Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog? Here’s How to Keep Them Cool & Entertained

As any dog owner will know, the warmer months make life so much more fun, and sometimes easier! Longer evenings mean more time for those post-work strolls, and let’s be honest, golden hour walks are the best because everything looks even more beautiful (and our dogs become even more photogenic). The muddy footpaths of winter are also finally dry, which means no more paw prints on your clean kitchen floor.

But as much as we love the sun, we also know that rising temperatures bring a few extra responsibilities when it comes to our four-legged friends. One major concern is knowing when it's simply too hot to walk your dog.

If you’ve ever stood at the door, lead in hand, wondering if it’s safe to go, or if you’re risking scorched paws and overheated pups, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, even when the great outdoors is temporarily off-limits.

So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How hot is too hot to walk my dog?” or are looking for creative ways to keep them cool, calm, and entertained during a heatwave, keep reading.

As much as we all love a sunny day, our dogs don’t handle the heat quite as well as we do. Unlike us, they can't sweat to cool down, and their paws are far more sensitive than we might think. So how hot is too hot to walk your dog?

Here’s a handy guide to help:

• 12–19°C: Generally safe for most dogs, but if your pup’s the zoomie type, keep an eye out for signs of overheating like excessive panting, slowing down, or seeking shade.
• 20–23°C: This is when it’s time to take some precautions. Stick to shaded routes, keep walks shorter, and always bring water.
• 24–26°C: Most dogs will struggle in this heat, especially flat-faced breeds, older dogs, and those with health conditions. So proceed with caution or skip the walk entirely.

One quick and easy test is the “back of the hand” pavement test. Press the back of your hand against the pavement for 5–7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for their paws. Burns, blisters, and serious discomfort can happen quicker than you’d expect.

And while those big, pleading puppy eyes might be hard to resist, remember that choosing not to walk them when it’s too hot is the right thing to do. Overheating can lead to heatstroke, which is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and even collapse.

If you’re set on getting a walk in, try to head out early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler and pavements have had a chance to lose the heat of the day.

If you’re ever unsure if it’s too hot to walk your dog, we always suggest not risking it. A short sniff around the garden or a quick toilet break in the shade might be all they need. The rest of their energy can be channelled into fun indoor enrichment activities like puzzle toys, scent games, training sessions, and treat dispensers to keep them mentally stimulated without breaking a sweat.

Just because it’s too hot to head outside doesn’t mean your dog has to spend the day bored and restless. In fact, indoor time can be the perfect opportunity to mix things up and give their brain a workout. Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise and it can all be done from the comfort of your home, in the cool shade or under a fan.

A fun way to entertain them when it’s too hot to walk your dog is by turning your house into an indoor canine quest zone! Hide your dog’s favourite treats or toys around the house and encourage them to sniff them out. Start easy by placing their favourite treats under cushions or behind doors then gradually increase the challenge as they get the hang of it.

This taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts, gives them a brain boost, and helps build confidence. It’s more mentally tiring than you might think, and we guarantee both their brain and belly will be super satisfied afterward. It’s also a great way to slow down treat time and add a bit of fun to an otherwise lazy afternoon.

A lick mat is a textured silicone mat that you can smear with tasty goodies like dog-safe peanut butter, plain yogurt, or wet dog food. The grooves come in all shapes and sizes (just check out Sodapup’s massive range of lick mats as proof!) that encourage dogs to lick slowly and carefully, turning snack time into a calming, time-consuming activity.

Licking is naturally soothing for dogs as it releases endorphins and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s especially helpful if your dog is feeling a bit restless from being indoors all day. You can even place the mat in the freezer for a cool, longer-lasting treat on hot days.

Treat-dispensing toys, like KONGs or WOOOF’s Pupsicle toy, are a brilliant way to combine snack time with brain power. You can fill them with dry kibble, wet food, or treats, and your dog has to roll, paw, lick and nibble their way to the rewards.

These enrichment toys for dogs challenge your pup’s problem-solving skills, helping to keep them mentally engaged. They’re also great for mealtimes or just to keep them busy while you’re working from home. The added effort it takes to get the food also slows down fast eaters and helps burn a little extra energy in the process.

When it’s too hot to walk your dog, use the free time you have indoors to brush up on basic commands or learn some unnecessary but cool tricks! Whether it’s a quick sit-stay refresher or teaching them how to spin, roll over, or even tidy up their toys, training keeps your dog’s mind sharp and strengthens your bond.

Keep sessions short, ideally between 5 and 10 minutes, and positive, with plenty of praise and treats. Not only does this give them a sense of purpose, but it’s also incredibly enriching and rewarding.

If your dog wolfs down their meals like there’s no tomorrow, a slow feeder can work wonders. These specially designed bowls have ridges or patterns that force your pup to eat more slowly, making mealtime its own mini puzzle.

Slower eating reduces the risk of bloating and improves digestion, but it also turns an everyday activity into a fun, focused task. Plus, it stretches out mealtime into something a bit more exciting which is especially helpful when it’s too hot for your dog.

While finding ways to keep them entertained indoors when it’s too hot to walk your dog is one challenge, another equally important one is keeping them cool. Unlike us, dogs can’t peel off layers or sit in front of a fan with an ice lolly. Their ability to regulate heat is limited, especially on those sweltering days when even we don’t feel like doing much.

The thing is, even when your dog’s just lying around, they can still overheat. It doesn’t take a long walk or intense play session, sometimes just the heat of the house or garden can be enough to make them uncomfortable. That’s why it’s so important to give them ways to cool off throughout the day, whether they’re active or just lounging.

If your dog enjoys water, a shallow paddling pool can be a brilliant way to keep them cool and entertained. Fill it with a few inches of cold water and let them splash, lie down, or even fish out floating toys.

It’s great sensory fun, especially for breeds that love water. Just be sure to always supervise pool time, and make sure the water isn’t too deep. For an extra cooling boost, toss in a couple of ice cubes or frozen toys.

Dogs can’t sweat like we do so they cool off mainly through panting and limited sweating through their paw pads. Setting up a fan to circulate air, especially if your home gets stuffy can make a big difference.

If your dog has a favourite lounging spot, aim the fan in that direction. Some dogs even love lying right in front of it. You can also place a damp towel or cooling mat nearby to create an extra-chilled corner. On really warm days, keeping blinds closed and windows open early or late in the day can help reduce the overall indoor temperature too.

Another easy and effective cooling trick is to lay out a damp, cold towel for your dog to lie on, or gently drape one over their body if they’re comfortable with that - especially across the belly, chest, or paws. You can even wipe them down with a wet flannel if they’re not into the whole full-body coverage thing.

When the temperature rises, it’s totally normal to feel a little unsure about what’s best for your dog. But the good news is, with a few adjustments, you can still keep them safe, stimulated, and most importantly, cool as a cucumber.

Remember, if it feels too hot to walk your dog, especially anything over 23°C, then that’s a red flag for walkies. And if you're ever in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. A short sniff around the garden or some creative indoor fun can be just as enriching as a long outdoor trek.

And don’t forget that dogs don’t need to be running around to overheat. Even just lounging in a warm room can be uncomfortable for them, so those cooling solutions are just as important as their enrichment toys.

At WOOOF, we’re here to help keep your dog happy and healthy all year round. From cooling mats and treat-dispensing toys and lick mats to treat trays for those DIY frozen goodies, you’ll find everything you need to keep your pup cool and entertained during the summer when it’s too hot to walk your dog.

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