Any temperature over 25C is a definite NO when it comes to walking! Stick to the rule of walking below 20C to be safe. Some dogs are at higher risk from the heat than others, so be extra careful: Overweight dogs.
20-35 degrees is where large dogs need to have eyes on them, as these are potentially unsafe conditions depending on your dog's breed and unique needs. 15 degrees and lower is where you hit a danger zone, so you'll want to really limit your dog's exposure to the elements and keep them indoors as much as possible.
In cold temperatures 20 degrees and above: Large dogs (50-80 pounds) should be outside no more than one minute per degree. Medium dogs (25-50 pounds) can be outside for 30 seconds per degree.
Most healthy medium or large dogs can walk for 30-minutes if the temperature is above 20 degrees F. Smaller dogs should limit the walk to 15 or 20 minutes if temps are between 20 to 32 degrees F. If it's below 0 degrees, no dog should be out for a walk.
Planning on walking dogs in hot weather? It's generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs is essentially a high temperature not caused by a fever.
If you can't hold the back of your hand to the pavement outside for more than a few seconds, it's too hot for your pet. On hot, humid days, you should bring your pet inside if the indoor environment is cooler (for example, if you have air conditioning).
In Vets Now's assessment of temperatures for walking your dog, they state that between 20 and 23 degrees has a six out of 10 risk rating and that rigorous exercise in this heat could lead to heatstroke. An eight out of ten rating is given for 24-27 degrees celsius and they advise that extreme caution must be taken.
Anything above 20C can cause your dog to become dehydrated and very hot very quickly. The hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog. As the temperature increases, even by just 1C, the risk to your dog increases too. Any temperature over 25C is a definite NO when it comes to walking!
Walking Your Dog in the Winter
Accordingly, they shouldn't spend longer than 10 to 15 minutes outdoors in temperatures between 10 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and they shouldn't spend any time outdoors in temperatures less than 10 degrees F.
Experts agree that it is generally safe to take your canine pal for a walk in temperatures of up to 68F, while anything over 77F is considered very risky. This is because even at temperatures as low as 70F dogs can be at risk of developing heatstroke, a high temperature that isn't caused by a fever.
As a general rule of thumb: at 45°F (7°C) and below, most dogs will dogs will start to become uncomfortable. at 32°F (0°C) and below, small, thin-coated, young, old and sick dogs should not be left outside for long. at 20°F (-7°C) and below, dogs become vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite.
In non-wet conditions, if it's between 20 and 30 degrees, most small and medium breed dogs can safely spend about 20 minutes outside at a time, while larger breeds can go for 30 minutes, says Barnes.
Dogs need physical and mental stimulation, and when it is not provided through adequate exercise and training, they will seek stimulation where they can. Getting you to let them in and out, and then actually getting to go in and out, is a great way for them to get a rush and feel in charge all at the same time.
Small companion dogs are most at risk in temperature extremes and it would be cruel to leave them outside at temperatures below 10°C or above 30°C. Larger breeds are often okay to stay outside when the temperature goes as low as 7°C as long as there's no wind.
Medium dogs (25-50 pounds) can be outside for 30 seconds per degree. Small dogs (15-25 pounds) can only withstand 15 seconds per degree and extra small dogs (less than 15 pounds) 7 seconds per degree. At 10 degrees or colder, the guidelines are cut in half.
The safest temperatures for dog walking tend to range between 12 - 19'C. When the temperatures get higher and reach between 20 - 25'C, the risks of walking dogs in heat increase and you must take precautions to keep your dog cool.
Don't be alarmed; your dog isn't a diva. The truth is dogs love and need the sun as much as people do. Being in the sun is incredibly healthy for you and your dog. The vitamin D they get from the sun helps their body and immune system as well as improves their mood.
It's important to provide your dog with access to shade and water at all times, especially during hot and humid weather. As a general guideline, you should limit your dog's sun exposure to no more than 30 minutes at a time, particularly during the peak sun hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
Bored dogs will find something to do if kept outside during the day or while you're at work, which is never a good thing. So hang out with your dog and prevent unwanted behavior. An ounce of prevention prevents hours of changing behavior, so never leave your dog outside unattended.
While small pups can spend a few hours outdoors in temperatures between 60ºF and 90ºF, keep outings in temperatures below 32ºF and above 90ºF to short spans of no more than 10 to 15 minutes, recommends Dr. Wooten.
You may want to put a sweater on your pup or keep your walks a little shorter. 20-30 Degrees: It's getting cold out there! Your cold-loving breeds will still be fine, but most dogs will start to get chilled and should have their walks kept to 15 minutes so they can come back inside to warm up.
Most Australian Shepherds find temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to be comfortable. To reduce overheating in hotter temperatures, provide lots of cover and access to water.
The Five Second Rule: Place the back of your hand on the sidewalk, pavement, or whatever outdoor surface your dog would walk on. If it's too hot to comfortably keep your hand there for five seconds, keep your dog's paws off it.
Burns Can Happen Fast:
It only takes 60 seconds on the pavement which is 125℉, for a dog's pads to burn. This means that the pavement could be potentially dangerous when the air temperature is 77℉.