Dogs need exercise, and they love to go for walks. But there’s a big question on many dog owners’ minds when the weather starts getting hot: what temperature is too hot to walk a dog outside?
As an avid dog lover, it’s probably important to you that you’re always taking the best possible care of your furry friend. And as the weather gets hotter and hotter, you’ve likely been wondering what temperature is too hot to walk a dog outside. So, we did some research, and here’s what we found out. Keep reading for more information on how to keep your pup safe during summertime walks!
Table of Contents
- What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog?
- How To Walk A Dog In Hot Weather? Tips & Tricks To Keep Your Pup Cool In Warm Weather
- Dog Breeds Handle Hot Weather Differently
- What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog: Know Your Dog & Notice Cues
- What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog: Frequently Asked Questions
- What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog: Conclusion
What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog?
When is it too hot to walk a dog? The answer may surprise you. While most people think that the only time it’s too hot to walk a dog is when the pavement is too hot to comfortably walk on barefoot, that’s not always the case.
In fact, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether or not it’s too hot to walk your dog. For example, the humidity level can play a big role in how comfortable your dog will be on a walk. If it’s very humid, even if the temperature isn’t all that high, it can still be quite uncomfortable for your pup.
In general, however, dogs can very well enjoy outdoor walkies when it’s up to 68° F. However, anything above that increases the risk of dehydration and other accompanying health issues. Even at 70° F, some dogs may be susceptible to dehydration and heatstroke. Anything above 77° F is considered dangerous, so you should avoid taking your pup out for a walk if the weather is getting really hot.
Additionally, the length of the walk and the time of day can also affect how safe it is to walk your dog in hot weather. It’s also important to consider the breed of dog, as some breeds don’t tolerate warm weather that well.
Moreover, dogs with preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are also at greater risk. If possible, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before taking your dog out in hot weather. They can offer specific advice based on your dog’s individual needs.
Finally, when in doubt, err on the side of caution. If it feels too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for your pup as well. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays safe and comfortable when the temperatures start to rise.
How To Walk A Dog In Hot Weather? Tips & Tricks To Keep Your Pup Cool In Warm Weather
Summertime is a great time to be a dog owner. You get to enjoy the nice weather and your dog gets to spend more time outside running around and enjoying themselves. But although it’s hot out, that doesn’t mean you can’t walk your dog. You just need to be careful about what temperature is too hot to walk a dog outside. Here are a few tips that’ll help you keep your pup cool in the summer heat.
Tip 1) Choose The Right Time For Walkies
The most important tip is to choose the time when you take your pup out for a walk. If it’s too hot outside, then the pavement can burn your dog’s paws. It’s also going to be more difficult for your dog to enjoy the walkies if the sun is shining straight upon them. So, you’ll want to avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day.
For this reason, it’s best to walk your dog when the sun isn’t as strong. The best time to walk your dog is early in the morning or later at night when it’s cooler outside. If it’s too hot to walk during the daytime, try taking your dog for a swim instead.
Tip 2) Bring Along Clean Drinking Water
One of the most important things to do when walking your dog in hot weather is to bring water with you. It’s important to keep your dog hydrated when it’s hot outside, so make sure to bring enough water for both of you.
Dogs can get dehydrated quickly in warm weather, so it’s important to offer them water frequently during walks. Bring a water bottle and a bowl so your pup can stay hydrated throughout the walk. There are plenty of cute portable dog water bottles that also include a water bowl. They’re easy to bring along for the walk and your pup will feel much better if they get a sip of refreshing water on the way.
Tip 3) Take Lots Of Breaks & Know When To Stop
If you do decide to take your dog for a walk when it’s hot outside, make sure to take breaks often in shady areas. If you feel like you’re getting too hot, then stop for a break. It’s important to listen to your body and your pup’s body during summer walks.
If you’re out walking and you notice your dog is panting heavily or seems exhausted, that’s a very clear sign that you should take a break in the shade and give them a chance to rest. It’s important not to push them too hard in the heat.
Furthermore, if either of you is feeling exhausted, then it’s time to head home. Know when to stop. If it’s too hot outside and you can’t find any relief from the heat, it’s time to go home. Don’t risk your dog’s health by continuing to walk in extremely hot weather.
Tip 4) Use Paw Wax Or Dog Shoes
If the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on, consider using paw wax or dog shoes. This will help protect their paws from the hot pavement.
For instance, our favorite paw wax is the Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax. Not only is this excellent to use on the paws when it’s hot outside, it’ll also protect your pup’s paws in cold weather as well. The same goes for dog shoes, as they’ll protect the paws both in the summer and winter months.
Tip 5) Avoid Hot Pavement & Sand
You should also keep an eye on the pavement and check the temperature of the ground before heading out. The pavement can get extremely hot during summer months, making it painful for your dog to walk on.
So, before you head out for a walk, test the pavement with your hand. Put your hand on the pavement for a few seconds to see if it’s too hot to walk your dog. If it’s too hot to keep your hand on, it’s too hot to walk your pup.
Hot pavement is one of the most common dangers for dogs in summer. The pavement can get incredibly hot, and if your pup steps on it, they can seriously hurt their paw pads.
Another hazard during summer walks is hot sand. If you’re walking on the beach, make sure to avoid any hot sand. Similarly, test the sand with your hand before letting your pup walk on it.
Tip 6) Be Careful Of Hot Cars
Needless to say, you should never leave your dog in a hot car. Cars can heat up quickly, even on cooler days. So, it’s best to avoid leaving your pup unattended in a car. We’ve all heard those unfortunate stories when someone’s left their pet in the car even for short periods of time.
