We all look forward to those sunny days, but sometimes the British summer (or lack of it) can catch us off guard and get a bit too warm for our dogs. While we might be happy to soak up the sun, our dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as well as we can. Mind you, some of us struggle a fair bit with the heat too!
With summer on the way, you probably have a few questions. When is it actually too hot to walk a dog? How do I know for sure? What should I do if my dog gets too warm? Do they still need exercise when it’s baking outside?
Don’t worry. In this article, we’ll answer all of those questions and help you keep your dog safe during hot weather. We’ll cover when it’s best to skip the walk, the risks of walking in the heat, signs of overheating, and plenty of ways to keep your dog happy and entertained when it’s simply too hot to head outdoors.
While you’re here, why not download the Zigzag puppy training app? You’ll get a personalised training plan tailored to your pup’s age and breed, plus access to our team of expert puppy coaches whenever you need support.
Quick Answer: When is it too hot to walk a dog?
If the temperature is above 30°C, do not walk your dog.
At temperatures above 30°C, the risk of overheating, dehydration, burnt paws, and heatstroke becomes too high.
Temperatures above 20°C can also be risky, particularly for:
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Flat-faced breeds
- Dogs with thick coats
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with underlying health conditions
Before heading out, always consider humidity, pavement temperature, shade, access to water, and your individual dog’s needs.
As a general rule, if it feels hot to you, it feels even hotter to your dog.
Some dogs are more vulnerable to heatstroke than others
While temperatures above 30°C should always be considered a no-go for dog walks, not every dog copes with warm weather in the same way.
Breed can play a huge role in how susceptible a dog is to overheating. Factors such as body shape, coat type, size, and breathing ability all affect how efficiently a dog can regulate their temperature.
Research from Vets Now found that some breeds are significantly more likely to suffer heatstroke than Labradors. Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are particularly vulnerable because their shortened airways make it harder for them to cool themselves through panting. Large, heavy-coated breeds can also struggle to regulate their body temperature when temperatures rise.
This is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Is it too hot to walk my dog?” A temperature that feels manageable for one dog may be dangerous for another.
If you own a flat-faced breed, a giant breed, a thick-coated breed, a puppy, or an older dog, it’s especially important to be cautious during warm weather and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day.
Source: Vets Now Heatstroke Awareness Research
What temperature is too hot to walk my dog?
Although 30°C should always be treated as too hot for dog walks, there are several factors that affect how well individual dogs cope with warmer weather.
These include:
- Breed
- Age
- Weight
- Coat type
- Fitness level
- Health conditions
- Humidity
- Access to shade and water
Location matters too. A shady forest walk with access to a stream is much safer than an exposed park with no shade.
If you live somewhere that doesn’t usually experience high temperatures, remember that sudden heatwaves can be a shock to your dog’s system because they haven’t had time to acclimatise.
Dogs Most at Risk in Hot Weather
Some dogs are particularly vulnerable to overheating, including:
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with breathing difficulties
- Thick-coated breeds
- Cold-weather breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes
These dogs may struggle in temperatures that other dogs can tolerate and should be monitored particularly carefully during hot weather.
Why is walking a dog in hot weather dangerous?
Walking in hot weather can be dangerous because dogs are susceptible to:
- Heatstroke
- Dehydration
- Burnt paw pads
- Heat exhaustion
Dogs cool themselves mainly through panting, which isn’t nearly as effective as sweating. Once their body temperature rises too high, they can quickly become overwhelmed by the heat.
When dogs get hot, their natural instinct is usually to slow down and rest. Think of dogs in hotter countries. They’re often found snoozing in the shade rather than running around in the midday sun.
By taking them for a walk during the hottest part of the day, we may be asking them to exercise when their body is actually trying to cool itself down.
Can dogs get heatstroke from walking?
Yes. Heatstroke can happen surprisingly quickly, especially if a dog is exercising in hot weather or direct sunlight.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that can damage internal organs and become life-threatening if left untreated.
This is why it’s always safer to skip a walk than risk your dog overheating.
Signs your dog is overheating
It’s important to recognise the early signs of overheating before they progress to heatstroke.
Common signs include:
- Excessive panting
- Heavy drooling
- Lethargy
- Slowing down during walks
- Reluctance to move
- Difficulty breathing
- Choking or gagging sounds
- Bright red gums
If you notice these signs, stop activity immediately and move your dog somewhere cool.
If symptoms worsen or your dog appears distressed, contact your vet immediately.
Excessive panting and increased water intake can sometimes indicate that your dog is struggling with the heat. If you’re unsure what’s normal, our guides on Why Is My Dog Panting and Restless? and Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water? can help you understand what to look out for.
Is it okay for my dog to miss a walk because of the heat?
Absolutely.
If it’s too hot to walk your dog safely, it’s far better to skip the walk than risk overheating or heatstroke. Missing a day or two of walks won’t harm your dog, but exercising in dangerous temperatures can.
Many owners worry that their dog will become bored or frustrated without a walk. The good news is that physical exercise isn’t the only way to tire a dog out.
