How hot is too hot for dogs?

Many people associate heatstroke in dogs with sitting in hot cars, but the truth is that it can happen in your backyard. If the temperature is uncomfortably warm for people, then it’s also too hot for dogs.

You should take extra caution when the temperature rises above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if you’re walking your dog on pavement. However, there are a couple of additional factors to consider when determining how long your pup can be outside. We spoke to Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Director of Veterinary Affairs, to get tips for keeping dogs safe in hotter temperatures. We’ve also created a Hot Weather Safety Chart as a quick reference guide.

Your dog’s size makes a difference 

The size of your pup has a lot to do with how safe it is for them to be in hot climates. Large dogs should be monitored more closely than small-to-medium-sized dogs. Let’s say it’s 70 degrees Fahrenheit (around 21 degrees Celsius) — it’s not as risky for small-to-medium-sized dogs to play outside, but it is potentially unsafe for large dogs if they’re not supervised.

Consider breed and age

Your dog’s breed is a factor in hot weather safety: be extra cautious if your pup has a shorter snout (like a pug or Boston Terrier). Flatter snouts make it harder to breathe — especially in hot weather. Dogs with thick coats like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, and arctic breeds, like Huskies and Akitas, are at a higher risk of suffering from heatstroke as well.

When it comes to age, be more careful if your pup is elderly or younger than 6 months. Older dogs may find it harder to move around and get out of the sun, especially if they have mobility restrictions. Puppies are at risk, too, because they’re not fully accustomed to hot temperatures.

Humidity matters

Humidity plays a big role in outdoor safety because it makes the temperature feel much hotter than it is. As always, if it’s uncomfortable for you to be outside, it’s most likely too hot for your dog.

Check the pavement before taking a walk outside 

Be sure to consider your dog's paws when the weather is warm. Hot pavement can hurt their feet and cause visible wounds like skin discoloration, redness, blisters or even missing skin on their pads. 

Before taking your pup out for a walk, do a quick test. Touch your hand to the ground for 5 seconds. If it's painful or uncomfortable for you, it's definitely too hot for your dog’s paws. Dr. McCullough also recommends avoiding lengthy mid-day walks when it's the hottest (between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM). 

Never leave your dog alone in a hot car 

All dogs can quickly succumb to heat exhaustion and heatstroke depending on the environment. Dogs should never be left confined in an enclosed space with poor ventilation and without temperature regulation — this includes cars, attics and garages. Even if your dog has access to water, these spaces can quickly soar to extreme temperatures.‍

Signs of heatstroke in dogs

If you think your dog may have heatstroke, look out for strange behavior. Some warning signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Sudden collapsing
• An inability to walk or reluctance to get up
• Laying on their side and unable to sit up
• Rapid or elevated heart rate
• Inability to catch their breath / very heavy and rapid breathing

Pet parents should also be on the lookout for telltale signs of heatstroke, such as a purple, blue or brown tongue and/or mucous membranes in the mouth. If your dog seems to be in a daze, is experiencing dizziness or is unable to recognize familiar people or pets they live with, heatstroke might be the cause. 

Another sign is spontaneous bleeding. Look out for blood spots on gums or the belly, bloody diarrhea and bloody vomiting, along with evidence of dehydration like sticky mucous membranes. Your dog might also attempt to drink tons of water rapidly as they overheat.

The long-term effects after a dog has experienced a heatstroke can be severe and life-threatening. Heatstrokes can cause kidney disease, skin necrosis, a disruption in blood flow and  brain damage, so it’s important to learn the signs and contact your veterinarian right away if you see any heatstroke symptoms.  

It's impossible to predict an emergency like heatstroke, which is why we recommend enrolling in a dog insurance plan with comprehensive coverage early. That way, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you can focus on your pet's treatment plan without stressing about vet bills.

(Now that you’ve studied up on keeping dogs safe in the heat, be sure to check out our cold weather guide, too.)