Up here in Canada, we’ve had several weeks of seemingly non-stop heat. Humid and muggy, sweating as soon as you step outside, heat.
But I still see people walking their dogs in the middle of the day, sigh.
We do a lot of research to find out what people want to know about their animals, so when I dove into the topic of “is it too hot to walk my dog,” I wasn’t surprised that a lot of people search it.
And that’s great! It means many of us are aware of the dangers of exposing our pets to this type of heat.
So, what’s the answer? How hot is too hot, and why is the heat so risky?
Heat Risks
Our dogs just can’t handle the heat like we can. Heat stroke is a very real danger for our animals. It takes far less time in the sun for it to set in, and it can hit them far worse than it can us.
Since our pets don’t have many sweat glands (only a few in their paw pads), they can’t sweat out the heat. Instead, all they can do is pant. This is especially tough on our brachycephalic breed pups and kitties.
Knowing how to spot the signs of heat stroke is important for any pet parent. Always keep a close eye out for any of the following:
- restlessness
- excessive panting
- drooling
- reddened gums
- vomiting and/or diarrhea
- lethargy
- uncoordinated movement
- not responding
- tremors
- collapse
If you do suspect your pet may have heat stroke, take action quickly. Take them inside into the cool right away. Give arnica and aconite 200C. Using cool, not cold, water, sponge or hose your pet’s entire body, paying particular attention to the underside. Allow your pet to drink water, cool again, not ice cold, but don’t force it. Don’t place anything (ie. cold, wet towels) on your pet – this traps the heat in. Call your trusted veterinarian immediately for next steps.
Is it Too Hot to Walk My Dog?
Because heat stroke is a big threat to the their safety, it makes sense that so many people ask “is it too hot to walk my dog?”
In general, experts agree that temperatures above 85°F (29°C) are dangerous. At that heat, temperature regulation is very, very difficult, and the pavement and asphalt can register as high as 140°F. The heat can damage your pup’s paws.
But to me, that still seems really warm – I would never walk our dogs in that temperature.
Even at temperatures as low as 70°F (20°C) dogs are at risk of heat stroke if they’re out in the sun, walking, for too long.
This is especially true, again, for brachycephalic breeds, as well as for bigger dogs, for senior dogs who have a harder time regulating body temperature, and for puppies.
And what your animal is used to also plays a role. Some dogs, if they’re used to the heat, can handle more of it. But some, especially those living in 4 distinct seasons like up here in Northern Ontario, just don’t built up the same tolerance, and thus can’t handle the heat as well.
So, you have to gauge what your animal needs. If you step outside and think, man it’s a hot one, it’s probably too warm for your adored beast. Check the pavement – if it’s too hot for you to keep your hand on for 30 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. The same goes for hot sand.
And ALWAYS keep an eye on your pet. If they’re slowing down, stopping, panting excessively, or showing even the slightest sign that they’re warm, get out of the sun and into the cool.
How to Beat the Heat
Exercise can be trickier when a heat wave hits, but your dog will still want some type of stimulation, so keep these tips in mind:
- walk at dusk or dawn, when the sun isn’t as hot. Just keep in mind that there may be more critters at these times, so be prepared if you’re walking off leash
- carry water with you
- opt for a cool forest walk with lots of shade, rather that around the neighbourhood
- do some inside exercise – tricks, hide and seek, even some agility if space allows, on days when it’s too hot to walk
- if you head to the beach, make sure you have an umbrella or set up in area where there’s plenty of shade
- grab a kiddie pool for the backyard, set it up in a shady area, and let your pet splash around for some fun and mental stimulation
For me, if I even have to ask myself, “is it too hot to walk my dog,” it’s too hot. We just don’t take the chance. Instead, we change up the schedule, or the route, or the activity itself. If you think it’s too hot, take the day off and do something inside. It’s just not worth the risk!
