Summer is a wonderful time to spend with your dog, but what temperature is too hot to walk a dog? According to the Humane Society of America, “the temperature at which it becomes unsafe for an animal to be outside varies depending on its size and coat type”.
There isn’t a specific temperature range that’s considered too hot, but you should be aware of the signs of heat stroke. These include heavy panting and drooling, excessive thirst or urination (or no interest in water), vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, staggering gait and seizures. If your dog shows any symptoms like these while outside on a hot day it may be wise to bring them inside for their safety.
You can keep track of what time it is using an app such as Weather Underground Widget Pro which displays both current temperatures and conditions down to the minute with detailed hourly forecasts during this week. If your pup doesn’t have access to shade at all times when out walking they will need more frequent breaks.
Can you walk your dog when it’s too hot?
The answer is…maybe! Dog owners are often faced with the question of whether to brave a sweltering day or not, but there really isn’t an exact temperature that makes walking them outside unsafe. The signs of heat stroke may be difficult to detect in dogs-things like heavy panting and drooling, excessive thirst or urination (or no interest in water), vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, staggering gait and seizures. If your pet shows any symptoms like these outside on a warm day it would probably be best for their safety if they came inside from being outdoors during those high temperatures. As long as they have access to shade at all times, it is safe for them to be outside in the heat.
It’s best not to walk your dog when temperatures are over 80 degrees, because they can get overheated and dehydrated. On really hot days (120 degrees or higher), keep your pet inside with plenty of water and shade.”
