Knowing how to tell it’s too hot to walk a dog is essential pup parent intel. Even if your dog is one of the best breeds for hot weather, understanding appropriate conditions for walking your pet could be the difference between the picture of health and a medical emergency.
“Dogs are prone to heatstroke when the weather’s warm, especially those who are young, old, overweight, or brachycephalic dog breeds with flat faces,” advises vet Dr Hannah Godfrey. “What’s more, sensitive dog paws can burn if the ground is too hot. That’s why it’s so important not to walk your dog in the heat of the day when the temperature is high. Instead, walk them in the early morning or evening.”
If you’re not already ‘hot’ on keeping your dog at a comfortable temperature, now’s the time to learn how to cool down a dog, as well as pick up tips on ways to keep your dog cool this summer.
Although, as with most canine ailments, prevention is better than a cure. It can be tempting to head out and enjoy the summer sun, but how do you when it’s too hot to walk a dog? Let’s take a look at the signs...
Signs it’s too hot to walk a dog
1. The ground feels hot to the touch
Have you ever walked out onto a deck or patio barefoot on a blistering hot day? If so, you’ll be familiar with the quick-stepping dance all victims perform when their sensitive soles come into contact with the ground.
It’s exactly the same case for your dog’s little toe beans, too. Their exposed pads can become scorched and sore when in prolonged contact with sun-cooked surfaces.
“If you put your hand on the sidewalk and it feels too hot for you to touch comfortably, it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws,” remarks Dr Godfrey. “If you think the ground might be too hot for your dog, wait a few hours until the weather cools and test again.”
2. The temperature is above 81ºF
Many dogs won’t be able to withstand a walk in 81ºF, such as the best dog breeds for cold weather with their thicker coats, or flat-faced dogs who could encounter breathing issues. However, Dr Godfrey advises that this temperature is the absolute cut-off.
“You should never walk any dog if the temperature is more than 81ºF. Ideally, dogs should be walked when the temperature is less than 68ºF, but some dogs will tolerate short walks when the temperature is a little higher.”
If you do choose to head out with the mercury at 68ºF or above, you should take a few precautions.
“Always make sure you have water freely available,” suggests Dr Godfrey. “Don’t play any high-energy games – leave the ball and your best dog toys at home – and stay in the shade wherever you can.”
3. Your dog is panting before you’ve left the house
Dogs pant to help lower their body temperature, so if your pup’s tongue is already lolling out, it’s well and truly too hot to walk a dog.
“If your dog is already panting when they’re at home, it’s too hot to take them out,” confirms Dr Godfrey. “Wait until the temperature drops and your dog has calmed and cooled down.”
4. Your dog is shade-seeking
Even if your pooch isn’t one of the smartest dog breeds, he’ll understand the cooling effect of settling down in a shady spot. Some dogs are quite ingenious at engineering some shade, and might even hunker down in the shade of your shadow on a sunny day.
It might be sweet to catch sight of your dog chilling out, but if your pooch is hellbent on finding a shady patch to lie in, it’s a tell-tale sign that he’s one hot dog.
“If your dog is restless, trying to find somewhere to cool off, and reluctant to come out of the shade, it’s not a good time to take them for a walk,” says Dr Godfrey.
If you still feel like your dog would benefit from some playtime in the yard, there’s plenty you can do to make the session a comfortable one.
“Set up a dog swimming pool or one of the best cooling mats for dogs to help them cool off,” advises Dr Godfrey.
5. It feels too hot for you
Imagine heading out in a fur coat on a hot day – it doesn’t sound too comfortable, right? If the thought of going out for a walk in the hot weather feels exhausting or a struggle for you, it’s probably too hot for your dog, too.
“If you’re drenched in sweat, remember your dog finds it even more difficult to stay cool because they can’t sweat,” says Dr Godfrey. “Take it easy and postpone the walk until the evening when the weather is cooler.”
Read next: Signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Dr. Hannah Godfrey is a qualified vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. She is passionate about soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, and completed additional training in these areas.
Edited by: Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
This feature was last updated in June 2025 by Bethany Stone.
