How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs During Summer Walks?

Aren’t hot summer walks one of the absolute best parts of dog ownership? Longer days, sunny weather, and more opportunities to get outside… is there really a better time to be “living the good life” with your dog?

But with long, sunny days comes the risk of heat stroke, too! Dogs don’t cool themselves the same way humans do. A temperature that feels warm and pleasant to us can become dangerous for them in no time. All it takes is an extra few steps on a hot pavement to put some dogs at risk of overheating. Count humidity and limited cooling mechanisms to only make it worse. 

So exactly how hot is too hot for dogs? Let’s break down what temperatures are safe, when to skip the walk entirely, and how to recognize the early warning signs of heat-related illness.

Key Takeaways

• Most veterinarians and canine safety organizations agree that risk begins increasing noticeably once temperatures climb above 24°C (75°F)

• When you're out in the sun with your dog, imagine yourself wearing a fleece sweater in the given heat. If it’s unimaginable for you, it’s probably already too hot for your dog. 

• compensate by providing your dog with rich indoor enrichment. Go for activities that fulfil your dog’s breed instincts and stimulate their sensory organs. 

• According to the RSPCA, heatstroke can progress rapidly and become life-threatening without prompt treatment.

• Providing ice-cold water to a dog with heat stroke can trigger shock; in the sense that it causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict

Your dog’s breed, age, health, coat type, and the weather conditions are the dictators of how hot it is too hot for your dog. However, most veterinarians and canine safety organizations agree that risk begins increasing noticeably once temperatures climb above 24°C (75°F).

Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting and limited sweating through their paw pads. Unfortunately, “sweating through the skin” is a very human concept. Dogs cannot efficiently regulate body temperature the same way. 

Research from the American Kennel Club notes that heat-related illnesses can go from 0-100 surprisingly quickly in dogs. Combine high temperatures with humidity and exercise and you have just put your dog at the risk of a fatal heatstroke. 

As a general guideline:

• Under 20°C (68°F): Safe for most dogs

• 20–24°C (68–75°F): Generally safe with monitoring

• 24–29°C (75–85°F): Increased caution required

• 29–32°C (85–90°F): High risk for many dogs

• Above 32°C (90°F): Unsafe for most dogs

For the people with long, thick hair- ever noticed how the nape of your neck covered by your hair gets extra hot and sweaty in summers? That’s probably how your dog feels in their entire body! More if your dog has extra floof. 

How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs During Walks?

The number one mistake we make when being out with our dogs in summer is focusing only on air temperature. Walking, running and exploring create additional heat through movement and exertion. The breed of the dog has a lot to do with their heat tolerance, too.

Like Brachycephalic breeds, we have to be extra mindful of senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, dogs with heart or respiratory conditions and thick-coated breeds. This group is particularly vulnerable and has a low tolerance to heat outdoors. However, this shouldn’t mean that you cut down on walks altogether. 

Summer walks should look different from spring walks. If your dog normally enjoys a 45-minute adventure during breezy spring evenings, summer may require multiple shorter outings instead. 

If your dog is used to longer outdoor walks and they have to be cut down in summer, do make sure to make up for it by providing alternate ways of mental and physical stimulation. Without it, you may notice a surge in frustration-led behavioral issues at home.

That's easier said than done on a busy day. PawChamp builds a personalized plan around your dog's breed and energy, so shorter walks don't turn into restless evenings.

How Hot Is Too Hot for Dog Paws?

Your dog's paws are often the first body part affected by extreme heat. Pavement temperatures are dramatically hotter than surrounding air temperatures. 

For example, on an average sunny day in summer - 

• Air temperature: 25°C (77°F)

• Asphalt temperature: 52°C (125°F)

You have shoes to protect your feet. Your dog is walking on their bare paws. At these temperatures, burns can occur surprisingly quickly.

Having said that, if you HAVE to take your dog out for a bit in the middle of a sunny day, choose safer alternatives like grass and shaded trails while making your dogs wear protective dog boots. Going for long walks before the heat takes over in the morning or after sunset is a great idea to let your dog have fun while making sure they don’t bake. 

When Not to Walk Your Dog in Summer

There are days when your dog just needs to get outside. Then there are days when skipping the walk is the safest decision. 

A safe temperature for dogs outside generally ranges between 45°F (7°C) and 85°F (29°C). Anything below 32°F / 0°C puts your dog at risk of hypothermia. On the other hand, temperatures exceeding 85°F (29°C) pose a serious risk of heatstroke. Now these numbers are a good reference point. These numbers change depending on your dog's breed, coat, age, and health condition.

Keep your walk really short if you must take them outside in these temperatures. Consider postponing your walk if:

• Temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F)

• Humidity is extremely high

• The pavement is hot to the touch

• There is little available shade

• Your dog has already exercised heavily that day

• Your dog is showing signs of fatigue 

Missing a walk is far better than risking a heat stroke emergency.

On days like these, compensate by providing your dog with rich indoor enrichment. Go for activities that fulfil your dog’s breed instincts and stimulate their sensory organs. When indoors, focus on mental stimulation over physical exercise. Some great options are: 

• Food puzzles

• Scent games

• Indoor training sessions

• Trick training

• Enrichment activities

When done right, mental exercise manages to help dogs settle faster than physical exercise. The PawChamp app help’s you choose the right game and get to it right away.

