When summer hits hard, every dog owner faces the same dilemma: Is it too hot for a walk?
1. So, How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?
There’s no general rule and you always need to consider your individual dog and the specific environment you’re in. But very broadly speaking, if the outside temperature is above 25°C, caution is needed.
A dog’s ability to cope with heat depends on their breed, age, health, and the humidity levels. Regardless of the number on the thermometer, your dog needs shade, water, and ventilation – no exceptions.
Many dogs won’t know when to stop themselves. If you keep throwing the ball, they’ll keep chasing it – even if they’re overheating. That’s why it’s up to humans to make the right call.
2. Can The Heat Affect Your Dog?
Absolutely. Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Instead, they cool themselves by panting, which becomes less effective in hot, humid weather. On summer days, heat stress can creep up fast – especially during exercise.
That’s why it’s best to schedule walks at dawn or dusk. The cooler temperatures reduce the risk of heatstroke, and your dog still gets to enjoy their favourite part of the day.
3. Can Dogs Walk In Hot Weather?
Maybe.
If your dog is a puppy, senior, or has a chronic health condition, check with your vet before any hot-weather outings.
Healthy adult dogs can often manage short walks, but:
- Keep it low intensity
- Bring water
- Avoid hot surfaces
4. How Hot Is Too Hot For Dogs On Pavement?
Depending on the time of the day, even at just 25°C, walking on pavement can burn your dog’s paws. It’s important to understand that different types of surfaces absorb heat differently. Sidewalks get really hot because they not only soak up the heat but retain it as well.
Your dog’s paws can be just as sensitive as your feet. If you’re unsure if it’s too hot to walk your dog on pavement, there’s a simple test that you can do. Hold your hand down on the pavement for a few seconds. If you struggle to hold it down, it’s too hot for dogs to walk on asphalt.
If you find yourself in a situation where the outside temperature isn’t too hot, but the pavement is, you can carry or drive your dog to a natural grass area. Natural grass areas are a lot cooler than pavement, so it’s better to walk your dog on grass rather than asphalt on hot days.
Some people find dog strollers helpful to take their dogs places on hot days. They can help to protect your dog from sun rays and the hot pavement. Learn more about them here: Where to get Prams for Dogs in Australia
5. What Temperature Is Dangerous for a Dog?
There’s no universal answer. Factors include breed, health, activity level, and even coat type.
You want to make sure that the surface your dog is walking on isn’t too hot for their paws. Adjust the outdoor activities and don’t play any high energy games with your dog such as fetch.
If you go to the dog park, watch for signs of your dog being uncomfortable and break up games if your dog had enough.
Heat can kill dogs, so if you have an elderly dog, a dog with a chronic illness, or are generally unsure, it’s always best to discuss the topic with your local vet.
6. Can Dogs Stay Outside In Hot Weather?
It depends on your setup. A well-shaded, breezy backyard with plenty of water? Maybe. A fully paved area baking in the sun? That’s a hard no.
Shade moves with the sun, so double-check that your dog will have continuous cover. And don’t assume they’ll relocate themselves – some dogs will bake in one spot out of habit or loyalty.
What Temperature Should Dogs Be Brought Inside?
It depends on your dog, how humid it is, and where you can provide your dog with the most comfort.
For example, some dog owners may have a safe, well-shaded outdoor area where they can leave their dogs with plenty of water.
Others may not have a suitable outdoor space but can leave their dog in a cool room inside the house (one that stays cool enough throughout the entire day).
If your outdoor area is fully paved and has no shade, temperatures above 24°C can be a problem already. So, it really depends.
If you’re unsure about what’s best for your dog, ring your local vet to have a chat about it as they’re often experts on how to deal with heat-related issues in your area.
Does Artificial Grass Get Too Hot For Dogs?
Yes, artificial grass can get too hot for dogs. This is because the surface temperature of artificial grass gets a lot higher than the surface temperature of natural grass.
It’s important to consider this if you leave your dog outside on a synthetic lawn. Note that there are different types of artificial grass, and some get hotter than others.
How To Keep Artificial Grass Cool
- Cover as many parts of your lawn with shade sails as possible
- Rinse your artificial grass with water to quickly reduce the surface temperature
- Put a portable canopy over the area that feels too hot
7. How Can I Cool Down My Dog?
Here are some tips to cool down your dog:
- Give your dog access to a shell pool with shallow water (you can use a shell sandpit from Bunnings for this)
- Offer an ice pack or wet towels to lay on (or learn more about dog cooling mats here)
- Make sure your dog has access to lots of water
- You can also add some bone broth to your dog’s water to increase water intake
8. Is It OK To Shave Dogs In The Summer?
It may be tempting, but it’s probably not a good idea. If your dog has a double-coat like the Border Collie, Spitz or Terrier types, shaving your dog can make suffering from heat worse instead of better.
Double-coated means that those dogs have two layers of coat. The long guard hairs are on the outer layer and protect your dog from snow, ice and also shed water. The soft undercoat lies close to your dog’s skin and keeps them warm and dry.
During summer, your dog naturally sheds the soft undercoat, leaving only the outer coat, the guard hairs. Their job during summer is to protect your dog from sunburn and insulate them against the heat. If you shave that coat, it can change the coat texture, which can ruin the coat.
9. Water Activities for Dogs
Swimming is fantastic for cooling down, but even water comes with hazards.
Ocean: Watch for riptides and don’t let your dog drink saltwater.
Lakes: Check for blue-green algae and hidden hazards beneath the surface.
Rivers: Be wary of strong currents and steep banks. Tired dogs can’t always climb out easily.
Sprinklers & Hoses (Dogs Biting at Water): On hot summer days, dogs often like to play with water that comes out of the garden hose. While this activity appears like lots of fun, it’s important to manage the amount of time your dog is doing it.
When it’s never-ending, your dog can quickly get over-stimulated, and the increase in adrenaline in combination with hot weather can be a problem for heat regulation.
As dogs get excited, they also bite quicker and harder at the water, which often results in the water stream going straight down their throats. This is a risk for water getting in their lungs and stomach.
Final Thoughts: How Hot Is Too Hot for a Dog?
There’s no single number. But if you’re hot, your dog is probably hotter. Prioritise cool spaces, low-energy activities, and hydration. Be the boring adult who says “no” to fetch when the sun’s blazing – it could save your dog’s life.
Summer doesn’t have to be cancelled—just adapted. Let your dog chill, literally.
