How hot is too hot? Dog walking advice in the Summer
23 June 2025
At RSPCA Norwich, we know how much dogs love their walks – and how important daily exercise is for their health and happiness.
But as we head into the middle of summer and temperatures hit late 20s, a fun stroll can quickly turn dangerous. Every year, we hear heartbreaking reports of dogs suffering from heatstroke – a serious and sometimes fatal condition. That’s why it’s so important to understand when it’s just too hot for a dog-walk, and it’s safer to keep them inside in the cool. In-fact, research shows that dog are 10 times more likely to suffer heat-related illnesses from exercising in hot weather than from overheating in cars.
When is it too hot to walk your dog?
As a rule of thumb, RSPCA England and Wales say that if the ground is too hot to touch with your hand for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws! Tarmac, pavements and sand can become scorching in the sun, causing painful burns to your dog’s paws. Remember that dogs don’t sweat like we do; they cool down by panting, and on hot, humid days, that simply isn’t enough.
Dogs with existing health conditions, flat-faced breeds and those with thick coats are more at risk of overheating and could even struggle in relatively cool spring weather after a cold winter:
- Dogs with health conditions: As dogs rely on their respiratory system to keep cool, unfit and overweight dogs and those with heart or respiratory disease are more likely to heat up faster and take longer to cool down.
- Flat-faced breeds: A study by Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College found that brachycephalic dogs such as pugs and bulldogs are at higher risk of developing heatstroke, as panting is less effective with a shorter snout.
- Dogs with thick coats: Dogs lose heat through their bodies, which is harder if they have thick coats or are wearing doggy clothes
Very old dogs or puppies are also more at risk of heatstroke.
Tips for keeping your dog cool in summer
There are some things you can do, or avoid doing, as a dog owner in order to keep your dog safe during the warmer weather. Here’s a few of the RSPCA’s top tips:
- Go out in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler
- Skip the walk if needed: on very hot days, a game in a shady garden or some indoor enrichment is safer than a risky walk.
- If you’re planning a day out with your dog, check before leaving home whether dogs are allowed. If they’re not, arrange a pet-sitter or choose a dog-friendly attraction to avoid leaving them in the car or tied up in the heat
- When you’re at home, provide constant access to shaded areas inside and out and make sure there is always clean, cold water available
- Prevent sunburn by using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed parts of your pet’s skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose. This is especially important if your dog has white or light-coloured fur, as they can be very vulnerable to getting burned. If you’re not sure which is the right product to use, please ask your vet.
- Groom your dog regularly. Regular grooming in warmer weather can help brush away any dead or excess hair, and matts and knots, leaving your dog with a less dense coat
- Put ice cubes into your dog’s water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats. You could also freeze a Kong toy full of treats and water!
- Give your pet damp towels to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Never place a damp towel over your dog as this can trap in heat
Never:
- Run or cycle with your dog when it’s hot
- Leave your dog(s) in cars or other vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in warm weather, even if only for a short while. When it’s 22°C (76°F) outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be fatal.
- Leave your dog unattended / home alone for long periods of time (we recommend that adult dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time)
Every year, dogs suffer needlessly from the heat. Please help us by sharing this advice with fellow pet owners, friends, and family. Together, we can make sure our four-legged friends enjoy a safe, happy summer.
Keep in touch
Sign up below to keep in touch!