How to walk your dog safely in hot weather

It’s one of those “are we actually in the UK right now?” scorchio summer afternoons: the windows are wide open, the fan’s on full blast, and you're sat in your shorts, doing your very best to stay cool. Then you spot your dog by the front door, his tail wagging and walkies on the brain. But before you automatically reach for your trainers (and sweat band!), here's a thought: when was the last time you checked if it's actually safe to take them out in this heat?

Summer can be ruff (apologies) for your furry friends. While dogs are brilliant at loads of things, it's safe to say that staying cool in hot weather is not one of their strengths. What feels like a lovely summer’s day to us can be way too much for them - and unfortunately, they can’t tell us when they’re struggling.

So, let’s make sure your pooch doesn’t become a Bark-B-Q this summer with our guide to walking dogs safely in hot weather. We’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping your pooch safe, cool, and happy during our increasingly toasty summers.

What temperature is too hot to walk a dog in the UK?

So, when is it too hot to walk your dog? While this does depend on your dog's breed, size, and age, as a rule of thumb, as soon as it hits 20°C, you should start keeping an eye on things.

Once it reaches 25°C or above, it’s time to really think twice about heading out - especially if you’ve got a flat-faced dog breed (as they can struggle with their breathing) or if your pooch is on the chunkier side.

One important thing to remember is that it’s not just the temperature on your weather app that matters - humidity is often the real problem. On those sticky, muggy days, even 18 to 20°C can be tough on your dog. Dogs can only sweat through their paws and cool off by panting, but when the air’s thick with moisture, it makes it much harder for them to cool down.

When it's hot out, and you're wondering, "Is it too hot to walk my dog?" try this simple test: press the back of your hand against the pavement for five seconds. If it feels too warm for you, it's definitely too warm for your dog's paws. A little common sense goes a long way!

Spotting the signs that your dog's had enough heat

Dogs can't tell you when things aren’t right, so it's important you stay alert. Here's what to watch out for:

Early signs they’re feeling the heat:

• Heavy panting, even when they’re just stood still

• Drooling like mad (and not just because they’ve smelt your lunch)

• Slowing down or acting tired

• Beelining for every bit of shade they can find

• Gums looking either too red or too pale

• Pads looking darker than normal

Serious signs - time to act fast:

• Being sick or having the runs

• Stumbling about or looking wobbly

• Eyes glazed over or looking dazed

• Collapsing or refusing to stand back up

• Heart thumping like mad

If you spot any of these serious signs, don’t hang about - get them cooled down ASAP, give them small sips of water, and call your vet straight away. Dogs are very susceptible to heatstroke (especially flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs), so always keep an eye out and act quickly.

Best times for dog walks in hot weather

When is it too hot to walk your dog during the day? Use this timing guide to keep your pooch safe:

• Early morning (5-8 am): Lovely and cool as the pavements haven’t had time to heat up.

• Late evening (after 7 pm): The sun is easing off, but pavements can still hold heat, so do the hand test to be sure.

• Avoid 11 am - 4 pm: Even if the air feels fine, the pavements can get roasting during these hours - easily hot enough to burn paws.

When is it too hot to walk your dog on the pavement?

Your dog’s toe beans are very sensitive to heat. Have you ever tried walking barefoot on scorching sand or sizzling tarmac? It’s not fun - and the same applies to your pooch. Avoid direct sunlight and stick to grassy areas, woodland trails, or anywhere with good shade.

If you’re walking through town, try to keep your four-legged friend on the shady side of the street when you can, and remember that dog boots are always an option - although most pups would rather go without!

If your dog’s paws do get a bit warm, give them a rinse with cool water when you get home to soothe them. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water throughout the day to help them stay cool, and let them take a paddle if there’s a lake or a stream nearby - they’ll love it, and it’ll help cool those paws down nicely.

Keeping your dog cool and hydrated

Keeping your pooch hydrated starts before you even head out the door. Make sure they’ve had a drink, and maybe give them a cool shower or bath to help bring their body temperature down a bit before the walk. To help them stay cool, chuck some ice cubes in their water bowl or freeze some dog-safe (free from garlic or onion) chicken stock into ice cube treats.

On your walk, bring a collapsible bowl (like our very own thirsty dog bowl) and offer water often. Always be on the lookout for shady spots to rest in and keep your walks shorter than usual - it’s better to have a quick, safe stroll than a long, draining one. 

Back home, have fresh, cold water ready with a few ice cubes to keep things refreshing. And prep somewhere cool for your dog to chill out, like a spot with a damp towel for them to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel.

What to do when it is too hot to walk your dog

At the end of the day, just because it’s roasting outside doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on walkies - you’ve just got to be a bit smarter about it. Keep one eye on the forecast, save the big walks for cooler days, and when it’s roasting out, stick to indoor games, fun frozen treats, or a cool paddling pool in the back garden if you’ve got one.

Speaking of keeping cool and comfortable, if you're looking to upgrade your own outdoor gear for those early morning or late evening dog walks, TOG24's got you sorted.

Our range of breathable, moisture-wicking activewear is designed to keep you comfortable whatever the weather throws at you. From lightweight walking shorts to quick-dry t-shirts, we've got everything you need to stay cool while keeping your four-legged friend safe.

Check out our full collection of men’s and women’s clothing online, or pop into one of our stores today.