When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?

As summer temperatures rise across the UK, dog owners everywhere face a tricky question: When is it actually too hot to take your dog for a walk?

It is easy to assume that if it feels pleasant to us in a t-shirt, it is safe for our dogs. However, dogs regulate heat very differently than humans do. They cannot sweat through their skin to cool down. They rely primarily on panting and releasing small amounts of heat through their paw pads.

According to research cited by the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association (BVA), dogs are up to 10 times more likely to develop heatstroke during a walk than from being left in a hot car.

Here is everything you need to know about safe walking temperatures, how to check hot pavements, and how to keep your dog safe during warmer spells.

UK Dog Walking Temperature Guide

When deciding whether to grab the lead, the air temperature is your most reliable gauge. Below is a quick temperature breakdown recommended by UK animal welfare charities:

Air Temperature (°C)	Risk Level	Guidance
Below 19°C	Safe	Ideal condition for most dogs. Enjoy your regular routine!
20°C – 23°C	Moderate Risk	Proceed with caution. Keep walks short, slow, and stick to shady areas.
24°C – 27°C	High Risk	Dangerous for most dogs. Avoid strenuous exercise and stick to early mornings or late dusk.
28°C and above	Extreme Danger	To hot do not walk. Extremely high risk of severe heatstroke or fatal heat exhaustion.

Key Rule of Thumb: When the temperature hits 20°C, exercise extra caution. Once it reaches 24°C, it is safer to skip the walk entirely or restrict activity to a quick toilet break in the shade. We want to avoid hot dogs!

The 5-Second Tarmac Test: Protecting Paw Pads

Air temperature is only half the story. Tarmac, asphalt, artificial grass, and beach sand absorb solar radiation and can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air. On a 25°C day, tarmac in direct sunlight can reach over 50°C - hot enough to cause severe, painful burns to a dog's sensitive paw pads within seconds.

Before heading out, perform the 5-Second Tarmac Test:

1. Place the back of your bare hand flat on the pavement.
2. Hold it there for 5 seconds.
3. If it feels uncomfortably hot to your skin, it is far too hot for your dog’s paws.

Which Dogs Are at Highest Risk?

While high heat is dangerous for any breed, certain dogs are far more vulnerable to heat stress and can struggle even at temperatures as low as 18°C:

• Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Breeds: Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Boxers have shortened airways that make efficient panting much harder.
• Thick or Dark-Coated Breeds: Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Newfoundlands trap heat beneath dense undercoats.
• Overweight or Obese Dogs: Extra body fat acts as insulation and increases the physical strain on the heart during exercise.
• Senior Dogs & Puppies: Older dogs often have underlying heart or respiratory issues, while puppies struggle to self-regulate their body temperature.

Recognizing the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Recognising the early warning signs allows you to act before irreversible organ damage occurs.

Early Warning Signs:

• Excessive, heavy panting
• Profuse drooling or thick, sticky saliva
• Reddened gums or tongue
• Reluctance to walk or lagging behind

Advanced/Emergency Signs:

• Unsteadiness, confusion, or lack of coordination
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Glazed eyes or lethargy
• Seizures or complete collapse

What to Do in an Emergency:

If you suspect heatstroke, call your vet immediately. While seeking emergency care.

1. Move your dog to a cool, shaded area.
2. Pour cool (not ice-cold) tap water over their body, prioritising their head, neck and belly.
3. Offer small sips of cool drinking water.
4. Use a fan or open car windows during transit to create air movement.

Smart alternatives to Keep Your Dog Exercised in Hot Weather

Remember the golden rule echoed by UK vets: No dog ever died from missing a single walk. On sweltering hot days, replace outdoor exercise with brain-stimulating indoor activities:

• The "8am to 8pm Rule: If you must walk, do it before 8:00am or after 8:00pm when air and ground temperatures drop.
• Indoor Scent Work: Hide kibble or treats around the living room. Sniffing for 15 minutes burns significant mental energy and calms dogs down.
• Frozen Lick Mats & Kongs: Fill a toy with peanut butter, Greek Yogurt, COYA Treats and dog-safe fruit. Freeze it for a cooling mental workout.
• Shaded Garden Games: Set up a shallow plastic paddling pool or gentle sprinkler in a shaded corner of the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk my dog in the heat if I take water with me?

While carrying fresh water is essential, hydration alone will not prevent heatstroke. If the ambient temperature or ground heat is too high, panting while drinking water will not cool your dog down quickly enough to prevent overheating during exercise.

Is artificial grass safe for dogs in summer?

Be very careful. Artificial turf is made of synthetic plastic materials that absorb heat rapidly. On warm sunny days, artificial grass can become significantly hotter than natural lawn and can burn paw pads. Always test it with your hand first.

Conclusion: Prioritise Safety Over Routine

When summer arrives in the UK, adapting your dog's daily routine isn't just a matter of comfort - it is a critical safety measure. Always rely on the 20°C guideline as your signal to take extra care, and never forget to run the 5-second tarmac test before stepping out the door.

If you are ever in doubt about whether it is too hot to head out, err on the side of caution. Skip the midday stroll, make the most of cool early mornings or late evenings, and keep your dog mentally stimulated indoors instead. By keeping a close eye on the temperature and recognising the early signs of heat exhaustion, you can ensure your four-legged companion stays safe, cool, and happy all summer long.