How Hot Is Too Hot to Walk a Dog in the UK? ☀️🐾

When the weather warms up in the UK, one question spikes every year
👉 How hot is too hot to walk a dog?

And the frustrating answer is… it’s not just about temperature. According to guidance from organisations like the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, some dogs can suffer heatstroke in conditions many owners would consider “mild.”

Here is a little guide to break it down simply, helping you to make the right call.

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🌡️ What Temperature Is Too Hot to Walk a Dog?

There’s no single safe number, but here’s a UK-focused guideline based on expert advice:

 Outfit: Bunana 🍌

Below 15°C – Generally safe.
16–19°C – Low risk but be cautious with vulnerable dogs.
20–23°C – Increased risk, keep walks short and avoid the hottest part of the day.
24-27°C – Most dogs will find this uncomfortably hot.
28-31°C+ – Dangerous for dogs, life-threatening for some. 
32°C+ – Life-threatening.

 A study highlighted by Dogs Trust found heatstroke can occur at just 16.9°C!

So if you’re Googling:
“Can I walk my dog in 20 degrees UK?”
The answer is: only with extreme caution and not at the hottest part of the day, and often, it’s safer not to.

When I was a dog walker, I’d switch walks to pop-ins (cuddles, puzzle games, frozen treats) and quick let-outs once temperatures hit 20°C+. 

🌫️ Why Humidity Matters (It’s Not Just the Temperature)

It’s easy to focus on the number on your weather app, but humidity also plays a huge role in how hot your dog actually feels. 

Dogs cool themselves down by panting, which relies on moisture evaporating from their tongue and airways. When the air is humid, that process becomes much less effective.

In simple terms: the more humid it is, the harder it is for your dog to cool down.
Meaning even on days that don’t feel that hot, your dog can still be at risk. If it feels sticky, heavy, or still outside, it’s a sign that humidity is high and it’s worth being more cautious.

🐶 Why Hot Weather Is Dangerous for Dogs

The basics: dogs overheat far more easily than humans, they don’t sweat like we do and they rely on panting to cool down. Heat builds up quickly during exercise, so yes, even a normal walk can be the trigger. A recent report covered by BBC News highlighted that exercise is one of the leading causes of heatstroke in dogs.

🔥 Pavement Temperature: The Hidden Danger

Outfit: 🍓 Strawbearies 

Air temperature isn’t the only risk. Pavement can become dangerously hot, even when it doesn’t feel extreme outside.

 Try the 5 second rule:
Place the back of your hand on the ground.
If it’s too hot for you…It’s too hot for your dog’s paws!

⏰ Best Time to Walk Your Dog in Hot Weather

If you decide its safe to walk your dog, timing is everything.

Suggested times by sites like Rover recommend:
✅ Early morning (before 8–9am)
✅ Late evening (after 7–8pm)

Avoid:
❌ Midday (11am–3pm) or the hottest part of the day
❌ Direct sun exposure
❌ Long or intense walks

🚨 Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Knowing the signs can save your dog’s life.

 Ourfit: Bunana 🍌

The main signs are:

🐾 Excessive panting
🐾 Drooling
🐾 Lethargy
🐾 Vomiting
🐾 Wobbling or collapse
🐾 Bright red or pale gums

These symptoms are consistently highlighted as warning signs of heatstroke.

👉 If you notice them:
Stop immediately, cool your dog gradually, and contact a vet.

🏡 What to Do Instead on Hot Days

"But my dog still wants a walk..." is where a lot of owners get caught out.

Dogs don’t understand risk,  they just know: walk = best thing ever

If it’s too hot to walk your dog, try:

🐾 Indoor enrichment games
🐾 Sniffing activities
🐾 Frozen treats
🐾 Short toilet breaks only
🐾 Shaded garden time

You can also find some fun activities, such as homemade dog treat recipes  on our other blog posts! 

Remember, the RSPCA recommends skipping walks altogether during extreme heat.

