They’re sitting by the front door whining to go on a walk. You put your shoes on and head out together, enjoying the summer sunshine. But before every walk, especially in summer, you should ask yourself if it’s too hot for your dog. If it feels hot to you, it’s hotter for your dog.
Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do, and they rely mainly on panting to cool down. In addition, they don’t have any protection from the hot concrete. Hot weather can quickly turn a normal walk into a health risk.
How hot is too hot?
The answer might surprise you.
A simple rule: if it’s over 28 degrees Celsius, be cautious. If it’s over 32 degrees Celsius, skip the walk altogether.
Some breeds fare worse in hot weather, such as those with short muzzles like pugs and French bulldogs. These breeds can struggle to cool down due to reduced air intake efficiency, so it pays to be extra conservative when walking these breeds in warm weather.
An often-overlooked danger, though, is the ground temperature. Asphalt, concrete and sand heat up far more than the air temperature, and can reach temperatures that can burn your dog’s paws.
The seven-second test
To determine if the ground is too hot for your dog’s paws, do the ‘seven-second test’. Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t keep it there comfortably for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.
Watch for warning signs
Warning signs your dog is overheating include:
- heavy or frantic panting
- slowing down or stopping
- drooling, vomiting, or wobbliness.
If you see these signs, stop immediately, move your dog into the shade and them with water.
Safe ways to exercise on very hot days
You don’t need to go on a long walk to keep your dog happy. On hot days, instead try:
- early morning or late evening walks (before 8 am or after sunset), when the ground and air have cooled down
- indoor games like tug of war, hide-and-seek or treat puzzles
- training sessions (five minutes of learning can be very tiring)
- water play in a sprinkler or shell pool, or at a safe dog beach
- sniffing activities, which use mental energy without overheating your dog.
