A Guide to Safely Walking Your Dog in the Heat

Is it too hot to walk my dog? The summer safety guide

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities with your furry friend, but the heat can pose serious risks. Is it too hot to walk your dog? This common question has no simple answer because factors like temperature, pavement heat, breed, and your dog's health come into play.

Walking in excessive heat can cause paw burns, dehydration, and even life-threatening heatstroke. This guide offers practical advice to keep your dog safe and comfortable during warm weather walks.

Why hot pavement is dangerous for dogs

Many dog owners focus only on air temperature, but hot pavement can be even more dangerous. Surfaces like asphalt and concrete absorb the sun’s rays and can heat up to 20°C (68°F) hotter than the surrounding air. Dog paw pads, though resilient, are vulnerable to burns, blisters, and pain from these hot surfaces.

If you’re considering gear like protective boots, also think about your companion’s enrichment indoors — chews such as yak cheese chews for dogs can help redirect energy when walking isn’t safe.

Signs of paw burns

• Limping or refusing to walk;

• Red, blistered, or peeling paw pads;

• Excessive licking or chewing of paws.

The Hand Test

Before heading out, place your palm firmly on the pavement for five seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. This quick check can prevent painful injuries.

Looking for more summer essentials? Don’t miss our preventing overheating for dogs guide.

How hot is too hot to walk a dog? Safe temperature guidelines

There’s no one-size-fits-all temperature since breed, age, and health affect heat tolerance. However, general guidelines based on air and pavement temperature can help:

Test pavement heat before each walk, as hot surfaces can burn in seconds.