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.
On a day with a temperature of 90 degrees or so, it only takes 15 minutes for your dog to overheat. If you let your dog free roam your fenced in yard, be mindful of how long you leave your dogs outside. And also be sure that your dog has a shaded area to hang out in!
Generally, when the heat index is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you should use extreme caution when heading outdoors for activity or intense exercise. When the temperatures are high, there is an increased risk of serious heat-related illnesses.
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.
Avoid walking on hot days.
Temperatures below 25 degrees are optimum. Also, beware of the hot pavement so you don't burn their paws.
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!
In general, temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can quickly get extra risky, so try to avoid going outdoors if it's anything hotter than that.
Scorching surfaces are especially damaging to puppies with sensitive young paws. So how hot is too hot for a dog's sensitive paw pads? “If the temperature is 85 degrees or over without the chance for the pavement to cool down, the ground may be too hot for safely walking a dog,” says Klein.
Signs Your Dog is Overheating
Frantic panting, extreme salivation, bright-red membranes, and labored breathing are clear warning signs that your dog is overheated and may quickly progress to a metabolic meltdown as his temperature rises to over 106 degrees Fahrenheit and he can no longer cool themself.
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.
50-60 degrees and higher are safe temperatures for your dog. 85+ degree temperatures are a different beast in itself, but we're just talking about cool to cold temperatures here. 45 degrees or so are generally acceptable, but you'll still want to keep an eye on how your dog is handling itself in these temperatures.
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℉.
This test can be conducted by walking to black asphalt and laying the back of your hand down on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for at least 5 seconds, then the asphalt is too hot to walk your dog on.
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.
According to vets, there is a clear answer to this particular question. They advise that you should wait at least two hours after your dog has eaten a meal before walking them. That's because walking your dog straight after a meal can cause your dog to bloat, or even lead to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
From a pure temperature standpoint, once temperatures reach the 90 degree mark, you are crossing into "hot" territory.
"As the outside temperature rises, your family's risk of heat stroke rises right along with it," Dr. Warmink said. "On 100-degree days, it's best to stay inside when it gets that hot. If temperatures exceed 90 degrees, stay in the shade and keep an extra eye on the kids."
Look for shirts, shorts and pants in white, tan or khaki. Wear loose, breathable clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that breathes well will help your body regulate temperature. Nylon and polyester are good choices. Cotton can be OK: You've heard it before: cotton kills.
Best House Temperatures for Dogs
Indoor temperatures in the summer should be what you're probably used to — between 75 degrees F and 78 F. When you leave the house never set the thermostat higher than 82 degrees, and always provide lots of fresh water for your dog.
Our four-legged friends don't handle the heat like we do. Unlike us, dogs don't sweat out excess body heat. Though dogs typically release heat by panting, this may not always be enough to cool down. As a result, your beloved pooch can quickly become overheated, if not acclimated.
Your pet may seek shade, become restless, whine or become vocal, or appear to have trouble breathing. A rectal temperature of 104-106 degrees indicates heat stress.
Because dogs primarily pant rather than sweat, they are much more sensitive to heat than humans are. Luckily, heat exhaustion is easily preventable—even in the dog days of summer.
Symptoms of Paw Burn on Your Dogs
If you notice any of the following signs, get your pet off of any hot surfaces as soon as possible and carry them if necessary: Limping. Refusing to walk. Darker than usual or discoloured pads.
Merocrine sweat glands function similarly to human sweat glands. Located in your dog's paw pads, these glands activate when your pet is hot to cool them down. This is why you might notice damp paw prints on the ground during particularly hot days.