 Outfit: 🍒 Frog Chérie  / Bunana 🍌 /  Strawbearies 🍓

📊 Which Dogs Are Most at Risk of Heatstroke?

Not all dogs handle heat the same, and this is where things get important.

Research highlighted in The Conversation (based on UK VetCompass data) identified specific breeds with a higher risk of heat-related illness.

Some of the breeds identified as higher risk include:

🐾 Chow Chow
🐾 Bulldog
🐾 French Bulldog
🐾 Dogue de Bordeaux
🐾 Greyhound
🐾 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
🐾 Pug
🐾 Springer Spaniel
🐾 Golden Retriever

⚠️ Why these dogs are more vulnerable

The study along with wider veterinary guidance highlights a few key risk factors:

1. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds
Dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs struggle most.  Their shorter airways make panting less effective, meaning they can’t cool themselves down properly.

2. Thick-coated or large breeds
Dogs like Chow Chows and Golden Retrievers retain more heat & struggle to regulate temperature in warm weather.

3. High-energy or active breeds
Dogs like Springer Spaniels generate more internal heat during exercise & are more likely to overheat on walks.

4. Sighthounds
As Poochie Keen see's a lot of sighthounds, its worth me mentioning that yes! Greyhounds, and by extension Whippets and Italian Greyhounds, can also be vulnerable. Not because of thick coats, but because they have low body fat and less insulation from the sun meaning they can heat up quickly during activity

5. Individual factors still matter
It’s not just breed. Risk increases further if a dog is: overweight, older or very young or has underlying health issues

💛 What this means for you as an owner

If your dog falls into one of these categories, you need to be more cautious, even in “mild” UK heat, which could = walking earlier than you think, shorter walks or skipping walks altogether on warmer days

🚗 And remember, NEVER Leave Your Dog in a Car (Even for a Minute)

This one’s non-negotiable.

Even on a mild day, cars can become dangerously hot very quickly. Studies show at just 22°C outside, a car can reach 47°C inside within a short time, which can be fatal.

And no cracking a window doesn’t make a meaningful difference.

Dogs can’t cool themselves efficiently, so in a hot car their body temperature rises rapidly, heatstroke can develop in minutes and it can become life-threatening very quickly. Never leave them in a parked car, even “just for 5 minutes”.

To be honest, what I usually say is if you find yourself wondering if it's too hot in the car for you dog, it's too hot in the car for your dog.

❓ FAQ: 

Can I walk my dog in 20 degrees UK?
→ If you think it's safe, only do so in the early morning or late evening, and with caution. Keep the walk slow and calm.

Is 25 degrees too hot to walk a dog?
→ Yes, I'd always avoid walking in these temperatures.

What temperature is unsafe for dogs UK?
→ Risk increases from around 20°C, with danger very rising quickly above 23°C.

How do I know if it’s too hot to walk my dog?
→ Check the temperature, don't guess it. Consider how humid it is. Check pavement temperature, time of day, and your dog’s behaviour.

 Do dogs need sunscreen?
→ This surprises a lot of people… but yes! Some dogs may need sunscreen.

Regular grooming can also help in warmer weather by removing excess hair and keeping your dog’s coat lighter and more comfortable.

☀️ Does Chicken wear sunscreen?
Sometimes, but not usually. Xolo's have tougher skin than most hairless dogs, so they’re a bit more sun-tolerant. But they’re not completely protected from the sun. On very sunny days, or days she is out for longer periods,  I do personally opt to use a pet-safe sunscreen on more sensitive areas like her snoot and ears. 

Dog Clothing Featured in this Blog:
🍓 Strawbearies 
Bunana 🍌
🍒 Frog Chérie

🐕 Final Thought

If you’re unsure…

Skip the walk.

Missing one walk won’t harm your dog.
Heatstroke will!

And let’s be honest, they’ll forgive you! 

(Especially if snacks are involved.)