There is no universal time limit for how long dogs should stay outside in hot weather. It’s highly dependent on the dog’s heat tolerance which typically comes through genetics, physical features (overweight dogs and brachycephalic dogs have low heat tolerance), health condition and generations of evolution. The key factors include:

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Shade availability

• Access to water

• Breed

• Fitness level

Some dogs can comfortably spend 30 minutes outside at 24°C, while others may struggle after only 10 minutes.

As temperatures climb, outdoor sessions should become shorter and more structured. For many dogs, multiple 10-15 minute outings are safer than one long walk. 

If your dog is used to longer outdoor walks and they have to be cut down in summer, do make sure to make up for it by providing alternate ways of mental and physical stimulation. Without it, you may notice a surge in frustration-led behavioral issues at home.

Every dog experiences the world differently. Even the way every dog handles different temperatures is different. A short coated Jack Russel Terrier can regulate its body temperature way better than a Bernese Mountain dog.

 Coat is not the only factor though. A Golden Retriever and a Boxer are both quite susceptible to heat strokes. But a Boxer is more likely to get a heat stroke primarily because of its snout. 

Dogs with short coats, lean bodies, and longer muzzles generally cool themselves more efficiently through panting than dogs with thick double coats, flat faces, or excess body weight. 

As a general guide:

Higher Heat Tolerance (Up to 29°C / 85°F With Precautions)

Breeds that typically handle warmer temperatures better include:

• Vizslas

• Weimaraners

• Rhodesian Ridgebacks

• German Shorthaired Pointers

• Short-coated mixed breeds

• Indian Pariah

These dogs have a history of being developed and thriving in warmer climates. They also tend to have lean bodies, short coats, and efficient cooling mechanisms. However, precautions such as access to shade, water, and frequent breaks are still important. 

Moderate Heat Tolerance (Best Below 26°C / 79°F)

Breeds in this category include:

• Labrador Retrievers

• Golden Retrievers

• Border Collies

• Australian Shepherds

• Standard Poodles

These dogs can generally enjoy summer walks when temperatures are moderate, but longer walks become riskier as temperatures climb above the mid-20s Celsius, especially in direct sunlight. Their medium to long coat act as insulation. 

Lower Heat Tolerance (Use Extra Caution Above 24°C / 75°F)

Breeds that are more prone to overheating include:

• Bulldogs

• French Bulldogs

• Pugs

• Boston Terriers

• Shih Tzus

• Pekingese

These brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds have narrower airways, making panting less effective when overheating. Since panting is a dog’s primary cooling system, they can overheat much faster than other breeds, even during relatively short walks.

Cold-Weather Breeds (Use Extra Caution Above 24°C / 75°F)

Breeds originally developed for colder climates include:

• Siberian Huskies

• Alaskan Malamutes

• Saint Bernards

• Newfoundlands

• Bernese Mountain Dogs

Their thick double coats provide excellent insulation in winter but can make hot weather more challenging. Some of these breeds can adapt surprisingly well; but they often become uncomfortable much sooner during the summer. Multiple shorter walks during cooler parts of the day are what you must aim for.

Heatstroke in dogs is one of the things you must know everything about while hoping you NEVER have to deal with it. It is one of the most dangerous warm-weather emergencies dogs face.

If your dog shows one or more of the following signs, it may be time to seek immediate treatment:

• Excessive panting

• Bright red gums

• Drooling

• Weakness

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Disorientation

• Collapse

• Seizures

If your dog is having a heat stroke, never assume that they’ll cool down on their own. Once their body temperature rises rapidly, organ damage can happen quickly, especially when timely medical treatment is not sought.  

What to Do if Your Dog Shows Signs of Overheating

You may be out taking a normal stroll with your dog on a Sunday afternoon. In 15 minutes, you start thinking to yourself, “It’s getting a little hot. I think we should head back,” and your dog may already be showing signs of overheating. Yes, it happens that quickly.

The moment you notice excessive panting, weakness, bright red gums, confusion, or any other signs of heat stress, move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately and stop all physical activity. 

Providing ice-cold water to a dog with heat stroke can trigger shock; in the sense that it causes blood vessels near the skin to trap core heat inside while instantly cooling the outside of the blood vessels. This may induce shivering, which actually raises internal body temperature even more. 

Avoid common mistakes such as:

• Using ice baths

• Pouring extremely cold water over your dog

• Wrapping them in cold towels

• Delaying a trip to the veterinarian

Use tepid, cool water and focus on cooling areas where blood vessels are close to the surface, such as the paws, belly, groin, and armpits. This method may make your dog feel better at that moment, but doesn’t act as a substitute to veterinary care.

It's always better to be overly cautious than to risk a life-threatening situation. When it comes to heatstroke, minutes matter. 

Keeping your dog safe during hot weather isn't always as simple as checking the temperature outside. Factors like humidity, pavement temperature, your dog's breed, age, and fitness level can all affect how well they tolerate the heat. That's where PawChamp can help.

PawChamp is a mobile-first dog training & care app that provides personalized, science-based training plans designed for at-home use. Along with helping owners tackle common behavior challenges, PawChamp also supports everyday dog care through structured guidance and expert support. 

• Ask a Dog Expert chat — message a certified trainer to check whether it's safe to walk in today's conditions or whether your dog is showing signs of overheating.

• Personalized training plans tailored to your dog's age, breed, and behavior, so hot-day routines actually fit your dog.

• Indoor enrichment and daily lessons — bite-sized, science-based activities for the days a walk isn't safe.

• Seasonal safety tips and progress tracking to build healthy habits year-round.

When it comes to responsible dog ownership through every season, PawChamp has your back.