How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs? Learn the Safe Temperature Limits and How to Keep Your Dog Cool

When spring and summer roll in, the walks get longer, the park days stretch out, and we all soak up the sun. But as we’re basking in it, our dogs approach the heat very differently. They don’t cool off as easily as we do, and for certain breeds—Bulldogs or Pugs, say—it’s harder.

It doesn’t actually take long for things to go wrong. Without shade, water, or a cool place to flop down, a dog can start overheating fast. In really hot weather, dog heatstroke can hit in half an hour, sometimes less. That’s why it matters to notice the signs early and keep them safe, so a good day outside doesn’t turn into a dangerous one.

So, what temperature is too hot for dogs? The response could amaze you.

Dogs don't sweat it out as we do in warm weather. Their only sweating comes from their paw pads; their body temperature regulation mostly comes from panting. This makes cooling them far more difficult, particularly on hot, muggy days.

Many people overlook that humidity is equally important to temperature. When your dog pants, high humidity causes the moisture to impede evaporation, making cooling off more difficult. Even if the temperature seems reasonable, humidity can make your dog feel far hotter.

Enter the heat load index. It combines temperature and humidity to tell you how “hot” it actually feels to your body. This is even more critical for dogs, as their heat resistance is way lower in so many areas.

What might seem like great warm weather to us—a walk in the sun, some fresh air—is often stifling and overwhelming for a dog. Some of us just don’t wear it as well. There are also some dogs that are more at risk than others. Huskies and Newfoundlands are among the thick-coated breeds that trap more heat in their coats. Dogs who are overweight have an extra insulating layer, which makes cooling down more difficult. Young puppies and old pups do not have efficient internal cooling systems; they can’t quickly regulate their body temperature.

Always check both the temperature and the humidity before planning outdoor time. It is short, but it can make a difference in safety and comfort for your dog.

However eager your dog usually is to get outside and walk, on a hot day when the sun shines brightly and the air hangs heavy, he or she may simply stop in their tracks. But do dogs get as hot as we do? Sometimes, yeah—and in circumstances where it’s too hot for dogs to be safe or comfortable—yes, our pets experience heat faster than most people believe. It is therefore very important to find the early signs of overheating before it becomes dangerous.

Here are some key signs that your dog may be overheating:

• Shortness of breath or heavy panting: Rapid, labored breathing is one of the first signs that it’s too hot for dogs to stay outside;
• Unquenchable thirst: If your dog is drinking and drinking, but can’t seem to satisfy his terrible thirst, it could be a sign;
• Lethargy or weakness: If your dog suddenly slows down, lies down or struggles to keep up on a walk they may already be too hot;
• Heavy salivation: Unusual, heavy drooling can be a sign of overheating;
• Red or white gums: A change in the color of a dog’s gums can indicate their temperature is rising and blood isn’t circulating as well;
• Vomiting or diarrhea: If your pup’s body is beginning to break down from the heat;
• Confusion or seizures: In the worst of situations, dog heatstroke symptoms can progress rapidly and become deadly.

These clues do not all appear at once. On some occasions, particularly around midday, just one or two will turn up when it is too hot for dogs to walk. If you encounter any, take your pet to a cool shaded area and give them water. See your veterinarian if symptoms do not go away immediately.

Every dog owner has wondered at some time: Is it too hot for dogs to walk right now? The response relies on factors beyond only the thermometer's reading. Keeping your dog safe on a hot day isn’t just about looking at the number on the thermometer. Heat, humidity, hot pavement, and even how used to the weather your dog is—it all matters.

As a rough ballpark, anything below 20°C (68°F) is almost always going to be fine for a walk. When it drops into the low 20s, most dogs are still able to cope — if they’re given lots of breaks and plenty of water. When it goes above that, particularly above 24°C (75°F), dogs with heavy fur or squished noses really start to struggle. And here’s the sneaky part — pavement can get scorching even when the air doesn’t seem that bad. The ground itself can be hot enough to burn paws, around 29 degrees Celsius (85 Fahrenheit) or higher. If it’s climbing above 32°C (90°F), really, you’re better off indoors or having short stints outside with shade to be safe.

