When is it Too Hot to Walk a Dog? The UK Temperature Guide

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Heat stroke in dogs can be fatal in as little as 15 minutes, and worryingly, it's almost entirely preventable.

Unlike humans, dogs can't cool themselves down efficiently through sweating. Although they can release a small amount of heat through their paw pads, their primary cooling method is panting, pushing warm air out and drawing cooler air in.

In hot weather, this simply isn't enough to keep their temperature safe.

So before you reach for the lead this summer, here's everything you need to know.

⏰ UPDATED : APRIL 2026 We've expanded this article to include a full UK temperature guide with heat stroke risk ratings, a new signs of heat stroke section, and our best tips for keeping dogs cool when the sun has other ideas.

IN THIS ARTICLE

What Temperature is Too Hot to Walk a Dog?

1. How to Check: The 7-Second Pavement Test

 2. Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

3. What to Do if it's Too Hot to Walk Your Dog

4. When You Can't Avoid the Heat

5. How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated in Summer

What Temperature is Too Hot to Walk a Dog?

Most dogs can be walked comfortably at temperatures up to around 19°C. Above that, the risk of heat stroke begins to rise, and for some breeds, it rises much faster than you might expect.

According to guidance from the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, the risk scale looks like this:

• 12–15°C - No evidence of heat stroke risk. Enjoy your walk.

• 16–19°C - Generally safe at all times of day, though keep a close eye on large, obese and flat-faced breeds.

• 20–23°C - Dogs can be at risk if exercised too vigorously, or if they have underlying health conditions such as obesity or breathing difficulties.

• 24–27°C - Extreme caution required. Large, obese, flat-faced and very young dogs will find these temperatures very uncomfortable.

• 28–31°C - Dangerous for all dogs, and life-threatening for larger breeds, puppies, flat-faced or obese dogs.

• 32°C+ - Heat stroke is a major risk regardless of breed, size or condition. Do not walk your dog.

Dogs at particular risk at any temperature include flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, who have shorter snouts and struggle to pant efficiently. Obese dogs, puppies and elderly dogs are also significantly more vulnerable.

1. How to Check: The 7-Second Pavement Test

It's not just the air temperature you need to consider, the ground temperature matters just as much.

Pavement, sand and concrete can reach temperatures significantly higher than the air around them, and your dog's paws are in direct contact with these surfaces throughout their walk.

The Dogs Trust recommend a simple test: place the palm of your hand flat on the pavement and hold it there for 7 seconds. If you can't keep it there for the full 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.

2. Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

Knowing the warning signs could save your dog's life. Look out for:

• Heavy, rapid panting that doesn't slow down

• Excessive drooling

• Bright red or pale gums

• Glazed eyes or a dazed expression

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Staggering, weakness or collapse

  
  

If you spot any of these signs, move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water, and contact your vet straight away.

Do not use ice or very cold water as this can cause the blood vessels to constrict and slow the cooling process.

3. What to Do if it's Too Hot to Walk Your Dog

During summer, walking before 8am and after 8pm is generally the safest approach as temperatures are lower and pavements have had time to cool down.

 A dog has never died from missing a walk in the heat, but they have from walking in the heat.

Less exercise is always preferable to heat stroke. If your dog is getting fewer steps than usual, don't worry, there are brilliant ways to keep them mentally stimulated indoors.

Puzzle and enrichment toys are specifically designed to exercise your dog's brain, and can tire them out just as effectively as a physical walk.

We take a look at some fun ideas in our guide to indoor dog games, and test the top options in our round-up of the best puzzle toys for dogs.

With ticks and fleas at their worst in warmer months, it's also worth making sure your dog's parasite protection is up to date. We tested Itch and found their subscription service makes it easy to stay on top of, with vet-strength treatments landing through the door exactly when they're due.

4. When You Can't Avoid the Heat

Sometimes a walk in the heat is unavoidable. If that's the case, here's how to keep the risk as low as possible:

• Take plenty of cool water and a travel bowl - hydration is critical.

• Stick to shaded routes, walk near water or under trees where possible

• Stay on the shaded side of the street

• Keep your dog on the lead and allow plenty of slow sniffing time - a sniffy walk is far less physically demanding than a fast-paced one

• Keep walks short and turn back at the first sign of distress

If you're not already kitted out for on-the-go adventures, take a look at our round-up of the best dog walking bags - we've tested options with built-in water bottle holders, treat pouches and foldaway bowls so you're never caught short.

If you're at home and want to help your dog cool down in the garden, cooling vests, paddling pools, sprinklers and specialist cooling beds can all make a significant difference. We've tested the best options in our round-up of best cooling products for dogs.

Planning a trip to the beach or a riverside adventure this summer? Our guide to safe water play for dogs covers everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe, happy and thoroughly worn out in and around water. Plus we explore the best travel bags to help with hydration on-the-go.

5. How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated in Summer

Hydration is one of the most important factors in keeping your dog safe in hot weather.

A dehydrated dog overheats faster and recovers more slowly, so always make sure fresh, cool water is available at home and on the go.

It sounds obvious, but the bowl matters too. Some dogs are surprisingly fussy about depth, material and size.

If your dog is consistently walking past their water bowl, it might be worth a swap. Take a look at our guide to the best dog bowls UK for our tested recommendations.

For dogs who need a little extra encouragement to drink, a dog hydration drink can be a brilliant way to boost fluid intake while delivering some great additional health benefits too.

We test four popular options - Furr Boost, Bone Broth, Pawer Water and Goats Milk, in our guide to the best dog hydration drinks.

If you're looking to introduce your dog to the water this summer, take a look at our expert tips for enjoying safe water play with your four-legged friend.

Stay safe in the sun - If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, call your vet immediately. For any health-related questions, always consult your vet as they have examined your dog, are aware of the health history, and can therefore make the best recommendations.