While we all know that ‘walkies’ are the highlights of your dog’s day, high summer temperatures can quickly make your daily strolls potentially dangerous, with a real risk of paw pad burns and even heat stroke. Figures from the Royal Veterinary College’s heatstroke study, published in the June 2024 edition of Vet Record, revealed that 38% of vets saw at least one dog affected by heatstroke after being walked on a hot day in the summer of 2022.
This guide will help you to understand temperature thresholds and more easily determine when walks should be shortened, rescheduled or skipped entirely. We will also provide tips for hydration and cooling, as well as inspiration for indoor alternatives, so you can both enjoy the warm summer weather safely.
Why are dogs vulnerable to heat?
Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their paw pads and pant to regulate their temperature. This, combined with many breeds having thick coats, means it is common for dogs to retain heat and become more uncomfortable in warm temperatures than their owners.
Signs of overheating
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Rapid or heavy panting
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Drooling
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Redness in the mouth or gums
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Restlessness
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Reluctance to move
In addition to these initial signs of discomfort, if you suspect your dog may have heatstroke seek immediate veterinary care - heatstroke can cause organ failure within minutes. Initial signs include weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures.
UK temperature thresholds
Sustained temperatures around 24°C are typically considered to be too hot for an average dog. Depending on the breed and size of your dog, this threshold could be even lower as coat thickness or flat faces (such as bulldogs) could make cooling especially difficult.
The pavement test
Surface temperatures will often exceed air temperature. Sometimes this can make the ground uncomfortable to walk on even if the air temperature is not excessive. While you will probably not be experiencing it with bare feet, your dog will, so make sure to test hard surfaces on your walking route.
A commonly used technique for this is the seven-second test. Simply press your hand or bare foot against the pavement for seven seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it will also be too hot for your furry friend. In these cases, find a grassier route, such as a walk in the woods or a park.
|
Air temperature (°C) |
Guidance |
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<20°C |
Generally safe for most dogs, but monitor specific breed sensitivities. |
|
20°C - 24°C |
Consider shorter walks and cooler times of day. Carry water and test hard surfaces. |
|
>24°C |
Limit outdoor activity to bathroom breaks and focus on indoor activities. |
Other heat factors to consider
Humidity and heat index
Temperature is not the only factor in how you feel in warm weather. Humidity can also have a major impact.
High humidity levels in the air prevent your body from effectively cooling though sweating. If it’s uncomfortable for you, imagine how it would feel walking in humid conditions as a dog! Humidity above 60% significantly hampers panting efficiency, making your dog feel like they are unable to cool down. On humid days, even 22°C could feel stifling for your dog.
A useful way to see how temperature and humidity are creating unsafe walking conditions is to use the Heat Index. The Heat Index is a calculation combining air temperature and humidity to give you a clearer indication of the conditions. You may see this on a weather report as a ‘feels like’ temperature estimate.
Sun strength (UV index)
As with humans, high UV levels can burn skin and add to heat stress. Check your weather apps before heading out for your walks and take extra caution if the level is 6 or higher. In these cases, keep walks to a minimum and choose shaded routes to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
The UV index will give you a good indication of what to look out for on the weather report. These levels are for people, but this is still a good guide because if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your dogs;
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UV Levels 1-2: Low. No protection needed.
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UV 3-5: Moderate
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UV 6-7: Moderate to high.
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UV 8+: Very high levels.
Tips for walks on hot days
Time your walks carefully
Aim for the coolest parts of the day - early mornings or late evenings after sunset.
Whatever time you choose, avoid the midday sun between 11 am and 3 pm. Check your weather app for hourly temperature estimates. Just shifting walks by 30-60 minutes can make a significant difference to the temperature.
Avoid concrete and hard surfaces
When the temperature is above 20°C avoid hard surfaces like pavements and footpaths where possible as they will retain heat and feel much more uncomfortable to your dog than you might realise. Instead, find walking routes with grass, sand or dirt trails.
Hydration and cooling tips
When out on a walk, always carry a waterbottle and a portable bowl. Make sure you take regular breaks to offer small sips of water rather than giving them a full bowl to gulp at the end.
Bring a damp towel or cool mat to give them somewhere safe to rest (remember, the seven-second rule applies to sitting and laying down as well as walking).
If you are stuck at home and it is still too hot consider a mini paddling pool and water toys for the garden. Not only will these be great fun and a consolation for not having a walk, but playing in water will help to regulate their temperature.
Find indoor alternatives
Every summer there are days when it is simply too hot and muggy to move. Not only are walks off the table, but the garden is out of bounds too. Try the following activities in shaded room or on cool, tiled floors;
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Puzzle feeders
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Hide and seek games
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Short training sessions
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Indoor fetch
Leaving your dog in hot conditions
Car safety
Cars can become dangerously hot within minutes, even at temperatures as low as 15°C–20°C. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, even if the window is open, the car is in the shade and you’re only gone for a few minutes.
While it is not specifically illegal to leave dogs in hot cars, owners could be charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 if their dog were to become ill as a result.
Gardens
Back gardens can also become dangerously hot. Make sure there is constant access to fresh water, shaded shelter and access to a cooler indoor area. Consider heat-related hazards and remove things that have exposed metal or plastic surfaces, which could become dangerously hot to the touch.
How long should I let my dog lie in the sun?
Limit sun‑bathing to short intervals (5–10 minutes), especially for light-coloured or thin-coated breeds. Always provide shade and water.
Staying cool with TopDog
Making sure it’s safe to take your dog for a walk isn’t as simple as checking the temperature. Even below 24°C, conduct surface tests, check humidity levels and factor in your dog’s size, breed and condition before making a final decision.
If you do settle on staying home, follow the same best practices to make sure they are happy and safe in the garden or house.
From stylish adjustable harnesses to matching leads and collars, check out TopDog’s range to find everything you need to keep your dog looking and feeling cool on those summer strolls, and when the seasons do eventually change, check out our guide to cold weather walks to get the most out of walks in all weathers!