When is it too hot to walk a dog? – The Sun | The Sun

2022-07-10

OUR furry friends love a walk and long outings when it's sunny seem like a great idea but your dog may not appreciate the heat.

In hot temperatures, dogs can become dehydrated, burn their paws, or get heat stroke so here's how hot is too hot to walk your dog.

When is it too hot to walk a dog?

Pets, like us, love to be outside in the sunshine but with their fur they can easily overheat.

Generally speaking, most breeds will be ok up to around 19 degrees celsius to be walked throughout the day and stay happy.

Although owners of obese pups or those with health issues or flatter noses should keep a close eye on their dog.

Up to around 23 degrees it is ok to lightly exercise your dog but any strenuous exercise could put them at risk of heat stroke.

As the temperature climbs to 27 degrees most breeds will struggle to do any sort of exercise, or even spend time in the heat.

Take care with larger, fluffier breeds as well as young pups, flat-faced, obese, and those with health issues as they are more prone to heat stroke.

When you hit 27 degrees or above, no dog should be exercising as this could be life threatening.

At 32 degrees, heat stroke is a major risk for all breeds of canine, not just those naturally prone to it.

Just do your best to keep your pup cool in the hot weather.

What is the best time to walk a dog on a hot day?

Early morning is the ideal time to walk a dog as the temperature from the day before will have dropped and has not yet begun to rise.

If you are an early riser, try and get your dog well exercised before breakfast and it'll set you both up for the day.

Symptoms of heat stroke are:

Panting heavily
Drooling excessively
Appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
Vomiting
Collapsing
Diarrhoea

The pavements get hotter as the black tarmac traps heat so use your hand to check the temperature – if you're uncomfortable, your pup definitely will be.

For dogs that need two walks a day, leave the second one as long as possible into the evening.

Sunset is late but if you're a night owl and can walk your dog when the sun has gone down, even better.

How long can dogs stay outside on a hot day?

Your dog will likely tell you when they're too hot and try to go inside or find shade.

If they are fidgeting a lot, panting too much or just generally seem uncomfortable encourage them to go inside.

Generally, dogs can enjoy a good few hours in the sunshine at comfortable temperatures up to around 24 degrees.

Beyond this they will likely only want to sit out for a matter of minutes, most of the time a quick toilet break before heading back inside will probably be plenty.

Make sure they have access to water, that is topped up frequently – avoid metal bowls in summer as this can burn your dog when they drink.

Shade is also crucial as they may want to be near you as you sunbathe, a little spot with soft padding (or pool) is advised.

It might seem sensible to shave the fur to allow for heat relief but this creates other problems as dogs can get sunburnt.

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Use pet safe suncream on vulnerable areas and don’t forget to reapply to avoid this and leave their fur if possible.

Brush your dog regularly in the summer to help them malt and get rid of extra insulation.

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