Hot Weather & Our Dogs:

When Is It Too Hot for a Walk? 🐾☀️

As the temperature rises, it’s important to remember that our dogs don’t cope with heat in the same way we do. What might feel like a pleasant summer day to us can become uncomfortable, exhausting and potentially dangerous for a dog.

As a dog walker and trainer, I have a strict policy of not walking dogs when the temperature reaches 23°C or above. Instead, I offer pop-in visits during hot weather, so dogs can still have a toilet break, some company and attention without being put through a potentially unsafe walk.

I would much rather adapt the service to suit the weather and the individual dog than put a dog at risk.

Why 23°C is my limit 🌡️

Dogs can struggle to regulate their body temperature, particularly when they're exercising. Once they start getting hot, their main way of cooling themselves is through panting, which isn't always enough when temperatures rise.

And it isn't just the air temperature that matters. Humidity, direct sunshine, lack of shade, the individual dog, and the amount of exercise they receive can all make a difference.

A dog that seems perfectly happy at the start of a walk can become overheated surprisingly quickly.

Senior dogs need extra consideration 🐾

Older dogs can be more vulnerable to heat. They may not have the same stamina they once had, and they can tire much more quickly during warm weather.

For senior dogs, I believe it is far better to keep them comfortable and safe rather than expecting them to cope with a normal walk in temperatures that may be too much for them.

A pop-in visit can be a much better option, giving them the opportunity to have a toilet break, some gentle interaction and attention before returning to the cool indoors.

Puppies aren't little adults 🐶

Puppies also need special consideration in hot weather. They are still developing, and their ability to regulate their body temperature isn't the same as a healthy adult dog.

They can become tired quickly, and because puppies are often full of enthusiasm, they may not realise when they have had enough.

A hot-weather day is not the time for a long, energetic walk. A pop-in visit, some gentle enrichment and keeping them cool and comfortable at home can be a much safer alternative.

Brachycephalic breeds need even more care ❤️

Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, breeds are particularly vulnerable to overheating because their shortened airways can make breathing and cooling themselves more difficult.

This includes breeds such as:

🐾 French Bulldogs🐾 Pugs🐾 British Bulldogs🐾 Boston Terriers🐾 Boxers🐾 And other flat-faced breeds

For these dogs, my walking limit is lower — I would not walk them when temperatures reach 19°C.

That may seem low, but when a dog's ability to cool itself is already compromised, I would rather be overly cautious than take a risk.

It's not about cancelling for the sake of it ❤️

I know changing a walk can be frustrating, especially when your dog is used to their normal routine. But responsible dog walking means knowing when a walk isn't in the dog's best interests.

During hot weather, I can offer pop-in visits instead. These allow your dog to have a toilet break, some company and attention without the physical demands of a walk in the heat.

There are also plenty of things you can do at home to keep your dog happy and occupied:

🌿 Sniffing games🧠 Enrichment activities👃 Scatter feeding🏡 Time in a cool, shaded garden❄️ Keeping them comfortable indoors💦 Plenty of access to fresh water

Missing one walk won't harm your dog. Overheating can.

My priority will always be the welfare of the dogs in my care. I would rather adapt the service and keep your dog safe than push ahead with a walk simply because it is part of their usual routine.

So when the weather heats up, please remember: it's okay to ditch the walk. Your dog's safety comes first. 🐾❤️