24/05/2026
*** There isn’t a perfect temperature *** because it depends on the dog, humidity, sun exposure, fitness, coat type, age and the surface they’re walking on — but as a general rule:
* Below 15°C → usually safe for most dogs.
* 15–20°C → caution for brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs), giant breeds, overweight dogs and puppies.
* 20–23°C → many dogs begin to struggle during exercise, especially in direct sun.
* 24°C+ → risk of heat stress increases significantly.
* 28°C+ → potentially dangerous for many dogs, even on short walks.
* 30°C+ → avoid walks entirely except for very short toilet breaks.
The biggest mistake people make is focusing only on air temperature. Ground temperature is often what causes problems.
Concrete, tarmac and artificial grass can become dangerously hot very quickly. If you can’t comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
Signs a dog is overheating:
* Excessive panting
* Thick drool/saliva
* Slowing down or refusing to walk
* Bright red gums
* Staggering
* Vomiting
* Collapsing
High-risk dogs:
* Flat-faced breeds
* Dark-coated dogs
* Overweight dogs
* Puppies
* Elderly dogs
* Heavy-coated working breeds
* Dogs with anxiety/high drive (they’ll push through heat)
In reality, during UK summer weather, once it gets above about 22–24°C in direct sun, most exercise should shift to:
* Early morning
* Late evening
* Woodland/shaded areas
* Short decompression walks instead of ball throwing or intense exercise
A calm sniff walk in shade is very different from high-arousal fetch on open fields.
For working or protection dogs especially, handlers need to remember that drive can override self-preservation — the dog may continue working long after it should have stopped.
