to neck or belly for short periods. Check your dog’s reaction to any new gear and stop if they seem stressed.
Common Dangers and Hazards in Hot Weather
Hot weather can harm your dog in several clear ways. Watch surfaces, their breathing and body temperature, and places like cars and water where risks rise quickly.
Hot Pavements and Burnt Paws
Tarmac, sand and metal can reach temperatures that burn paw pads fast. Test surfaces with the five-second rule: press your bare palm to the ground for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it will burn your dog’s paws.
Signs of burnt paws include limping, licking the feet, swelling or blackened pads. Check between toes for grit and hot spots. Avoid walks on exposed surfaces between mid-morning and early evening when sun heats them most.
Protective steps: walk at cooler times, use shaded routes, carry water, and consider dog booties or paw balm for sensitive dogs. Shorten walks if the pavement warms up. If you see burns, rinse with cool water and call your vet.
Heatstroke and Its Dangers
Dogs overheat faster than people because they mainly cool by panting. Flat-faced breeds, older dogs, pups, and overweight dogs get into trouble more quickly. Temperatures above about 20–25°C can be risky for some dogs, but individual limits vary.
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, wobbliness, vomiting or collapse. If your dog shows these signs, act fast: move them to shade, offer small sips of cool water, and cool their body with cool (not icy) water on the belly, groin and armpits. Stop cooling if they start to shiver.
Call your vet immediately if signs are severe or don’t improve. Heatstroke can cause organ damage and needs urgent treatment. Don’t leave a dog to “sleep it off” — symptoms can get much worse.
Hazards like Cars, Beaches, and Open Water
Cars heat up in minutes and can be deadly even with windows cracked. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, follow local guidance and contact emergency services.
Beaches and lakes bring extra risks. Hot sand burns paws and saltwater can dehydrate. Currents and deep water can overwhelm dogs that are not strong swimmers. Rinse off salt after swimming to avoid skin irritation and offer fresh water to drink.
Plan trips: check rules for dogs at the beach, bring shade, life jackets for weak swimmers, and avoid midday outings. Keep your dog on a lead near roads or busy places to prevent sudden runs into heat or water hazards.
Extra Care for Vulnerable Dogs in the Heat
Check your dog’s behaviour often, limit time outside, and always carry water. Watch for heavy panting, slowing down, wobbliness, or drooling — these are early signs that your dog is struggling in the heat.
Older Dogs, Puppies, and Overweight Pets
Older dogs, very young puppies, and dogs carrying extra weight lose heat less efficiently. Avoid walking them when air temperature plus direct sun makes pavements hot; if the ground is too hot to touch for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Keep walks short — 5–10 minutes at the hottest parts of the day — and choose shaded routes or grass.
Bring a small bowl and cool drinking water on every outing. Offer water often, not just at the end, and let them rest in shade every few minutes. At home, make a cool spot with a damp towel or an elevated mesh bed and place bowls of water around the house.
If your dog has heart or lung issues, or you notice slower breathing and weakness, skip the walk and call your vet. Monitor weight and fitness: gradual weight loss and gentle, cooler-hour exercise help reduce heat risk.
Specific Advice for Flat-Faced and High-Risk Breeds
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, and shih tzus struggle to cool down by panting. They can go from okay to heatstroke quickly. Never leave them in cars or direct sun, even for a few minutes.
When you walk them, pick early morning or after sunset. Use a harness to reduce breathing stress and avoid jogging or long play sessions. Bring chilled water and a damp towel to lay over their chest (not the face) for short cooling breaks. Watch for heavy, noisy breathing, blue gums, collapsing, or vomiting — get emergency vet help if you see these signs.
For high-risk dogs, consider skipping outdoor exercise on hot days and use indoor enrichment like food toys or scent games. Ask your vet about fitness plans and any medical checks before warmer weather gets worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers give clear temperature rules, quick safety checks for pavements, and steps you can take right away to cool your dog. Read each question for exact temperatures, timing and practical actions.
What temperature is generally considered too hot for us to take our dogs outside?
Around 20–25°C you should start taking precautions, especially for short-nosed breeds, puppies, older dogs and dogs with health issues. Above 25°C you should limit exercise, pick cooler times and watch for heavy panting or wobbliness.
At what temperature should we avoid walking our dogs altogether?
Avoid walks in full sun once temperatures reach about 35°C. If your dog is brachycephalic, elderly, very young, overweight or has health problems, avoid intense activity well before this point.
How hot is too hot for walking dogs on pavements or tarmac?
If you can’t hold your bare hand or foot on the pavement for five to seven seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Pavement and tarmac can be much hotter than air temperature and will burn pads quickly.
How long can dogs safely stay outside when it’s around 38°C (100°F)?
At 38°C, keep outdoor time to a few minutes only and only for toilet breaks in shade. Never leave them exercising or unattended; bring water and a cool place immediately.
What should we do to help keep our dogs cool and comfortable during a heatwave?
Offer plenty of fresh water and shade at all times. Walk very early or late, use cooling mats or damp towels, and avoid vigorous play; carry a bottle of water to offer drinks on walks.
At what outside temperature does leaving a dog in a car become dangerous, even for a short time?
Even at 20–22°C, a car can heat to dangerous levels within minutes. Never leave a dog alone in a parked car; temperatures rise fast and can cause heatstroke within minutes.