A breed predisposition is a big factor. Huskies, Malamutes, and other cold-weather breeds can overheat in even relatively moderate conditions. Shih Tzus and French Bulldogs are among the brachycephalic breeds, which have very little airflow and are as much as tenfold more prone to temperature differences. Lean, short-coated animals such as greyhounds or Vizslas may have somewhat more ability to control their temperatures, but they do have limits.

It's really important, too, about how we adapt to our environments. A pup that has experienced some milder temps from the south might have gained a bit more tolerance, but one living in cooler climes wouldn't have emerged easily to fast heat.

Consider early morning or evening walks before the air heats up and the pavement isn’t searingly hot, if it’s uncomfortably warm for dogs to walk. In the heat of the day, safer options include grass walkways, shaded paths or even just quick backyard potty trips.

Always do the five-second test; if you can’t hold the back of your hand on the ground for 5 seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s feet.

Should you be curious about the outdoor temperature and find it already rising, it might be too hot for dogs to walk. But don’t worry—there are simple ways to help your pup stay cool and comfortable:

Begin with lots of cool, fresh water—always within reach. Though it sounds simple, your dog's first barrier of protection from increasing heat is this one.

When it's too hot, keep trips short and make sure they’re cooled in the shade or substitute indoor entertainment for walks. Early morning or late evening are great times since the dog-walking weather is better and the pavement doesn’t burn.

When it's too hot, keep trips brief and in the shade or replace walks with indoor entertainment. Early morning or late evening is perfect when the dog-walking weather is safer and the pavement isn't scorching.

If you don’t have air conditioning, animals benefit from cooling off with damp towels or cooling vests. And speaking of that, inside, a fan or an AC unit can make all the difference for your dog, so also give them somewhere to chill and recover.

And finally, splurge on frozen food or a cooling mat — small comforts add up on muggy days.

Dog heatstroke is no joke, and even a quick dog walk in scorching heat could be enough to get your pup hot. Better safe than sorry—keep it loose, stay on alert, and always put dog safety first.

Even if you’ve done everything right, accidents can occur, especially when it’s so hot outside. And if evidence of overheating presents itself, act quickly but gently. Thinking fast can help make things not quite as bad.

Get your dog to a cooler, shaded place immediately. Cancel all plans and help them chill out. Provide some gentle sips of cool, but not ice-cold, water. Another option is to help cool your dog’s body temperature by wiping them down or splashing them with a wet cloth.

But watch out, do not use cold water or ice. There’s a temptation to douse an overheated dog with ice water, but it can actually shock their system and make things worse. Room-temperature water is safer, and damp towels work better than soaking them head to toe.

If you’re indoors, make an attempt to create some air flow. Flap a fan in your dog’s direction, or even open a window (or ideally both) to help fill the tank with cooler air while you pick up the doggy phone and take several deep breaths. If you realize that the temperature is too hot for dogs and you’re out and about, transport your pets to a shaded area and leave them there until they have calmed down and are breathing normally.

If your dog isn’t recovering after a few minutes, or you observe scary symptoms like vomiting, wobbling around, or even collapsing, don’t wait. Get them straight to the nearest emergency vet or call your vet immediately. Heatstroke isn’t a condition that someone can sleep off; it can spiral quickly into organ damage and even be potentially fatal if not addressed rapidly.

To avoid this altogether, always check what is the temperature outside before heading out. If it's above the safe temperature to walk dog, it’s better to play it safe and stay indoors.

Can all dogs get heatstroke?

Yes, any dog can get heatstroke. However, certain breeds, ages, and health conditions increase the risk.

Are some dog breeds more susceptible to heatstroke?

Sure. Because they have trouble panting properly, brachycephalic breeds—those with short noses—such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers are especially vulnerable.

Additionally, those more in danger are thick-coated breeds, geriatric dogs, puppies, and overweight canines.

Is it safe to leave my dog in a car with the windows cracked?

Totally not. On an apparently moderate day, the temperature inside a car can climb quickly to deadly levels, even with the windows open. This can cause fatal heatstroke.

How can I tell the difference between heavy panting and dangerous panting?

Dogs seeking cool-down will naturally pant heavily. On the other hand, panting too much along with other symptoms like drooling, sleepiness, or pain may indicate heatstroke.