We look forward to summertime walks every year as the seasons change and the warm weather comes back around. But when is it too hot for our dogs? We answer those questions and provide more information about summertime heat.
Some dogs have much longer hair and thicker coats because they were originally bred for withstanding colder temperatures. For these breeds, feeling overheated and dehydrated will come a lot faster, and at much lower temperatures than they will for a short-haired dog.
Not only do you need to watch out for the air temperature, but you’ll want to watch out for the temperature of the pavement as well.
When it’s 77 degrees outside—especially in the full sun—the asphalt temperature can be 125 degrees. And when the temperature is 95 degrees outside, the asphalt could be as high as 149 degrees.
Dogs don’t sweat in the same way we do. Our sweat is what keeps us cool as it evaporates off of our bodies. And we can sweat all over. But dogs sweat to cool down through their paws, which doesn’t cool them down nearly as much as our sweat does for us. This is why dogs pant when they’re hot. But even panting won’t fully do the job.
It’s important to keep your dog in cool, shaded spaces when you can. Keep them well hydrated, and even wet them down with a hose before a walk.
Try this test
Place the back of your hand on the asphalt for 7 seconds. If the ground is burning your hand, it will burn your pup’s paws. And if you need to walk your dog, but you can’t avoid the hot pavement, try purchasing dog booties to help avoid direct contact with the pavement.
Don’t let these worries stop you or your dog from exercise and fresh air. You just have to be prepared and plan around the heat. Check the temperatures and humidity levels ahead of time.
Try taking your pup for a walk early in the morning, or later in the evening when it’s cooler out. First thing in the morning is best because the ground will still be cool from the night before. And make sure you both drink plenty of water!
