13/08/2025
Today’s reminder about keeping dogs indoors during hot weather is an important one, especially when temperatures soar above 20 degrees and even past 30 degrees Celsius. It is of course crucial that we take extra care to ensure our furry friends stay safe by protecting them from the heat and avoiding overexertion. However, it’s also important to recognize that while caution is necessary, there are safe options for walking our dogs depending on their needs and the specific circumstances.
For those who have the flexibility in their schedules, walking dogs earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are significantly lower is probably the best option. But we have to recognise that this isn’t possible for everyone. This is why it’s important to avoid blanket statements suggesting that dogs should simply not be walked on hot days—this may not be practical or necessary for all dogs.
If you can’t get to a wooded area or another cooler spot, shorter, more frequent walks throughout the day could be a good alternative. This approach allows your dog to get outside while minimizing the time spent in the heat, reducing the risk of overheating, and it’s especially important that we don’t encourage them to over exert themselves.
On the other hand, if you can reach a cooler spot like Burbage Common for example, where the temperature is significantly lower, by as much as 10 degrees, under the canopy of the woods, a longer walk might be manageable. The shade provides a more comfortable environment, and the ground under the trees is much cooler, meaning your dog’s paws are protected from the risk of burns on hot pavement.
It is important to note that this advice is more applicable to younger, fitter dogs, which generally handle the heat better. Older dogs, those with thick coats, or breeds prone to heat sensitivity (like brachycephalic breeds) may not tolerate the heat as well and so absolutely, the advise would be that your dog is still be better off staying indoors, even in shaded areas.
Ultimately, while it’s vital to keep our dogs safe from the heat, we must also remember their mental well-being is important and not keeping on top of that, especially over a number of days can lead to all sorts of negative behaviours due to boredom. Getting out and exploring is a key part of their happiness. So, where it is practical to do so, making these kinds of sensible choices can allow our dogs to safely enjoy the outdoors and maintain their mental health.
However, if there’s any doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and prioritize your dog’s safety above all and so keeping them indoors might be the right choice for your dog.