If you are lucky enough to live in the right spot it can be like summer every day of the year. But if you have pets then you need to be wary of the temperature outside.
Heat is an adventurous dog’s worst enemy. They can overheat easily or suffer from burned paws when they spend time outside.
This is why you need to pay attention to the temperature before heading out to exercise them.
This might leave you wondering, just how hot is too hot? What temperature is just too much for your dog? Is 80 degrees too hot to walk your dog?
We share with you the answers to these questions, as well as information on the dangers of walking your dog when it is too hot!
We also provide some tips to keep them active when it’s too hot outside.
How to Tell if it is Too Hot to Walk Your Dog
It can be obvious most of the time that the weather is not right for a walk. The general rule is, if it is too hot for your own comfort, then it is much too hot for your dog.
And if you live in a hot climate where the temperature climbs to triple digits, then there’s no doubt that it’s too hot to walk your dog.
The general temperature that is safe for your dog is up to 68°F (19°C) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Once it reaches these levels, dogs are at risk of heatstroke.
So, to answer the question – yes, 80 degrees is too hot to walk your dog.
But there is also a simple test that will help you to know whether you should rethink your walk. Try putting your bare hand or foot flat on the walking surface for 10 seconds.
If you can’t comfortably keep it there, your pup won’t be able to, either.
Remember that this test only tells you if the pavement is too hot, but even if they escape burned paws, they could still be in danger of overheating.
Dangers of Walking Your Dog When it is Too Hot
Here are the main problems your dog may have if you are not vigilant and careful enough in the heat.
Dehydration
Some symptoms of dehydration in dogs include excessive urination, drooling, dry mouth, sunken eyes, loss of appetite, weak pulse, lethargy, and more.
To avoid this, always have a supply of fresh water for your dog.
Don’t walk them when the temperatures are too high. But in case you really have to walk them, look for a path that has lots of shade and fresh water sources.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke in dogs is a high temperature not caused by illness or fever, but of inability to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level.
Dogs are prone to overheating and heat stroke because they can only sweat through their paws.
Before heatstroke, signs of overheating will begin to show.
These can include pale or dry gums, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperventilation, excessive panting, confusion, weakness, increased heartbeat, increased salivation, and rectal bleeding.
If your dog is starting to overheat, you might be tempted to rush home and dunk your dog in ice-cold water, but you have to be smart about how you deal with it.
Get your dog to a water source and wet them with cool, but not ice-cold, water.
Take note that freezing cold water constricts blood vessels, and that can make things worse.
Better yet, wrap them in a towel wet with cool water and get them to the vet. Call your vet on the way to make sure they are ready for an emergency visit.
Burned Paws
As mentioned, dogs sweat through their paws. So, this is where they also feel the most heat.
When temperatures are high, taking your dog for a walk can burn their paws if the pavement is exposed to the sun.
If your dog starts licking their feet or limping after a walk, that means their paws need soothing with a bath of room-temperature water.
You can also apply a moisturizer on their paw pads. We recommend Natural Dog Company’s Paw Soother.
This paw soother protects your pet’s dry, rough, and cracked feet from heat, cold, sand, salt, and snow.
Made of all-natural and organic ingredients, it uses a variety of butters and oils to heal your dog’s irritated paws.
How to Exercise Your Dog When It’s Too Hot
The best solution in the heat is to simply adjust your schedule by walking your dog much earlier in the morning or later in the evening than usual.
Here are some other tips to keep them active despite the high temperature.
Walk on the Grass
Let your dog walk on grassed areas rather than paved ones. Hard surfaces retain the heat for longer. Grass is also much gentler on their paws than asphalt or concrete.
Invest in Doggy Booties
Dog shoes can be used for many reasons, but if you want to protect your dog from the heat, get booties made specifically for that purpose, like QUMY’s dog boots.
They come in seven sizes, making them available for almost any breed size. The anti-slip sole provides stability and traction, as well as protection from sharp thorns and hot surfaces.
They are made of quality fabrics sewn together to ensure they are durable and ready for your next outdoor adventure.
Move Your Exercise Inside
Find some creative ways to exercise your dog indoors. Try setting up obstacle courses in the house or play hide and seek with them.
There are tons of ways to tire your dog out, even if you live in a very small space.
You might even want to feed your dog using a food toy to keep them active. It’s highly interactive and mentally stimulating. Our favorite dog food toy is Outward Hound’s Fun Feeder.
Is 80 Degrees Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?
The general temperature that is safe to walk your dog outdoors is up to 68°F (19°C), so 80 degrees is absolutely too hot to walk your dog.
And just because it seems cool enough for your dog doesn’t mean the ground won’t hurt their paws.
Beware of the dangers of walking your dog in hot temperatures. Avoid overheating, dehydration, and burned paws by walking them on the grass, investing in doggy booties like QUMY’s dog boots, or exercising indoors!
Try setting up obstacle courses in the house, playing hide and seek, or feeding them with a food toy!
Keep your dog fit and healthy this summer.
