What temperature is too hot to walk a dog in the UK?
Ollie Legros
2025-08-10 04:31:36
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If the ground is too hot to touch with your hand for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Pavements can get very hot. You know the saying, it's hot enough to fry an egg, Imagine what that does to your poor dogs' feet. When it's 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C in environments such as cars, which can be fatal. Walkies go out in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Don’t run or cycle with your dog when it’s hot.
Okey McClure
2025-07-29 16:54:13
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Above 27°C: It’s too dangerous to walk your dog.
Temperature guide for walking dogs
Here’s how to decide if it’s safe to take your dog for a walk:
Below 12°C: Perfect walking weather!
12-19°C: Safe for most dogs, but keep an eye out for signs of overheating if they’re running around a lot.
20-23°C: Start to take precautions.
24-26°C: This is risky territory.
As a general rule, walking your dog at any temperature below 20C is ideal.
Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15-25°C, but this is very much dependent on their age, breed, size, coat length, amount of exercise they're engaging in, health and fitness.
During the hot summer months, take your dog out before 8am or after 8pm when temperatures cool down.
The hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog.
Destini Thiel
2025-07-29 14:55:17
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While most dogs are comfortable walking between 15c and 25c, individual factors like age, breed, coat type, and fitness level play a significant role in how well they tolerate the heat.
Plus 1 to the risk if your dog is less than six-months-old, older than eight-years-old, brachycephalic, obese.
Minus 1 if water is available and the area is shaded from the sun.
Vets are 4 times more likely to have to treat dogs suffering from heat stroke because they’ve been walked in weather that is too hot.
If in doubt remember missing one walk won’t kill your dog but taking a walk in hot weather might.
Emelia Mitchell
2025-07-29 13:11:15
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Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15-25°C, but this is very much dependent on their age, breed, size, coat length, amount of exercise they're engaging in, health and fitness. Some dogs may struggle to maintain a low body temperature, even in lower temperatures. However, early morning or evening walking, when it’s cooler, should reduce the risk of heatstroke, depending on the temperature. If it’s too painful for you to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds then it’s too painful for your dog to walk on. Dogs can overheat on hot days, and some dogs can even struggle in warm weather, especially during the midday sun. Is it dangerous to walk your dog on a warm day? Yes, it can be, but it depends on how hot it is and how well your dog copes in warmer weather.
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