What to do when it's too hot to walk a dog?
When it's too hot to walk your dog, opt for early morning or late evening walks, avoid hot surfaces, provide shade and water, and consider indoor activities instead.
How to Protect Your Dog When It's Too Hot for Walks
When temperatures soar during the summer, it becomes essential to protect your dog from heat-related hazards. Dogs are highly susceptible to
heatstroke, dehydration, paw pad burns, and
sunburn during hot weather. Here's how you can ensure your dog's safety and well-being when it's too hot to take them out for a walk.
1. Time Your Walks Wisely
- Walk your dog during cooler periods — early morning or late evening.
- Avoid walking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when temperatures are typically at their peak.
2. Check the Ground Temperature
- Test the pavement or asphalt with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Opt for grassy areas or shaded paths whenever possible.
3. Add Paw Protection
- Use dog booties or paw balms to protect sensitive paw pads.
- Always monitor your dog's behavior and paws for signs of discomfort or injury.
4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
- Carry clean, cool water and a collapsible bowl on every walk.
- Offer water breaks every 15–20 minutes.
- Avoid letting your dog drink from puddles or questionable water sources.
5. Offer Shade and Cooling Options at Home
- Ensure access to shaded areas and clean water indoors and outdoors.
- Use paddling pools, sprinklers, or damp towels (but don’t cover your dog with a towel).
6. Limit Activity for At-Risk Dogs
- Be extra cautious with flat-faced breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs), senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with health issues.
- Modify or limit outdoor walks during heatwaves.
7. Use the Heat Index as a Guide
- If the sum of the temperature (in Fahrenheit) and humidity exceeds 150, outdoor activity is not safe.
- Outdoor walks above 82°F can be risky for many dogs, and above 89°F is considered dangerous for all breeds.
8. Spot Signs of Heatstroke
- Watch for symptoms such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, disorientation, or collapse.
- If these occur, move your dog to shade or an air-conditioned area, pour cool (not cold) water over them, and seek veterinary help immediately.
9. Never Leave Your Dog in a Vehicle
- Even a short time in a parked vehicle can be fatal as interior temperatures rise fast.
- Always cool your car before allowing your pet in, and avoid errands requiring your dog to wait in the car.
10. Consider Indoor Alternatives
- Engage your dog with interactive toys, agility games, flyball, or obstacle courses.
- Play hide-and-seek, teach new tricks, or let them explore frozen treat toys for mental stimulation.
11. Maintain Proper Grooming
- Regular grooming helps prevent overheating caused by matted coats.
- Be cautious not to shave double-coated breeds too short, as their fur protects from sun and heat.
12. Sun Protection
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed skin areas such as the nose, ears, and belly.
- Never use human sunscreen, as it can contain harmful ingredients like zinc oxide or salicylates.
13. Keep Identification Up-To-Date
- Ensure your dog always wears a collar with current ID tags in case they get lost.
By following these precautions and providing creative alternatives to outdoor exercise, pet owners can ensure that their dogs stay healthy, safe, and happy even during the hottest days of summer.
