When Is It Too Hot To Walk Your Dog? 5 Things You Should Know About Summer Dog Walks

As lovely as the warmer months can be for us, it is essential to remember that the days can become incredibly hot for our pets. Walking your dog can be a great way to get exercise and get closer to your pet, but as temperatures begin to rise, walking your dog in heat can become a hazard. 

In this article, we’ll discuss five things to remember when walking your dog in hot weather. We’ll talk about the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs, tips for walking in hot weather, the best time of day to walk your pet and some strategies to prevent heat exhaustion. We’ll also look at some of the best cooling products to keep your pup feeling cool and comfortable. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to keep your dog safe and healthy, even on the hottest days of the year. 

Understanding the Dangers of Hot Weather

When it’s hot outside, walking your dog can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. Dogs’ bodies are not as well equipped to handle extreme heat as people’s are. When temperatures rise, dogs become at risk for heatstroke and other health problems. Knowing these potential risks and how to prevent them will help you keep your furry friend safe when summer rolls around. 

The Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious risk for dogs when they are exposed to hot weather and exercise too much, or too quickly. Common signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, heavy drooling, bright red gums and tongue, dry mucus membranes, hot skin, higher heart rate and rapid breathing. If your dog shows these signs, immediately move them to a shady or cool area that’s not in direct sunlight or a hot spot like an asphalt sidewalk. Make sure they have access to water and offer them treats to keep their energy levels up while they cool down. 

Ultimately, if your dog shows signs of heatstroke it’s important to seek immediate veterinary assistance as this can become life-threatening.

Preparing To Walk Your Dog on Hot Days

It’s important that you take the time to properly prepare for walks during hot days in order to ensure that you and your pup stay safe. Start by checking the temperature, many experts have varying temperature limits for dogs, but in a general sense, anything around 75º F or more can be dangerous for your dog. While temperatures in the 70s may not seem super hot, they will seem much warmer for your pup. It’s also a problem since the asphalt and concrete will get much hotter (around 125º F on a 75º F day) than the actual temperature outside. This can obviously be too hot to walk a dog, making it a good idea to wait for cooler weather or do a shorter walk inside an air-conditioned space.

When you are preparing for outdoor walks, make sure you bring along plenty of water for both you and your pup. Consider bringing along a collapsible dog water fountain or another portable water dish.

Best Practices for Dog Walking in Hot Weather

Here are some tips to make sure that the walk goes as safely and smoothly as possible: 

1. Try Walking on Grass

Since asphalt and concrete get much hotter than outside temps, try walking on the grass. It’ll be much cooler than the sidewalk and it’s a lot easier on the joints! 

2. Opt For Shorter Distances 

While you may normally take your pup on a 5-mile hike when it’s cooler outside, opt for shorter distances when temperatures start soaring. Shorter distances help you keep an eye on their energy levels so you can turn around and go home if necessary. 

3. Take Breaks 

Even during shorter distances, it’s still important to take frequent breaks along the way in order to give your pup a chance to rest up before tackling more of the walk ahead. Again, make sure these stops are in shaded areas with access to fresh water from a dog water fountain or another convenient source. 

4. Listen to Your Pup 

Just like humans, dogs need extra rest when temperatures get too hot. Make sure you listen carefully to your pup (especially watch their panting) so that if they appear tired before reaching the end of their usual route it may be best to turn back early.

5. Buy Them a Pair of Shoes

Yes, you read that right! Your canine’s paws can get burnt on hot pavement, so if you must walk them in hotter weather, be sure to slip on a pair of comfy shoes or boots. 

Seeking Veterinary Help

If despite all of these tips you still suspect that your pup may have suffered from heat exhaustion while out walking with you then do not hesitate to seek out veterinary assistance right away! A vet can diagnose whether or not your pup has heat stroke and also provide any necessary treatments right away. 

Conclusion

When it comes to keeping your pup safe and healthy when walking in hot weather, it’s important to pay attention to the signs of heatstroke and prepare for your walks ahead of time. Be sure to bring along plenty of water and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. And if you suspect your pup may have become too hot or uncomfortable during your walk, never hesitate to seek out a vet’s assistance right away. With these tips, you and your pup can have endless days of fun, whether you’re chilling in the AC or running around a grassy park.