Is it too hot to walk my dog?
All Pet Guides/Walk safetyAustralian summers can burn paws on bitumen long before the air feels dangerous to us. Use the checker, then read the 7-second test - that hand check is still the most reliable last step before you leave the driveway.
Walk safety checker
Set the air temperature, what you will walk on, and the time of day.
Too hot - stay indoors
Air or pavement heat is high enough for paw burns or heatstroke. Play inside, offer water and a cool floor, and wait for early morning or late evening.
Indoor toysHow hot is too hot to walk a dog?
For a typical healthy adult dog, walks under about 23°C are the most comfortable. From 24–27°C the risk of heat stress rises. RSPCA South Australia advises skipping walks above 25°C for flat-faced breeds. From 28°C many vets treat any walk as high risk, especially for puppies, seniors and thick-coated dogs.
Pavement is a separate problem. In full sun, 25°C air can heat asphalt to about 52°C. Washington State University vets say that is hot enough to burn paw pads in about a minute. Grass stays much closer to the air temperature. Evening bitumen still holds leftover heat after sunset.
The 7-second hand test
WSU recommends pressing the back of your hand onto the path, sand or concrete for a full seven seconds. If you pull away early, it is too hot for your dog. Do this on the actual surface you will walk - a shady nature strip can be fine when the road is not.
When to walk in an Australian summer
- Go out early, before the ground has stored the day's heat.
- Evening is second-best, but bitumen stays hot after sunset.
- Prefer grass, dirt or shade over roads, footpaths and beach sand.
- Carry water, keep the walk short, and skip midday runs.
Heatstroke signs to watch for
Heavy panting, drooling, bright-red gums, wobbling, vomiting or a dog that suddenly wants to lie down are reasons to stop, move into shade and contact a vet. RSPCA Australia also warns never to leave a dog in a parked car - even on a mild day.
Indoor days still need a job
When it's too hot to walk, they still need something to do. A sniff game, lick mat or chew usually does the trick. If you want a new indoor toy, have a look in the healthy pet supplies shop.
FAQ
Usually no, unless it is a very short toilet break on grass in deep shade. At 30°C the air is already a heatstroke risk and roads are typically much hotter.
Yes. Grass does not store heat the way bitumen and concrete do. Still check with your hand if the lawn is in full sun.
No. The checker is a planning tool. The 7-second hand test is what you do at the kerb.
Sources: RSPCA SA, RSPCA Australia, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. This guide is general information for Australian pet owners, not a veterinary diagnosis. When in doubt, stay inside and ask your vet.