Recently at Spanieldogs.com, we conducted a survey where we asked pet parents from all around the world, ‘Is 90 too Hot for Dog Walk?’ And here are the answers that we received.
Generally the maximum temperature that a dog can be exposed to ranges between 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that can leave a severe impact on their general health, even leading to fatal situations. However, the exact temperature limit in which your canine can have their dog walk depends on the breed, health, coat, and terrain of the area.
To better understand what the factors are and how they expose the canines to the risky scenarios, below we will be covering the topic in detail. So, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
How does temperature affect a canine’s walk?
Just like any other living being, canines are greatly affected by change in temperatures. Any sudden drop or elevations in the degree or even the gradual seasonal changes causes their little bodies to go through drastic adjustments, which needs to be carefully monitored by their pawrents. This is why most canines fall sick during weather changes and hence are advised to undergo proper protective measures as per the climate.
On top of that, a dog’s paw is usually the most exposed to these deviations. And so, when it’s extremely hot or cold out there, their paws are what suffers the most, making temperature a vital factor in their overall health.
For instance, when it’s too cold, their paws will dry out much rapidly, increasing the risk of frostbite and chapped skin. Whereas on the other hand, in hotter climates the elevated structures will be immensely exposed to the possibility of paw burns. This is a condition where the outer skin of the canine’s paws get burned out, causing terrible pain and skin aftermath.
While these outcomes are variable and mostly depend upon the specific temperature and duration of exposure, they are hands down very uncomfortable for the little Fido. The recovery process is also comparatively slower and rather complicated, meaning more trouble for the dog.
Is 90 too Hot for Dog Walk?
Definitely!!! No matter the breed type, no dog should ever be taken on a dog walk when the outside temperature is more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because with temperatures as high as these, the pavements become really heated. Thus, rather than having an enjoyable walk, the dog will feel like being tormented and tortured again and again.
Not only their coats, but their paws would be under direct contact of the scorching heat, making it impossible for them to walk properly. As a result, if not offered protection from the heat at the right time, their paws will burn leaving the inner skin exposed to many infections. The skin may have blisters, enormous painful swellings, requiring emergency vet care that will be both expensive as well as complicated.
When should I walk my dog in summer?
While most dogs don’t have any issue going for a walk in summer, if the temperature in your area exceeds 70 degrees Fahrenheit then it is better to shift their walking schedule to either early mornings or evenings. This way their delicate paws won’t be exposed to the harsh environmental conditions and hence they would be happily strolling by you all along the walk.
How do I know if it is too hot for my dog to walk?
Apart from the weather forecasting, pet parents can use the hand rule to know if the temperature outside is walkable for their fur babies. In this procedure, you will simply need to put your hand, preferably the upper side of your hand on the pavement and keep it there for at least 10 seconds.
If the surface seems to be pretty heated up, then not walking your dogs is the best bet. However, if the surface feels warm and not scorching hot, then going on a quick walk (about 10-15 minutes) is considerable.
How can I protect my dog’s paws on a hot day?
Avoid certain periods of the day
Based upon their breed, some dogs may be hyper allergic to the blazing sun rays. Therefore, if your region is susceptible to really hot summers, then completely avoiding certain parts of the day is the best option.
Usually, the heat stays unbearable from 11 AM-5 PM in summer, meaning the dog can be walked in either early mornings or during the evenings. At this time of the day, the rays are comparatively less blazing and the pavements cooler.
Stick to grassy areas
Sometimes situations can’t be helped. For instance, if you are time bound and the outside temperature is too hot for the pooch to go on a long walk, then you can go for a quick run that too only on a grassy area.
Unlike pavements, grasses don’t heat too much. So, allowing the dog to run or do their business on the grass would come as a relief factor, contrary to the pavement walking on a blazing sunny day.
Stay away from Sand/Asphalt
Another trick to ensure that your canine doesn’t end up with burned paw pads is to stay miles away from surfaces like sand and asphalt. Such surfaces tend to retain heat for longer periods of time, and hence it is better to walk your pooch on other surfaces, like wet or smooth grass.
Use Protective gear
Finally, in case there is no grassy area near your home or the temperature remains the same throughout the entire day then the last option is to invest in special protective gears. Available in many variants, these accessories seem like little shoes.
But the distinctive feature that makes them unique is the cushion on the base. Also known as recovery boots, some products may have water-resistant, breathable fabric that keeps the canine’s paws insulated and hence protected from heat. These boots can be easily found over online and offline platforms. So, if interested pet parents can invest in one of these recovery boots to use them for walks during hot weather.
NOTE- Recovery boots can only protect dog’s paws from extreme cold or hot degrees for a specific period of time. Therefore, if the weather outside doesn’t seem suitable for a long walk, then it is best to postpone the walk timing or go for a small quick walk with the protective gear on.
What are the other side effects of walking a dog in hot weather?
Overheating/Heatstroke
If we exclude painful paw burns, the next risk factor with hot weather is overheating. This is when the normal body temperature of the canine shoots off through the charts, making them uncomfortable and prone to suffering from a heatstroke.
When not treated at the right time, heatstroke can result in fatal consequences. So upon witnessing the first ever symptoms, it is very necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible. The symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Excessive drooling
- Staggering when walking
- Vomiting
- A bright red tongue
- Losing consciousness
Dehydration
Another troubling situation that may arise with prolonged exposure to harsh temperature is dehydration. Given the more than normal heating of their paws, body and coat, the Fido’s body will go into overdrive, producing huge amounts of sweat, thereby quickly reducing the water level in their bodies.
This in turn can trigger the side effects of dehydration, thereby risking the overall health of the canine.
Final Thoughts
So, in this blog we covered everything there is to know about high temperatures and how these sudden elevations affect our beloved fur babies’ walk times.
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