Dog experts say that it can be dangerous to walk a dog when the temperature is above 25 degrees Celcius. Generally speaking, many dog experts is that it’s safe to walk a dog up to temperatures of around 20 degrees celsius. Different dogs can have varying tolerance to hot weather. For example, breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs can really suffer in the heat, and should never be walked in hot weather. On the other hand, Kelpies may be more tolerant of warm days. Furthermore, older dogs, chronically sick dogs and young puppies can be very sensitive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. As such, you should always be cautious when walking a dog in summer and judge each situation individually. It can be dangerous to walk a dog in hot weather because dogs easily overheat and become seriously unwell.
Consider a shorter or slower walk if you think the temperature will rise during your walk. If you can, stick to walking on shady paths or the shaded side of the street. Walk on grass rather than on the road or pavement. These surfaces can retain a lot of heat late into the day. A quick test to check if the ground is too hot for your dog: simply hold your palm onto the ground for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.