A red weather warning and forecasts of 40C heat in parts of the UK are a reminder that a normal dog-walking routine can become risky fast. For owners weighing whether to head out anyway, veterinarians and animal-welfare groups give a consistent answer: extreme heat can push dogs into heatstroke, and some dogs are at higher risk than others.
Veterinarian Ben Simpson-Vernon put the warning plainly: Your dog is not a small human.
His point matters because dogs do not cool themselves the way people do. He said dogs can only sweat from the underside of their paws and mainly rely on panting, which he said is less effective than human sweating because the heat-exchange surface area in a dog’s nose and throat is much smaller.
That makes hot-weather walks harder on dogs even before breed or health issues come into play. Simpson-Vernon also noted that a dog is permanently wearing a coat it cannot remove, which adds to the strain in high temperatures.
He gave extra caution for pugs, French bulldogs and other flat-faced dogs, as well as elderly dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with health problems. According to the Royal Veterinary College, flat-faced breeds are at particular risk of heatstroke, and their shorter muzzles can make panting less effective.
The wider guidance backs that up. The Royal Kennel Club says, Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15-25 degrees, but this is very much dependent on their age, breed, size, coat length, amount of exercise they’re engaging in, health and fitness. Some dogs may struggle to maintain a low body temperature, even in lower temperatures.
That means there is no single temperature that is safe for every dog. A younger, fitter dog may cope differently from an older dog, and a thick-coated or unwell dog may struggle earlier than an owner expects.
The practical advice is straightforward. Restrict walks to early morning or late evening, avoid pavements where possible, and carry water so your dog can stay hydrated. The Met Office’s hot-weather pet guidance also advises a five-second tarmac test: if the ground is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Hot ground is not a minor issue. The RSPCA warns that dogs may limp, refuse to walk, or lick and chew at their feet when pavements are too hot. Even if the air feels manageable, blacktop and pavement can hold much more heat than owners expect.
Heatstroke itself can develop quickly. The Royal Kennel Club says exercise is the most common cause of heatstroke in dogs, and walking on warm days can be dangerous depending on the dog and the conditions. Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center says signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and collapse.
The RSPCA’s heatstroke guidance lists other warning signs such as confusion, noisy breathing, red gums and lethargy. If you think your dog is overheating, both the RSPCA and Royal Kennel Club say you should cool the dog and contact a vet urgently, because heat-related illness can be fatal.
That is the part owners sometimes underestimate. Simpson-Vernon warned, A dog never died from missing a walk.
In a heatwave, skipping one outing is a safer choice than assuming your dog can cope because you can. What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
