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How hot is too hot to walk your dog? This is a question that every single one of us should be able to answer effectively. It’s on the same topic as How Cold Is Too Cold to Walk Your Dog in Canada? — and just as important.
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If you don’t want to go out because of the heat, chances are your dog doesn’t want to go out either. So, respect that.
And what do all of us need when the weather becomes extremely hot? We need to stay cool — perhaps inside in air conditioning, or perhaps near water at the beach. Lots of water to drink, and maybe even a child’s wading pool so that your dog can cool off if a beach isn’t an option. (Some municipalities may restrict access for dogs at a public beach.)
So if you are feeling the heat and want to stay inside, your dog is likely feeling much the same way. But remember — your dog is wearing a fur coat in this heat. Take that into account.
Heat Index
The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels to the human body when air temperature and relative humidity are combined.
- Temperature alone tells you how hot the air is.
- Humidity affects how efficiently sweat evaporates from your skin.
- When humidity is high, sweat evaporates more slowly, making you feel hotter than the actual air temperature.
Getting Cool
Dogs can be affected by heat and humidity even more than humans, because they do not cool themselves as efficiently.
- Humans cool primarily by sweating over much of the body.
- Dogs have only a few sweat glands (mainly in their paw pads) and rely mostly on panting to release heat.
When the air is humid, panting becomes less effective because moisture does not evaporate as readily. As a result, a dog’s body temperature can rise surprisingly quickly.
If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Warning Signs of Overheating
Watch for:
- Excessive panting
- Thick or sticky saliva
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Weakness or lethargy
- Staggering
- Vomiting
- Collapse
Heat Index Guidelines
| Heat Index (Feels Like) | Risk to Dogs |
|---|---|
| Below 27°C (80°F) | Usually safe for most healthy dogs. |
| 27–32°C (80–90°F) | Use caution, especially for puppies and seniors. |
| 32–39°C (90–103°F) | Increased risk of overheating. Frequent water breaks — shorten walks. |
| Above 39°C (103°F) | High risk. Limit outdoor activity. |
| Above 41°C (106°F) | Dangerous. Heat stroke can develop quickly. |
General Guidelines
- Provide exercise early in the morning or late in the evening — the coolest times of the day.
- Minimize exercise in hot weather.
- Ensure that your pets have adequate shade and water.
In many of these situations, common sense plays a huge role.
And an important consideration in a city environment: remember that pavement and asphalt can become much hotter than the air temperature and may burn sensitive paw pads.
And if you do get outside — and your dog must go out to do what dogs do — then remember your doggie poo bags.
Happy summer! 🌞
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