If it is over 25 degrees, it is a good idea to do a sidewalk 'test. ' Before heading for a walk, try and hold the palm of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog's paws to walk on.
A nine out of 10 risk rating is given to temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees celsius, and walks in temperatures at 32 degrees celsius or above are given a 10 out of 10 rating, with dogs of all breeds being susceptible to heatstroke at these temperatures.
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!
Generally, at temperatures above 89° Fahrenheit, most dogs are at risk of heat stroke and you should avoid walking your dog when it's 90°F or hotter. For many dogs, outdoor activity at temperatures above 82°F can be dangerous, and for some dogs even temperatures in the 70°-77° range can be too hot.
They say that between 16 and 19 degrees is generally safe for dogs, while between 20 and 23 degree is a six out of ten risk rating. When the temperature hits 24 and 27 degrees, this risk level goes up to nine out of ten, and then to ten out of ten when the weather reaches 32 degrees and above.
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.
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.
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℉.
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.
Generally speaking, with enough water, shade, and air circulation, most dogs will probably do OK in warm temperatures up to 32°C. However, take this as a rule of thumb as it will vary amongst individual dogs. Also, we can't stress the importance of access to shade and water enough.
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.
Walking your dog in hot weather
Dogs need exercise, even when it's hot. We recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement. Do you know the signs of heatstroke and what to do if you spot them?
So, how do you know if it is too hot to walk your dog? 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.
The longer your pup is outside, the lower their body temperature will go, so it's best to give them a few shorter walks instead of giving them one long walk. For temperatures above -4℃, medium to large dogs can walk for around half an hour, whereas smaller dogs should be limited to around 20 minutes.
Below 45°F – Some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. Below 32°F – Owners of smaller breed dogs, dogs with short or thin coats, and/or very young, senior dogs, dogs with health conditions, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet's well-being.
Unfortunately, some pets are just more prone to overheating than others. Young pets and those with short noses and long hair, in particular, tend to overheat more easily. Keep a close eye on your pet's behavior, like heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, unsteadiness, or lethargy can all be serious signs of heatstroke.
Cool-downs are every bit as important for maintaining canine health as a warm-up. Cooling down allows your dog's body temperature, breathing, and heart rate to slow down gradually after an exercise routine is completed.
As dogs release heat through their paws, it's an effective way of cooling them down quickly. Fill the pool halfway with cold – but not freezing – water, and add some of your dog's favourite toys to encourage them. While some dogs will dive straight in for a splash, others may need more encouragement.
The tell-tale sign that a dog is not coping well in the heat is by spotting them licking or gnawing at their paws. This could mean that they are in pain or discomfort from burns on their paw.
Surfaces such as pavement, asphalt and artificial grass can become searingly hot causing blisters or burns on their paw pads. Not to mention hot pavement and warm weather can also increase the overall body temperature of your pet and lead to heat stroke.
Generally, when the heat index is over 90°F, you should use extreme caution when heading outdoors for activity or intense exercise. Keep in mind that different people might have a different threshold, so it's important to pay attention to your body.
A shy dog may prefer to walk before sunrise or at night to avoid other dog walkers and unfamiliar dogs. They may also want to walk in a less busy area like on a hiking trail or on a side road. Social dogs often welcome new faces and favor walks in the afternoon or evening during peak walking periods.
If left unchecked, heatstroke can be fatal. It's important to keep an eye on your dog during hot weather to ensure they don't overheat. Never leave them alone in a car, even with the windows open, and make sure they have plenty of shady spots in the garden and in the house to retreat to when things get too hot.