How Does Weather Affect Your Dog Walk? Check Our Temperature Chart

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Some pups love nothing better than a hot sunny day, while others would trade it in a heartbeat for a long romp in the snow. But whatever your pup’s preference, there’s no getting around the fact that certain temperatures just aren’t safe for outings with your dog.

In very hot weather, dogs are vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration. And at the opposite end of the spectrum, extreme cold can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and injuries.

To help you know when it’s time to skip a walk or outdoor adventure, we spoke to Dr. Yelena Bruzon, the emergency department lead veterinarian for Thrive Pet Healthcare in Jacksonville, Florida. Below, we share her expert advice, including seasonal walking safety tips and a quick-reference dog walk temperature chart.

When Is It Too Hot (or Cold) To Walk a Dog?

“Dogs are more temperature-sensitive than humans, and their ability to regulate their body temperature is limited,” Dr. Bruzon explains. This means temperatures that you consider only uncomfortable could be dangerous for your dog.

This dog-walk temperature chart can help you decide if it’s safe to go out with your pup.

Outdoor Air Temp F/C	Pavement Temp F/C	Should You Walk?	Risk Level
Below 20℉/-7℃	Under 60℉/16℃	No. Quick potty breaks only.	High for all dogs.
20-32℉/-7-0℃	Usually under 75℉/24℃	Maybe. Limit walks to 15 minutes.	High for puppies, small breeds, and seniors. Moderate for large and thick-coated breeds.
32-45℉/0-7℃	Usually under 105℉ /41℃	Yes. Consider limiting walks to 30 minutes.	Moderate for small dogs and short-haired breeds.
45-60℉/7-16℃	85-125℉/52℃	Yes. Monitor for signs of discomfort.	Low for most dogs.
60-75℉/16-24℃	105-135℉/57℃	Yes. Monitor for signs of discomfort.	Low for small and medium breeds. Moderate risk for large and at-risk dogs.
75-85℉/24-29℃	115-145℉/63℃	Maybe. Consider limiting walks to 30 minutes.	Moderate for small and medium breeds. High for large and at-risk breeds.
Above 85℉/29℃	Potentially over 145℉/63℃	Maybe. Limit walks to 15 minutes. Potty breaks only for at-risk dogs.	High for most dogs.

Other factors to consider

When determining if and how long you should walk your dog, you’ll want to take into account their age, size, breed, and health condition. Here’s what to know.

• Age. Puppies may be less tolerant of extreme temperatures than adults. Senior dogs may also have a higher risk for temperature-related injuries.
• Size. In general, smaller breeds are more vulnerable to extreme cold and heat, whereas medium and large dogs may be hardier.
• Breed. “Flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are more prone to heat exhaustion,” Dr Bruzon says. High humidity especially limits their ability to pant and keep themselves cool, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
• Coat. Dogs with thick double coats, like Huskies and Malamutes, will be comfortable for longer in frigid temps, while short-haired, thin-coated dogs like Greyhounds will get cold fast.
• Health conditions. “Even when it’s only 70 degrees outside, your pet can experience a heat-related emergency, particularly if they have an underlying health condition that puts them at a greater risk for heatstroke,” cautions Dr. Bruzon. Conditions like heart disease, respiratory problems, obesity, and hypothyroidism can all make a dog more vulnerable to heat stroke.
• Additional weather factors. Even if the temp isn’t extreme, consider suspending activity if other factors might exacerbate it. For example, wind chill can make a cold day colder, and humidity on a warm day can make it harder for a dog to cool down.

How Temperature Affects Your Dog

Better than knowing general temperature cut-off points is understanding the whys behind them. That will help you judge how hot is too hot and how cold is too cold—and what you can do to make short outings safer.

Risks of walks in hot temperatures

High temperatures put your dog at risk for dehydration and heatstroke. There are also paw burns and blisters to worry about, since pavement in the sun can be as much as 60º F hotter than the air temperature. If you can’t comfortably hold your palm flat on the pavement for more than 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws. Even more care is required for puppies, since their paw pads won’t have developed callouses yet.

