Walking your dog in summer

Simple Warm Weather Advice for Safer Walks

Updated May 2026

Warm weather can make dog walks feel easier.

The days are longer.
The parks are greener.
Everyone wants to be outside more.

But summer walks need more thought.

Dogs do not cool down in the same way we do. They mainly lose heat by panting and can only sweat a small amount through their paws. That means a walk that feels pleasant to us can become too much for them, especially if the ground is hot, the air is humid, or they are running around in direct sun. (RSPCA)

As a dog walker in Finchley, I change walks as the weather changes.

Sometimes that means walking earlier.
Sometimes it means using shaded routes.
Sometimes it means cutting the walk short.
And sometimes the kindest choice is not to walk at all.

No dog has to be marched around in the heat just because it is their usual walk time.

Why summer walks need more thought

Warm weather affects dogs quickly.

A dog may start a walk looking happy and full of energy, then slow down after ten minutes. Some dogs keep going because they are excited, worried, or trying to please you. That does not always mean they are coping well.

Summer walks can bring risks such as:

• overheating
• heatstroke
• burnt paw pads
• dehydration
• insect stings
• grass seeds
• sunburn on pale or thin-coated dogs
• stress from busier parks and outdoor spaces

The aim is not to avoid walks all summer.

The aim is to choose the right walk for the dog in front of you.

That might be a slow sniff walk in the shade rather than a long route across open ground. It might be a five-minute toilet break and indoor enrichment. It might be skipping the walk until later in the day.

Guide: Keeping dogs safe in summer

When is it too hot to walk a dog?

There is no single safe temperature for every dog.

Size, age, coat type, fitness, weight, health, breed and the type of walk all matter. A young, fit dog on a shaded woodland path may cope differently from an older dog on pavements in North Finchley. A flat-faced dog may struggle sooner than a long-nosed breed.

The Blue Cross says dogs may be at higher risk of heatstroke above 20°C, especially during hard exercise, while some dogs with health issues can be at risk even below that.

The PDSA advises avoiding the hottest part of the day and walking in the early morning or evening where possible. It also recommends shorter, slower walks, shade and regular water breaks.

For me, the question is not just:

“Is it hot?”

It is:

• Is the ground hot?
• Is there shade?
• Is the air humid?
• Is the dog already tired?
• Is the dog older, young, unwell, flat-faced or overweight?
• Will this walk calm the dog or push them too far?
• Could a home visit be safer today?

If I am unsure, I choose the safer option.

The pavement test

Hot pavements are among the easiest summer risks to overlook.

We wear shoes. Dogs do not.

Tarmac, concrete and paving slabs can heat up quickly in the sun. Even if the air feels manageable, the ground may be painful for paws.

A simple check is the five-second test.

Place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Dogs Trust gives the same advice for checking tarmac before walking.

If the pavement is too hot:

• wait until later
• choose grass or shaded paths
• keep the walk very short
• avoid long stretches of road
• use a garden toilet break if safe
• switch to indoor enrichment

I would rather choose a shaded route through places like Cherry Tree Wood, Coldfall Woods or Highgate Woods than walk a dog along hot open pavements. But even shaded routes need care. Shade moves, paths heat up, and some dogs still struggle.

Dogs who need extra care in warm weather

Some dogs need a more cautious plan.

Take extra care with:

• puppies
• older dogs
• overweight dogs
• dogs with heart or breathing problems
• flat-faced breeds
• thick-coated dogs
• very large dogs
• dogs recovering from illness
• nervous or reactive dogs who already find walks hard

Reactive and nervous dogs can also overheat due to stress.

A dog who is barking, scanning, pulling away, freezing, or rushing may be physically working much harder than they appear. Even a short walk can take a lot out of them if they are worried.

That is why summer walks should not only be planned around temperature. They should also be planned with the dog’s emotional state in mind.

A calm, ten-minute sniff-and-decompress walk may be better than a long walk full of triggers.

How I change walks in hot weather

When the weather is warm, I keep things simple.

I focus on comfort, safety and calm behaviour.

That may mean:

• walking earlier or later
• choosing shaded routes
• slowing the pace
• avoiding open fields in full sun
• keeping walks shorter
• giving more sniffing time
• carrying water
• avoiding unnecessary running
• watching the dog closely
• ending the walk before the dog struggles

This fits the way I walk dogs anyway.

I do not use vans. I do not collect groups of dogs and drive them around. My walks are local, one-to-one and planned around the individual dog. The live site already explains this local, on-foot approach as part of Finchley Dog Walker’s calmer way of working.

In hot weather, that matters.

A dog does not need to be bundled into a hot vehicle or walked in a group where one dog’s pace decides the outing for everyone.