Mental stimulation can be just as rewarding and often more exhausting than a walk.
On hot days, try:
- Puzzle toys
- Food-dispensing toys
- Snuffle mats
- Positive reinforcement training sessions
- Scent games around the house
- Hide-and-seek games
- Lick mats topped with frozen treats
- Frozen kefir treats
- Stuffed and frozen KONG toys
- Indoor training games
If you’re looking for inspiration, our Puppy Brain Games guide and Training Games Library are packed with simple activities you can do indoors to keep your dog entertained during hot weather.
Many dogs will be perfectly happy swapping a hot walk for a day of enrichment, training, and relaxation in a cool environment.
How can I exercise my dog when it’s too hot?
If temperatures are high, skip the walk and focus on safer alternatives.
Mental enrichment activities provide an excellent outlet for your dog’s energy while keeping them cool and comfortable. In fact, many dogs will find a short training session or puzzle game more tiring than a walk around the block.
What is the best time to walk a dog in summer?
If you do decide to walk your dog, early morning is usually the safest time.
The ground is cooler, temperatures are lower, and the sun is less intense.
Late evening walks can also work, but remember that pavements and roads often retain heat long after the sun has gone down.
Always check the ground temperature before heading out.
How to keep your dog cool in hot weather
Stay at Home
It sounds obvious, but if in doubt, don’t go out.
It is perfectly okay for your dog to miss a walk. You can have plenty of fun indoors, and it’s much safer for everyone.
Get a Paddling Pool for the Garden
If you have the space, a hard-sided plastic paddling pool is brilliant for giving your dog a cooling dip.
Just remember that the water can warm up if left in direct sunlight, so check it before your dog jumps in.
Stick to the Shade
If it’s warm (but not hot) and you decide to head out, stick to woodland walks or heavily shaded areas.
Take things slowly. You don’t always need to go for a full walk. Sitting under a tree and watching the world go by still provides plenty of enrichment through sniffing and observing.
Go Swimming
Swimming can be a fantastic way for dogs to exercise during summer.
Choose safe locations and supervise your dog carefully.
Be mindful that swallowing too much water while swimming can cause problems.
If your puppy is new to water, check out our guide on Teaching Your Puppy to Swim before heading to the beach, river, or lake.
Walk at Cooler Times of Day
The sun is usually strongest between 10am and 4pm.
However, humidity can make conditions feel hotter even outside these hours.
Early morning is often the safest option during summer.
Use Fans or Air Conditioning
Air conditioning isn’t common in every UK home, but as summers become warmer, keeping the air moving can make a huge difference.
A fan or portable air cooler can help keep both you and your dog comfortable.
Make Pupsicles and Frozen Treats
Skip the baking and opt for frozen goodies instead.
Pupsicles, frozen kefir treats, and frozen lick mats are all great ways to help your dog cool down while providing enrichment at the same time.
The pavement test: is it too hot for my dog’s paws?
Before every summer walk, do the pavement test.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds.
If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Hot pavements can cause painful burns in a matter of seconds.
Final thoughts
Knowing when it’s too hot to walk your dog comes down to paying attention to temperature, humidity, ground conditions, and your dog’s individual needs.
A simple rule to remember is this:
If the temperature is above 30°C, do not walk your dog.
If temperatures are above 20°C, take extra care and assess whether it’s truly safe to head out.
And remember, if it’s too hot for a walk, it’s absolutely okay for your dog to miss one. Focus on enrichment, training games, puzzle toys, frozen treats, and spending time together indoors instead.
For more indoor activity ideas, take a look at our Puppy Brain Games guide or browse our Training Games Library.
If your dog does become unwell during hot weather, our guides on Why Is My Dog Panting and Restless?, Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water?, and Is My Dog In Pain? can help you recognise when it’s time to seek veterinary advice.
Your dog won’t suffer from missing a walk, but they could suffer from overheating.
Keeping them cool, comfortable, and safe should always come first.
The Zigzag puppy training app is packed with ideas for keeping your dog happy, whether it’s a heatwave or a rainy afternoon. It’s all based on positive reinforcement, so you know you’re building a great bond while keeping them safe.
Use the seven-second pavement test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Hot pavements can cause painful burns in a matter of seconds.
Yes. Research from Vets Now found that some breeds are significantly more likely to suffer heatstroke than Labradors. Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs, as well as large, heavy-coated breeds, can be particularly vulnerable during hot weather.
Yes. High humidity makes it more difficult for dogs to cool themselves through panting, which can increase the risk of overheating even when temperatures aren’t at their highest.
Early morning is usually the safest option. Although evening walks can be cooler, pavements and roads often retain heat long after the sun has gone down.
Yes. Hot pavements, tarmac, and artificial grass can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paw pads. Always check the ground temperature before heading out.
Most dogs benefit from daily exercise, but it’s perfectly okay to skip a walk when weather conditions make it unsafe. On hot days, indoor enrichment, training sessions, scent games, and puzzle toys can provide valuable mental stimulation without the risk of overheating.
