What temperature is too hot for dogs? 

In general, if it’s too hot for you, it’s likely way too hot for your dog. Dogs dont sweat like humans and instead rely on a less effective form of cooling: panting. While having fun in the sun with your pup is a major perk of life as a pet parent, it’s especially important to be mindful of your pup’s ability to tolerate heat.

Every dog is different, but a good rule of thumb to follow is to be mindful of your dog’s hydration and activity level starting at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At 85°F or more, you should be actively cautious about your dog’s heat tolerance and should limit their time outdoors. If you find yourself wondering if it's too hot for your dog outside, be on the safe side and bring them indoors.

When is it too hot to walk your dog?

Anything above 90°F is considered too hot for any dog to go for their usual walk. A quick stint outside to do their business is fine, but anything beyond that can quickly turn dangerous when temperatures are in the 90s. 

Depending on their breed, age, or health conditions, some dogs may need their activity limited at temperatures beginning in the mid 70s. Breed traits like a shortened snout or medications like prednisone can increase your pet’s risk of heat-related illness. Your Lovet veterinarian can provide personalized advice on your pet’s unique heat tolerance factors and provide strategies for making them as safe and comfortable as possible.

How to walk your dog in the heat safely

Avoid taking your dog out during the hotter times of the day and instead choose to exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. If your dog absolutely has to go out when temperatures are peaking, limit their time outdoors to only what’s necessary and try to keep them in the shade and away from the hot pavement.

Pavement and asphalt temperatures for dogs

Asphalt, black tops, sidewalks, pool patios, and even turf can quickly become hotter than the outside air — making it dangerous for your pup’s paws. At 77°F, especially if these surfaces have been sitting in the sun all day without clouds or shade to cool it down, they could get as hot as 125°F.  
 


Pavement also holds onto heat, meaning its surface temperature climbs rapidly even if the air temperature doesn’t. At 86°F, a sidewalk’s temperature can read up to 135°F; with a one degree rise to 87°F, the same sidewalk could read as high as 145°F!

While your dog’s paw pads are tough enough to handle rocks and twigs, they’re still very sensitive to heat. At these elevated temperatures, it could only take a few seconds for your pup’s paws to get first- or even second-degree burns. In the height of summer, our vets see a lot of paw burns from things as simple as walking the short distance from the car to the pet store, or from crossing the back patio to the grass in the yard.

How to gauge pavement or asphalt temperature

Checking if pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on is easy. Just rest your hand on it for ten seconds, if you can. Much like outside air: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog!

Tips for protecting your dog in the heat 

Here are a few of our favorite tips for responsible pet parents to keep their dogs safe while they have fun in (or out of!) the sun:

Consider summer booties

Booties aren’t just for winter! A pair of summer booties can help your pup get a good walk in when the outside temps are moderate, but the pavement is too hot for them to go “barefoot.” You may be tempted to use their winter booties if you already have a pair — and they’ll do in a pinch! — but summer booties are designed to be lighter and more breathable than their winter counterparts.

Stay hydrated 

Hot weather puts your dog at risk of dehydration due to the combined factors of increased heat and increased water loss through panting. Proper hydration is crucial for keeping your pup safe in hot weather. Make sure to provide lots of fresh water at home and especially while out and about.

Know how to cool down

Providing your pup with plenty of shade, cool water, and A/C are the best ways to keep them cool. Kiddie pools or a dunk in the lake or ocean can be a great way to cool off too... but be sure to dry your pup well if they get soaked. Water can act as an insulator and end up trapping heat, canceling out all the hard work you did to cool your pup off!

No parked cars

While we all love an air-conditioned car ride with our best friend, it’s important to keep your dog out of the car while it’s parked to avoid exposing them to dangerous heat. Even in mild weather, with the windows cracked, or in the shade, temperatures inside a parked car can increase rapidly — and the danger only climbs as the weather gets hotter. At 72*F, it only takes an hour for the inside of a car to reach 110*F. Either keep the A/C running, or keep your pup at home, but never leave them alone in a parked car.

Have fun indoors, too!

Sometimes, the safest thing you can do for your dog is to keep them inside with the A/C. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Use the games and activities in our winter enrichment blog to keep your pup entertained and cool at the same time.

Signs of heat stroke in dogs

Heat stroke and other heat related illnesses can come on fast, and early intervention is key to keeping your dog safe. Keep an eye out for the following signs that your dog is dangerously overheated:

• Excessive panting or breathing difficulties 

• Drooling 

• Increased heart and respiratory rate 

• Weakness, stupor, or collapsing  

• Elevated body temperature (over 104 degrees) 

• Seizures 

• Vomiting 

• Bloody diarrhea.
  
  

If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call your Lovet team immediately.

Not sure? Talk to your vet.

One of the best ways to keep your dog safe and healthy in hot weather is to prioritize their primary care before summer hits its peak. Senior dogs and puppies can be more susceptible to health changes as the weather fluctuates, and hot weather may worsen some dogs’ medical conditions.

At Lovet, we’re here to be your resource for your wellness worries, all season and all year long. Our primary care exams include a Wellness Snapshot to give you a holistic record of your dog's health, so you know what to look out for as the year goes on. Together, we’ll come up with a plan for your pup’s safest, happiest summer yet. Book an appointment today to get started.