The short answer. walk in the cooler hours of the day, early morning or late evening, and check the road surface with your hand before you go. If it feels too hot for your hand, then it is too hot for the soles of your dog's feet. Watch for excessive panting, drooling or staggering along the way, and stop immediately if you see it.
Signs of overheating in dogs
- Excessive panting that does not stop, even in the shade
- Excessive drooling
- Walking, drowsy or dizzy behavior
- Red gums or a bright red tongue
- Refusing to continue walking
Do you recognize any of these signals? Immediately seek shade, water, and contact a vet if it does not improve quickly.
When is it too hot to walk
A rule of thumb. place your palm on the asphalt for 7 seconds. If it is too hot to hold, then it is also too hot for the soles of your dog's feet. On hot days, early in the morning or after sunset is often the only safe option.
This way you make the walk safer
- Walk in the coolest hours of the day
- Choose shady routes instead of full sun
- Take water with you, even for short walks in the heat
- Build in shaded breaks
- Make the walk shorter than normal on hot days
Extra vulnerable dogs
Brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog and Pug naturally have less efficient breathing, which makes overheating happen more quickly. Older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with thick coats are also at extra risk. Also read our guide to harnesses for brachycephalic breeds for more points to consider with this group.
What not to do
- Do not walk during the hottest hours of the day, even briefly.
- Do not leave your dog in a parked car, not even with the window open, or even for a short time.
- Do not force the walk if your dog indicates that it does not want to continue.
- Do not underestimate short-haired or dark dogs, they are also at risk in the heat.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I walk my dog in the heat?
Shorter than normal, and preferably only in the cooler hours. Let your dog's behavior be the guiding principle, stop at the first signs of overheating.
Can my dog overheat without intensive exercise?
Yes, even standing still in the full sun or taking a short walk on a hot day can be enough, especially in brachycephalic or older dogs.
Does pouring water over the coat help against overheating?
Cooling through the paws, ears and stomach work fastest. If there are serious signs of overheating, always consult with a vet immediately instead of trying to solve the problem yourself.
Are some dogs more sensitive to heat than others?
Yes, brachycephalic breeds, older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with a thick coat are more at risk.
What do I do if my dog shows signs of overheating?
Immediately seek shade, provide water, and contact a vet if the signs are not there. improve quickly.
View our dog harnesses or read more about brachycephalic breeds.
Continue with our dog harnesses for short nosed dogs.
