Every summer — and honestly, even on those surprising warm spring days we get here in the UK — I find myself standing at the back door, lead in hand, wondering whether it’s too hot to take the girls out. And I know I’m not alone in that.
Hot weather is one of those things that catches dog owners off guard because dogs don’t show discomfort the way we do. They can’t tell you they’re struggling, and by the time the signs are obvious, things can escalate quickly. So I wanted to put together a proper, practical guide covering everything you need to know about walking your dog in the heat — from temperature thresholds to what to do if the worst happens.
Whether you’ve got a tiny Chihuahua, a fluffy Samoyed, or anything in between, this one’s for you.
Why Hot Weather is So Dangerous for Dogs?
Before we get into the numbers, it’s worth understanding why dogs struggle in the heat more than we do.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They only have a small number of sweat glands on their paw pads. Their main way of cooling down is panting — essentially evaporating moisture from their mouth and upper respiratory tract. It’s much less efficient than sweating, which means they overheat faster and have far less tolerance for high temperatures.
Add to that the fact that we walk our dogs on pavements, tarmac, and concrete — surfaces that absorb heat and can reach temperatures far higher than the ambient air. Grass stays much cooler, but the majority of most urban walks involve some hard surface.
And then there’s paw pad burns. This is one that people underestimate. Paw pads can blister and burn in as little as 60 seconds on hot tarmac. You might not notice immediately — your dog may just seem quieter or slower than usual — but the damage is happening in real time.
The third risk is heatstroke, which can be fatal. Dogs can develop heatstroke very quickly in warm weather, especially during exercise. And unlike a heat rash or even a burn, heatstroke affects the dog’s internal systems and requires urgent veterinary attention.
The Dog Walking Temperature Guide
This is the bit I wish someone had handed me when I first got my poodles. A clear, straightforward guide to what the temperature actually means for your walk.
Below 19°C — Safe to Walk Any Time
Temperatures below 19°C are generally comfortable for most dogs regardless of breed or size. You can walk as normal, though always be aware of your individual dog’s fitness level and age.
20–23°C — Low Risk, With Caution for Some Breeds
Most healthy adult dogs will be fine at this temperature, but it’s worth being a little more mindful. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs can start to struggle even here because their shortened airways make panting less effective. Very young puppies also have less ability to regulate their temperature, so keep walks shorter and avoid peak sun hours.
24–27°C — Moderate Risk: Morning and Evening Walks Only
At this temperature range, I’d move all walks to early morning (before 8am) or evening (after 7pm) when the ground has had time to cool. The pavement test (more on that in a moment) becomes essential before you step out. Carry water on every walk, and look for shaded routes.
This is the temperature range where a lightweight, breathable harness makes a real difference. Anything heavy or restrictive adds to your dog’s discomfort — our rope leads and lightweight harnesses are designed with warmer weather walks in mind. [link to harness collection]
28–32°C — High Risk: Limit Outdoor Exercise Significantly
We’re into genuinely risky territory here. If the temperature is in this range, dogs should not be doing anything beyond a short toilet trip, and even that should happen in early morning or late evening. Avoid tarmac altogether and stick to grass. Consider cancelling the walk entirely and doing some indoor enrichment instead — snuffle mats, frozen treats, and training games are great alternatives.
33°C and Above — Dangerous: Avoid Outdoor Exercise Entirely
At 33°C and above, outdoor exercise is not safe for any dog. Do not walk. Keep your dog indoors in the coolest room you can manage, provide plenty of fresh cool water, and use fans or cool damp towels if needed. If your dog must go outside to toilet, keep it to a minute or two on grass only, in the earliest or latest part of the day.
The 10-Second Pavement Test
This is one of the simplest and most important things you can do before any summer walk. Here’s how it works:
Place the back of your hand flat on the pavement and hold it there for 10 seconds.
If it’s too hot for you to hold it comfortably for the full 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
The reason we use the back of the hand rather than the palm is that the back of your hand is more sensitive to heat — it’s a more accurate measure of what your dog’s paws will experience.
On a sunny day, tarmac and concrete can be anywhere from 10 to 25°C hotter than the air temperature. So on a 25°C day, the pavement could be pushing 40–50°C. That’s more than enough to cause painful burns within a minute.
If the pavement fails the test, look for grass verges, woodland paths, or park areas — anywhere with natural ground cover that stays cooler. Or simply skip the walk and try again in the evening when the ground has cooled.
A handy rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t walk barefoot on it, don’t walk your dog on it.
Breeds Most at Risk in Hot Weather
While every dog can overheat, some are far more vulnerable than others. Here’s who to watch most carefully:
Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds
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Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers
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Their shortened airways make panting less efficient, meaning they cool down more slowly
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Extra care is needed even at low-to-moderate temperatures
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These dogs should be strictly kept to very early morning or evening walks during summer
Very Small Dogs
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Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Teacup breeds, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers
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Small dogs have a higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio, which can mean they heat up faster
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They also walk closer to the ground, where reflected heat from the pavement is more intense
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Short legs mean more steps per metre of walk — factor in the extra exertion
If you’ve got a tiny dog and you’re unsure about sizing for a comfortable, non-restrictive summer harness, have a look at our sizing guide — we go all the way down to XXXS, designed specifically for the very smallest breeds. Check out our breed size guide.
