When is it Too Hot to Walk Your Dog? 11 Ways to Keep Them Safe in a Heatwave
When is it too hot to walk – As summer heatwaves intensify, humans often revel in the warmth, yet our furry friends face unique challenges. Dogs, unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans, become particularly vulnerable when the sun beats down. This is especially true during prolonged periods of high temperatures, which can lead to dangerous conditions for pets if not managed carefully.
Understanding the Risks
Dogs rely on panting to cool themselves, a process that is less efficient than sweating in humans. This makes them more susceptible to overheating, particularly in environments where heat retention is high. Pet owners must adapt their routines to mitigate these risks, ensuring their companions stay safe without compromising their own enjoyment of the weather.
Preventing Heatstroke in Vehicles
“This is the most common tip that comes to mind when we think of dogs in hot weather,” says Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes. “That’s because it can and often does have tragic consequences. Temperatures can rise rapidly leading to heatstroke, so don’t leave your dog in a hot car, even if you’re popping out for five minutes.”
According to Lagercrantz, the interior of a vehicle can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. Even a short trip can be risky if the car is parked in direct sunlight. Sue Ketland, a dog behavior and training specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, emphasizes the importance of avoiding car travel unless absolutely necessary. “Some people will say, ‘but I’ve got air conditioning in the car’—but what if you break down? What if your air conditioning fails? What if you get stuck in traffic? What if you do have an accident? Some breakdown vehicles won’t take dogs in them,” she explains.
Hydration: A Lifeline in Hot Weather
Staying hydrated is critical for dogs during extreme heat. Lagercrantz recommends keeping multiple water bowls accessible around the home, ensuring pets have easy access to fluids. “Leave multiple bowls around the house so your dog is never far from a source of hydration,” he advises. For outdoor activities, he highlights the need to provide water in shaded areas, especially when dogs are active in the sun.
Optimal Times for Exercise
Heat levels vary throughout the day, with temperatures peaking between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Lagercrantz suggests adjusting walking schedules to early mornings or evenings, when the sun is less intense. “Try and adjust your walking schedule to times when temperatures are not peaking, so early morning and evening,” he notes. This approach helps reduce the risk of dogs overexerting themselves during the hottest hours.
Protecting Paws from Burn
Surfaces like pavements, roads, and sand can become scorching under the sun, posing a risk to a dog’s paw pads. Lagercrantz advises testing the ground with the back of your hand for a few seconds—if it’s too hot for you, it’s likely too hot for your dog. “Pavements, roads and sand can be very hot in the sun and can burn your dog’s pads,” he warns. “Stick to shaded or grassy areas where you can.” This simple check can prevent painful burns and discomfort.
Indoor Cooling Strategies
Keeping a dog cool indoors is essential when outdoor conditions are harsh. Ketland suggests closing doors and windows during the day to maintain a cooler environment. “Keep your doors and windows closed during the day and draw your curtains to keep it shady,” she recommends. Additionally, she highlights the use of fans, cool mats, and paddling pools as effective tools to create a comfortable space. “You could also set up a paddling pool in a shady area of the garden for your dog,” she adds.
Adjusting Activity Levels
For dog owners who typically engage in high-energy activities with their pets, reducing intensity during heatwaves is crucial. Lagercrantz suggests slowing down routines to prevent overexertion. “If you usually run or do more vigorous activities with your dog, try to slow down a bit,” he advises. Ketland agrees, noting that repetitive tasks like chasing balls can be taxing. “Avoid anything that involves really hard running, like the repetitive chasing of balls,” she says. This helps dogs avoid exhaustion and heat-related complications.
Recognizing the Signs of Overheating
“Dogsthat are overheating tend to become restless, find it difficult to settle and pant heavily,” highlights Ketland. “Their mouths can appear dry, their tongues can start to go a bluey colour and sometimes their eyes will go bloodshot.”
Early indicators of heat stress include agitation, heavy panting, and a blueish tint to the tongue. Dogs may also pace constantly or show signs of lethargy. Ketland explains that in more severe cases, pets can collapse, making prompt action vital. “They’ll either get to the point of collapse, or in the earlier stages dogs tend to know something’s not right and will pace around heavily, panting and will look agitated,” she elaborates.
Immediate Cooling Measures
If a dog shows signs of overheating, immediate steps are necessary to prevent heatstroke. Ketland recommends moving the pet to a shaded area and applying cold water to their groin, armpits, and other areas with heavy blood flow. “Get them into the shade and run cold water over their groin area, their armpits and any area where there’s heavy blood flow, because we want to cool the blood down,” she explains. After cooling, contacting a veterinarian promptly is essential to ensure recovery.
Outdoor Safety Tips
When taking dogs outside, prioritizing shaded spots is key. Ketland advises bringing fresh water for them to drink, especially at beaches or parks. “Try to keep your dog to shady areas on the beach and make sure you take your own fresh water with you for them to drink,” she says. She also emphasizes the importance of using a long-line lead near water bodies. “Be aware of how strong the current is. There have been cases where dogs have been swept out to sea or have been taken down a river,” she warns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some practices that seem helpful can actually worsen a dog’s condition. Ketland notes that covering a dog with a wet towel might trap heat rather than dissipate it. “Some people put a wet towel over the top of their dog, but that can actually trap the heat underneath, so don’t do that,” she says. Instead, allowing the dog to lie on the towel can help them stay cool by facilitating heat loss through evaporation.
Special Care for Puppies and Young Dogs
Young puppies are particularly at risk due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature. Ketland explains: “Young puppies, in particular, can’t regulate their body temperatures very well, and dogs don’t really know when to stop. If you’re chucking a ball around in really hot weather, they will just keep going and going and going until they get to the point of collapse.” This highlights the need for extra vigilance when caring for younger or more active breeds.
Hydration Through Treats
Keeping dogs hydrated can be done creatively. Lagercrantz suggests using ice cubes, frozen treats, or specially designed dog lollies to encourage water intake. “Giving your dog ice cubes, frozen treats, or ice lollies made for dogs can keep them hydrated and help cool them down,” he says. These methods not only provide moisture but also offer a refreshing way to combat the heat.
Proactive Planning for Heatwaves
Preparing for heatwaves involves more than just adjusting schedules. Owners should create a safe environment by ensuring access to shade, water, and cool resting spots. Ketland’s Golden Retriever, for example, benefits from a cool mat in the home. “My
