Hot Weather Walking Tips: Timing, Shade, and Hydration
Hot weather can feel perfect for walking after a cool winter. But while you’re basking in the sun, your dog might not be quite as optimistic about the heat. Hot days can require more hydration and breaks, along with careful considerations for the walking location and schedule.
Timing, shade, and regular water breaks can all reduce the risk of overheating for dogs. To ensure your furry friend stays safe on warmer days, follow this guide for hot weather walking tips.
Choose the Right Time to Walk
Try to plan your walks for the coolest parts of the day, such as the early morning or evening. Check the weather ahead of time to determine when the best walking times are. Consider adjusting the length and intensity of walks based on predicted temperatures.
If you can’t escape the heat, at least avoid strenuous walks during hot temperatures. You may need to keep walks short if it’s going to be hot all day.
Look for Shade and Cooler Routes
Shade can make a huge difference on hot days. Stick to shaded paths and parks whenever possible to reduce the risk of your dog overheating. You may need to try new paths if your normal route is completely in the sun.
If you’re walking in the sun, occasionally stop in cool, shaded areas to rest and drink water. Splitting up hot weather walks can make them safer and more manageable for you and your pup.
Check surface temperatures before walking, especially on dark-coloured pavement. If you can’t comfortably rest your hand on the ground for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. Shaded areas and grassy patches are often cooler than pavement that’s directly in the sun.
Always Bring Water
It’s always good for your dog to stay hydrated, but hot days require extra water. Don’t forget to carry fresh water with you on hot walks, even if you’re only walking for short periods.
When taking breaks throughout your walk, offer your dog some water even if they don’t seem thirsty yet. Don’t wait until your dog is already panting heavily because they may be already facing dehydration at that point.
A portable water bottle or collapsible dog bowl can make offering water on walks easy. True Charlie Co.’s travel water bottles come with an attached water bowl so both you and your dog can stay hydrated on walks.
Watch Your Dog's Behaviour
Even though your dog can’t speak to you, they can tell you how they’re feeling through their behaviours. If your dog slows down, seeks shade, stops walking, or pants more heavily than usual, it’s probably time to stop or at least take a break.
Never push your dog to finish a route if they aren’t tolerating the hot weather well. Not all dogs handle extreme temperatures the same, so adjust your walks based on how your dog reacts. Puppies, senior dogs, dogs with thick coats, and breeds with short snouts are often more sensitive to heat than other dogs.
Know When to Skip the Walk
Some days, it’s too hot to walk no matter when and where you plan to go. While walks are beneficial for dogs physically and mentally, you shouldn’t put your dog’s safety in jeopardy for a walk. Skipping a walk and replacing it with only short bathroom breaks is better than exposing your dog to too much heat.
To make up for a missed walk, find indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained. Puzzle toys, games, and training sessions are great ways to keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated in the comfort of your home.
If you notice any heat-related concerns in your dog, such as excessive panting and drooling, seek veterinary assistance right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry since symptoms can escalate quickly if not addressed.
Follow the Hot Weather Walking Essentials
When walking during hot days, always keep the following three tips in mind: walk at cooler times, prioritise shade, and bring water.
Weather can fluctuate greatly throughout the summer, so always keep an eye on weather predictions to determine the best times and locations to walk your dog. You may need to adapt your dog’s walking schedule based on their needs and the temperature.
As fun as walks are for you and your dog, missing or shortening a walk is better than exposing your dog to extreme heat. By being cautious during summer months, you can ensure that walks remain both safe and fun for your canine companion.