Large Dogs With Heavy Coats
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Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Samoyeds, Chow Chows
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Thick double coats trap heat, even when well-groomed
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These dogs were often bred for cold climates and can struggle significantly in summer
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Never shave a double-coated dog — the coat actually provides some UV and heat protection. A professional groom to remove excess undercoat is far better
Elderly Dogs and Puppies
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Both ends of the age spectrum handle temperature extremes less well
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Puppies haven’t fully developed their thermoregulation abilities yet
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Senior dogs may have underlying conditions (heart disease, arthritis) that are exacerbated by heat
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Knowing what to look for could genuinely save your dog’s life. Heatstroke can come on quickly during exercise in warm weather.
Early warning signs:
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Excessive panting — heavier and more rapid than normal
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Drooling more than usual
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Restlessness or agitation
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Seeking shade or lying down mid-walk
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Slightly elevated gum colour (gums should be a healthy pink; pale or bright red can indicate stress)
Serious signs — seek emergency veterinary help immediately:
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Heavy, laboured breathing
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Bright red or purple/blue-tinged gums
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Glazed or unfocused eyes
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Staggering, loss of coordination
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Collapse or loss of consciousness
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Seizures
What to Do If You Suspect Heatstroke
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Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately — indoors with air conditioning or a fan is ideal
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Apply cool (not cold or iced) water to their body, focusing on the neck, armpits, and groin — areas where blood vessels sit close to the surface
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Offer small amounts of cool water to drink — do not force it
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Do not use ice or icy water — this can cause the blood vessels to constrict and actually trap heat inside the body
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Call your vet or an emergency vet immediately — heatstroke requires professional assessment even if your dog seems to be recovering
Do not wait to see if they perk up on their own. Heatstroke causes internal damage that may not be immediately visible. Always get veterinary advice.
Top Tips for Hot Weather Dog Walking
Beyond timing and temperature checks, here are my favourite practical tips for keeping walks safe and comfortable during summer:
Time it right. The two golden windows are before 8am and after 7pm. The morning is usually my favourite — it’s cooler, quieter, and the girls still get a proper sniff around before the day heats up.
Always carry water. I never leave the house without water for the dogs in warmer months. Our multi-use rope leads make carrying things so much easier on a walk — you’ve got your hands free for water bottles and treats. [link to rope leads]
Stick to the shade. Plan routes that include tree cover, parks, or waterside paths. Even a partially shaded route is significantly cooler than full sun.
Keep it short. A hot weather walk should be about toilet time and a gentle sniff, not a workout. Save the longer adventures for cooler days.
Know your dog’s normal. You know your dog better than anyone. If they’re lagging behind, lying down, panting harder than usual, or seem unhappy — listen to them. Head home.
Cool down gradually. After a warm walk, let your dog cool down naturally rather than straight into an ice bath. Cool water, a fan, and shade are your tools.
Watch the car. Never leave a dog in a parked car in warm weather. Even on a mild day with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise dangerously within minutes.
Consider indoor enrichment. On the hottest days, skipping the walk is the right call. Frozen Kongs, snuffle mats, scatter feeding, and training sessions are all great ways to keep dogs mentally stimulated without the risk.
A Note on Summer Accessories
In warm weather, less is more when it comes to what your dog is wearing. A lightweight, well-fitted harness that doesn’t restrict airflow is the ideal option for summer walks. Heavy padding, thick straps, and anything that sits across the chest without ventilation will make a warm dog warmer.
Our harness range is designed with fit and comfort in mind — and because we go all the way from XXXS to XL, we can help you find something that fits properly regardless of your dog’s size. A harness that fits well sits comfortably without pressing into the body or rubbing, which matters a lot more in the heat. [link to harness collection]
For the smallest dogs especially, a step-in harness can be a gentler option — less fiddly to put on, and designed to sit comfortably on tiny frames. Find your perfect step-in harness.
The Short Version
I know this is a long one, so here’s the summary if you want to screenshot it:
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Below 19°C: Walk as normal
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20–23°C: Low risk — caution for flat-faced breeds and puppies
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24–27°C: Moderate risk — morning and evening only
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28–32°C: High risk — short toilet trips only in the coolest parts of the day
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33°C+: Do not walk — keep your dog indoors
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Always do the 10-second pavement test before stepping out
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Watch for early heatstroke signs and act quickly if you see them
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When in doubt, skip the walk — your dog won’t hold it against you
Stay safe out there this summer, pack. And if you’ve got any questions about heatwave care or finding the right harness for your dog, you know where to find me.
Sam & the Poodles x
Looking for more dog health and care content? Browse The Pack Blog for guides on harness fitting, breed-specific advice, and everything in between. Find out more in The Pack blog. Find puppy specific tips in our Puppy Hub.