They need a sensible walk that suits them.

What to carry on summer dog walks

You do not need lots of kit.

But a few simple things can help.

Useful summer walk items include:

• a travel water bottle or collapsible bowl
• spare water
• poo bags
• a comfortable harness
• a well-fitting collar with ID tag
• your phone
• a light towel if your dog gets wet or muddy
• a cooling mat or a damp towel at home after the walk
• tick remover if you walk in grassy or wooded areas

For dogs who struggle in the heat, a light summer setup can make outings safer and easier.

Some links in this section may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items that fit the advice on this page.

Recommended essentials:

• travel water bottle for dogs
• collapsible dog bowl
• lightweight cooling mat for use at home
• tick remover tool

You may also like to check out the Hot Weather Dog Kit guide.

What I would avoid

In warm weather, I would avoid:

• walking during the hottest part of the day
• long pavement walks in full sun
• ball throwing in hot weather
• running beside bikes
• expecting the usual distance every day
• leaving water until you get home
• assuming shade makes everything safe
• ignoring heavy panting or slowing down
• pushing older dogs to keep up
• using summer walks to “tire the dog out”

This last point matters.

Trying to exhaust a dog in warm weather can be risky. Mental enrichment is often safer. Sniffing, gentle training, food puzzles and calm home activities can help without pushing the body too hard.

Signs your dog may be too hot

Stop and seek shade if your dog starts to struggle.

Warning signs can include:

• heavy panting
• drooling
• slowing down
• weakness
• wobbliness
• confusion
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• collapse
• gums that look very red, dark or unusual

Blue Cross warns that heatstroke can be fatal and needs urgent veterinary attention. Signs can include collapse, heavy panting, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, purple gums and redness of the skin. (Blue Cross)

If you think your dog may have heatstroke, contact a vet urgently.

This guide is practical walking advice, not veterinary advice.

A simple checklist

Before walking your dog in summer, ask:

• Is it cooler now than it will be later?
• Can I choose shade?
• Is the pavement safe?
• Does my dog actually need a walk now?
• Would a shorter sniff walk be better?
• Do I have water?
• Is my dog high risk in warm weather?
• Can I swap the walk for indoor enrichment?
• Do I know the signs of overheating?

If the answer makes you pause, change the plan.

Your dog will not suffer from missing one hot walk.

They may suffer from being walked when it is not safe.

Good summer alternatives to a full walk

If it is too hot for a normal walk, try:

• a short toilet break
• scatter feeding in the garden
• a lick mat
• a frozen treat
• calm scent games
• simple training indoors
• a shaded garden potter
• a home visit from your dog walker
• a cooler evening walk

This is also where pet care at home can help.

For some dogs, a midday home visit is kinder than a midday walk. They can have a toilet break, water refresh, company and a little enrichment without being pushed out in the heat.

Related guides

You may also find these useful:

• Seasonal Pet Safety in Finchley
• Finchley Dog Walker Extreme Weather Policy
• Hot Weather Dog Kit
• Walking Dogs on Hot Pavements
• How the Weather Affects Dog Walks
• Healthy Summer Treats to Keep Your Dog Cool
• Dog and Cat Care Guides in Finchley

FAQs

Should I walk my dog every day in summer?

Not always. Most dogs benefit from daily movement and routine, but safety comes first. On very hot days, a short toilet break and indoor enrichment may be better than a full walk.

What time of day is best for summer dog walks?

Early morning and later evening are usually safer than the middle of the day. Always check the ground, look for shade and adjust the walk to your dog.

Can dogs burn their paws on pavements?

Yes. Tarmac and paving can become very hot in the sun. Use the five-second test with the back of your hand. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws.

Is shade enough to keep a dog safe?

Shade helps, but it is not a full safety plan. Dogs can still overheat in humid weather, during hard exercise, or if they are older, overweight, flat-faced or unwell.

What should I do if my dog seems too hot?

Stop the walk. Move to a shaded or cooler place. Offer water. Contact your vet urgently if you see signs such as collapse, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion or extreme panting.

Can a dog walker change walks during hot weather?

A careful dog walker should adjust walks when needed. That may mean a shorter walk, a shaded route, an earlier time, or a home visit instead. Finchley Dog Walker’s Extreme Weather Policy already explains how walks may be changed during hot weather.

Final thoughts

Summer walks should feel calm, safe and manageable.

They do not need to be long.
They do not need to be fast.
They do not need to happen at the usual time if the weather is wrong.

If you need help with careful, one-to-one dog walks in Finchley, I offer calm, local walks tailored to the dog in front of me. In warm weather, I adjust plans sensibly and will always put welfare before routine.

You can find out about my full services here