In hot weather, watch your dog closely for the following signs, and head to the vet right away if you see:

• Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
• Excessive drooling
• Dry gums or gums that are an abnormal color
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Dizziness or vomiting

Risks of walks in cold temperatures

Chilly walks can be uncomfortable for dogs, especially seniors and arthritic pups who may experience additional joint discomfort in the cold.

If it’s below freezing or you stay out long enough, your dog’s body temperature may begin to drop. Mild hypothermia may cause your dog to shiver, while severe hypothermia can lead to kidney failure or cardiac arrest.

Low temperatures can also put your dog’s paws and exposed skin at risk. Frostbite is a key concern, especially for puppies, seniors, small-breed dogs, and dogs with short fur. You’ll also want to watch for paw injuries, since sharp ice can cut, while salt and ice-melting chemicals could cause painful pad burns. Licking chemical deicer off their paws can also make your dog sick.

In cold weather, watch your dog closely for signs of:

• Shivering
• Frostbite on the paws, nose, ears, and tail
• Paw injuries from walking on ice
• Chemical burns from salt or ice-melting chemicals

Walking Tips by Season

Just because the temperature is in the safe range doesn’t mean seasonal dog walks are a piece of cake. Here’s what you can do to make chilly winter walks and hot summer outings safer and more comfortable.

Winter safety tips

During the winter, prioritize strategies to keep your dog warm and their paws protected. Something as simple as putting a thin-coated dog in a coat or sweater could make a big difference, says Dr. Bruzon. “Winter grooming also keeps your pet’s coat in top shape and can prevent matting,” she adds, “which could trap moisture and chill your pet.”

Here are some additional tips for keeping your dog safe during winter walks.

• Keep an eye out for slippery surfaces and avoid frozen piles of snow that might be sharp. Putting your dog in high-traction booties can make a big difference.
• Wash your dog’s paws in warm, soapy water after a walk, then smooth on a layer of foot wax or paw balm for good measure.
• Consider a sweater or coat for puppies, seniors, and short-coated dogs to make chilly weather more tolerable.
• Limit your time outside, especially for pups prone to chill, and make frequent stops to check for discoloration around the ears, paws, and tail that might indicate frostbite.
• Make sure your dog has a warm spot to cuddle up and get comfy when they get home, like in a heated dog bed or a nest of cozy blankets.
• Try to walk your dog during the warmest part of the day, and if they get wet on a walk, dry them off as soon as possible.

Summer safety tips

The best way to keep your dog safe in the summer is to closely observe how well they tolerate any kind of heat. Cut walks short if they start to show signs of discomfort, and stick to quick potty breaks only in temperatures above 85℉ (29℃).

Here are some additional tips for keeping your pup cool and safe on summer jaunts.

• Walk during the cooler parts of the day, usually in the morning or at night. (Put your pup in reflective gear to improve visibility and safety when it’s dark.)
• Test the pavement temperature with your palm and protect your dog’s paws with a set of booties if it’s too hot for comfort or safety.
• Try to walk in the shade and in areas near bodies of water where your pup can cool down. (Tip: Give one of these cooling vests a try to help keep them comfortable on warm days!)
• Decrease the distance, speed, or intensity to make hot weather walks less strenuous for your dog.
• Take plenty of water breaks to prevent dehydration. (Tip: Try one of these portable water bottles or go with an old-fashioned travel bowl if you’ll have access to water along the way.)
• Offer your dog fresh water immediately when you get home, or try a frozen dog toy on a cooling mat to help them cool off quickly.

 

It can be tough to make the call about whether the weather is safe enough for a dog walk. That goes double when your dog is bursting with energy to get out. When in doubt, play it safe and double-down on indoor activities to keep your pup mentally stimulated.

You can also check in with your vet to get a more precise idea of the temperatures at which your particular dog can be safe and comfortable. “Regular checkups can help identify potential health issues that may affect your dog’s ability to withstand higher or lower temperatures,” adds Dr. Bruzon.

In time, it’ll get easier to recognize what’s okay and what’s not for your friend—and you’ll have a good collection of walk substitutes for the hottest and coldest days ready to go.