Is it too hot to walk my dog today?

With the Christmas holidays now upon us, you may have more time to spend with your furry friend (how exciting)! This may mean you plan walks at different times or that you head out and about that little bit more than you would during your regular schedule. But one thing to ask yourself, especially in the sweltering summer heat, is whether the climate is suitable for walks. 

We’ve all been there before, walking on hot concrete or roads without shoes in the heat. It only takes a few seconds before you’re running back inside or looking for the closest patch of shade to stop that horrendous burning feeling. This experience is no different for your dog. So, why force them to walk when it’s causing discomfort? 

Not sure what makes it ‘too hot’ for a walk? We’ve broken it down in our latest blog. 

The ideal temperature may be cooler than you think! 

You won’t be mistaken into thinking you need to wait for it to be above 35 degrees before it’s too hot to take your dog for a walk. But studies show that anything above 28 degrees Celsius may actually pose a risk of heat stroke for your dog, which can be fatal, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. 

Rather than leaving it to chance, try to walk your dog when it is below 27 degrees. Ideally, aim for a safe temperature range of 12-23 degrees. This means early morning or evening walks to protect them from the harsh sun. 

It’s important to note that every breed and every dog will react differently to heat, too. So, keeping an eye out for signs of heat stroke can help you make the right choice for your dog. Some obvious signs include loud breathing, staggering and extreme drooling. 

Pavement temperature also matters

Ground temperature typically rises with the weather temperature. But this is not always the case. On a cloudy, 30-degree Celsius day, the ground may not be as hot as on a sunny 22-degree day. That’s why it’s important to trust more than just your weather app before going for a walk! 

The best way to determine if the ground is safe enough for their delicate paws is to touch it yourself. If you can hold your palms on the ground for 7 seconds without them burning, it’s okay to walk. If it burns or aches, wait until it cools down. You can also consider booties or shoes for your dog. But, be mindful that not all dogs like wearing them. 

What if I’m not sure? 

We always encourage pet owners to be cautious to prevent potential harm to their dog. But we understand how quickly caution can turn into fear. If you’re not able to delay your walk, and your dog really wants to go outside, try to plan your walks as best as possible. Choosing the park, where it’s grassy, instead of a pavement-heavy track, is a great alternative. You could even opt for shorter walks, especially during weeks when the temperature isn’t dipping into the safe walking zone very often.

If your dog loves the beach, taking them to the water can also help them keep cool while exercising. If these options aren’t available to you, you can swap their walk for indoor exercise, such as treasure hunts, tug of war or even some fun with the water sprinkler. 

Regardless of where you decide to go or how you choose to exercise, remember that having ample water available for drinking is critical. You can find many travel-safe pet water bowls available online at any time. 

Find more walking accessories and supplies online. 

Coming prepared for walks means that even if the weather takes an unexpected turn, you are covered. Not sure where to begin? As pet-lovers, we have stocked our shelves with everything you need to make every walk memorable. Explore our collections today.