Should You Walk Your Dog During a Heatwave? Here’s What Vets Recommend

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably experienced it over the past few weeks.

The sun is shining, your dog is waiting hopefully by the front door, and you know it’s far too hot for a walk.

Cue the guilt.

We spend so much time hearing that dogs need daily exercise that skipping a walk can feel like we’re letting them down. The truth is, during a heatwave, staying at home could be one of the kindest things you do for your dog.

If you’d like more general advice about helping your pet cope with hot weather, have a look at our previous article, Heatwave Ready: How to Keep Your Pet Safe in Hot Weather, where you’ll find practical tips on hydration, cooling your pet and avoiding common summer hazards.

Today, we’re looking at one question we hear surprisingly often.

Does my dog really need a walk when it’s this hot?

The simple answer is no.

Why Heat Is Such a Serious Risk

Unlike people, dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating through their skin. Instead, they rely mainly on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads.

During a heatwave, particularly when the air is humid, this natural cooling system can quickly become overwhelmed.

Heatstroke is a genuine veterinary emergency and can develop much faster than many owners realise. Even a relatively short walk can become dangerous when temperatures are high.

Some dogs are particularly at risk, including:

Puppies
Older dogs
Overweight dogs
Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs
Dogs with heart or breathing conditions

For these pets, avoiding the hottest part of the day is not just sensible. It can be lifesaving.

Missing One or Two Walks Won’t Harm Your Dog

This is often the part that surprises people the most.

Healthy dogs will not suffer because they miss a walk during a heatwave. In fact, many are perfectly happy to spend the hottest hours of the day relaxing indoors where it’s cool.

As owners, we sometimes feel guilty because we’re thinking about what our dog usually enjoys.

Your dog, however, isn’t looking at the calendar wondering whether they’ve hit their exercise target for the week. They’re simply responding to how they feel in the moment.

When it’s extremely hot, most dogs are just as happy swapping a long walk for a comfortable snooze in the shade.

Exercise the Brain Instead

Physical exercise isn’t the only way to keep your dog happy.

Mental stimulation can be just as rewarding and often surprisingly tiring.

Why not try:

Hiding treats around the house or garden for your dog to sniff out.
Using a puzzle feeder at mealtimes.
Practising a few favourite commands.
Teaching a new trick.
Giving them a long-lasting enrichment toy.

Just fifteen or twenty minutes of problem-solving can leave many dogs feeling just as content as a walk.

If You Do Go Out, Timing Matters

Some dogs will still need a short walk or toilet break, but choosing the right time makes all the difference.

Early morning is usually the coolest part of the day.

Later in the evening can also be suitable, although remember that pavements may still be holding onto the day’s heat.

A good rule is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds.

If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can become serious very quickly, so it’s important to recognise the early warning signs.

Look out for:

Excessive panting
Difficulty breathing
Heavy drooling
Bright red gums
Weakness or lethargy
Vomiting
Confusion or collapse

If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, move them somewhere cool, offer small amounts of fresh water and contact your vet immediately.

Your Dog Trusts You to Make the Right Decision

Some dogs would happily chase a tennis ball all afternoon if we let them.

That doesn’t mean it’s safe.

One of the most important parts of being a responsible owner is recognising when it’s time to protect our pets from themselves.

Skipping a walk for a day or two during a heatwave isn’t being lazy.

It’s good judgement.