If you’re going to be somewhere that doesn’t allow dogs, make arrangements for someone to watch them instead. You can also hire a pet sitter for those instances.
Tip 7) Get A Dog Cooling Mat
Another great way to help your pup stay cool in the summer is to get a dog cooling mat. These mats are specifically designed to help dogs stay cool, and they work by absorbing your dog’s body heat.
You can find these mats online or at your local pet store. They’re easy to use and can make a big difference in your pup’s comfort during summer months. In fact, we’ve created a full guide on dog cooling mats that’ll keep your pup cool and comfy all summer long.
Tip 8) Groom Your Dood
If you’ve got a Doodle, a great way to keep them cool and comfortable during those warmer months is to trim their coats short. As you can imagine, having a thick coat will keep your dog much warmer than a shorter coat would.
Some Doodle owners even prefer to shave their dogs for the warmer months if the weather gets very extreme. But, if you don’t want to shave your dog’s coat completely off, trimming their coat short will help them stay cooler during the summer months.
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Dog Breeds Handle Hot Weather Differently
As we mentioned earlier, not all breeds have the same tolerance for heat. For instance, brachycephalic dogs are more prone to heatstroke because of their short noses. These breeds have a harder time panting and cooling themselves down.
On the other hand, some dogs have thicker coats that make them more resistant to the cold but less tolerant of the heat. Huskies and Malamutes are two examples of breeds that fall into this category.
So, it’s important to keep in mind that different dogs have different temperature needs. You know your dog best, so trust your gut when it comes to deciding whether or not it’s too hot to walk them. Also, make sure you do your research before heading outside. You can always consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s specific needs as well.
Let’s now take a closer look at some dog breeds that can tolerate hot temperatures better, and breeds that don’t tolerate high temperatures as well.
Dog Breeds That Don’t Tolerate Hot Temperatures
If you live in a warm climate or are planning to travel to a hot destination with your pup, it’s important to know which breeds are at risk for heat stroke. Short-nosed dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are particularly vulnerable, as they have trouble regulating their body temperature.
Other at-risk breeds include Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chow Chows, and Pit Bulls. Thick-coated breeds, such as Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Golden Retrievers, also need to be monitored closely in hot weather, as their coat can trap heat close to their skin. The same goes for thick-coated Doodles.
Here’s also a helpful graph, where our survey participants evaluated their Doodles’ tolerance to hot weather. As you can see, they can tolerate hot weather to some extent, but it’s better to stay cautious when taking your Dood out for a walk.
Dog Breeds That Handle Hot Temperatures Better
While all dogs are susceptible to heat-related health problems, some breeds are better equipped to handle hot temperatures than others. Generally speaking, dogs with longer noses can cool down quicker and more effectively. Additionally, dogs that have shorter coats with no additional undercoat also keep cool much better.
Some of these breeds include the: Border Collie, Airedale Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, German Shorthaired Pointer, certain Hounds, Great Dane, and even Chihuahuas.
What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog: Know Your Dog & Notice Cues
Just like people, dogs can overheat when outside in warm weather. In fact, due to their fur coats and heavier build, dogs are even more susceptible to heatstroke than humans. In addition to that, dogs have different cooling mechanisms and they don’t sweat to cool off like we do. That’s why they’re also more susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration.
So, what temperature is too hot to walk a dog? It depends on the individual dog. Some breeds are better equipped to handle warm weather than others, and some dogs simply have a higher tolerance for heat than others. Additionally, dogs that have medical conditions are also more vulnerable to the heat.
However, as a general rule of thumb, if the temperature is too hot for you to be comfortable outside, it’s probably too hot for your dog as well. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and take your dog for a walk during cooler times of day, or in shady areas. And always be sure to carry water with you to keep your pup hydrated.
Also, pay attention to your dog’s cues while walking. If they start to lag behind or stop frequently to rest, it’s a sign that they’re getting too tired and should head back home.
You should also pay attention to any signs of overheating. Look for signs like heavy panting, drooling, dizziness, or weakness. If your dog starts showing any of these symptoms, stop walking immediately and find a cool place for him to rest. We also recommend you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Above all else, use your best judgement to ensure that you and your furry friend have a safe and enjoyable walk exploring the great outdoors!
What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog: Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs are at risk of dehydration and heatstroke even starting from 70° F. What’s more, talking your dog out when it’s 77° F and above is considered extremely risky, so you should stay extremely cautious and avoid going out when it’s that hot outside.
It’s generally safe to take your dog out for a walk when it’s up to 68° F outside. Although that may not seem a lot, especially if you live in a warm climate, you should keep in mind that dogs are much more vulnerable to heat and their bodies cannot cool down as efficiently as ours do.
Usually, dogs can very well go outside for a walk when it’s as low as 12° F outside. However, you should also keep in mind that all dogs are unique and have their own requirements, considering their breed, health conditions, and even fur thickness. So, if the weather is too cold for your pup, you can keep them warm by clothing them in a warm doggy coat and purchase dog shoes for them to keep their paws warm while out and about.
What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk A Dog: Conclusion
Walking your dog in hot weather can be tricky, but as long as you take precautions and know when to stop, you’ll both enjoy a nice summer walk together. Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature and watch for signs that your dog is getting too hot. Remember to take breaks often, bring plenty of water, and use paw protection if necessary. And if it ever gets too hot, simply head indoors until it cools off again. By following these tips, you can enjoy walks with your dog all summer long while keeping them safe and comfortable in the heat.
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