How do you know if it’s too hot or cold to walk your dog

If you're in the northern hemisphere you'll be getting out your winter woolies and for those of us in the southern hemisphere we're putting ours away. But we’re not the only ones who suffer from extreme temperatures so you should also pay attention to your dog’s needs and their wardrobe. 

Is it safe to walk a dog in hot weather?

If your dog is old, overweight, has a long and hot coat or is a brachycephalic breed (has a short snout) you’ll need to take extra care by taking shorter walks and avoiding the hottest part of the day. 

Adjust your schedule so you walk them early in the morning and in the evening and shorten the length of the walk to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Poppy resting after a hot dog walk

Hot weather dog walking tips for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere

• If the pavement is too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for their feet!

• Always take water with you, and allow small drinks throughout the walk.

• Never allow large drinks of water right after excessive exercise as this can cause bloat in your dog, which is life-threatening

• Take plenty of rests in the shade

• In the last 10-15 minutes of your dog walking session, slow down or rest in the shade

• Once the dog is rested/cooled they can have a bigger drink

• Pour water on a towel and put it over the dog to help cool them down. If they don't want it on them, they may like to lay on it instead

• If you need to leave the dogs in the car for more than a few minutes, make sure the dogs are restrained (either in a seatbelt or behind a dog grill in a station-wagon so they can’t escape) and leave your windows down. Park in the shade.

Is it safe to walk a dog in extremely cold weather?

Amelia, wearing dog booties in exchange for treats

Cold weather dog walking tips for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere

• If the pavement is too cold for your hand, it’s too cold for your dog’s feet.

• Train your dog to enjoy wearing and walking in booties. This should be done before it starts snowing.

• Fit your dog with a warm jacket.

• Keep your dog leashed as you won’t be able to see what’s lying under the snow.

• Don’t let your dog eat snow because it may have antifreeze or other chemicals on it.

• Ice is slippery so proceed with caution!

• Try to pick up your dog’s poop really fast. Otherwise, it will melt into the snow and you’ll have the joyful experience of smelling it come spring!

To teach your dog to enjoy wearing clothes, read How to train your dog to wear clothes