What temperature is too hot to walk a dog in the UK?

Many vets advise avoiding walks in the hottest part of the day when temperatures exceed roughly 20°C for sensitive breeds, or when pavement is too hot to hold your hand on for five seconds. Flat-faced breeds need extra caution at lower temperatures.

How do I test if pavement is too hot?

Place the back of your hand on the tarmac for five seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it can burn paw pads. Walk on grass where possible, or exercise at dawn and dusk.

Can I walk my dog if they still want to go?

Dogs may not stop themselves overheating. Short toilet breaks on grass in shade are safer than full walks in midday heat. Prioritise cooling and hydration over exercise.

Dog Health

Can I Walk My Dog in Hot Weather? UK Heatwave Guide

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20262 min read

Quick answer

In a UK heatwave, walk dogs at dawn or dusk, skip walks when pavement burns your hand, and never rely on midday exercise. Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) overheat faster. If your dog is panting heavily, lethargic or vomiting after heat — treat as heatstroke and call a vet immediately.

When to skip the walk

According to the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association (BVA), dogs die in hot weather every year — often from exercise in heat, not just from being left in cars.

Risk factor	Why it matters
Midday sun (11am–4pm)	Highest heat index
Hot tarmac	Burns pads; radiates heat upward
Brachycephalic breeds	Narrow airways limit cooling
Thick coats	Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs retain heat
Obesity & senior dogs	Harder to regulate temperature

Safer alternatives

Early morning or late evening walks only
Sniffing games indoors instead of running
Paddling pool in shade — tepid water, not ice-cold
Ice cubes in water — safe for healthy dogs; never use ice to treat heatstroke — see Can dogs eat ice cubes?
Multiple water bowls indoors and out

Warning signs during or after a walk

Stop immediately and seek shade plus vet advice if you see:

Heavy panting that does not settle
Drooling, vomiting, or wobbliness
Bright red or very pale gums
Collapse

See our full guide: Dog heatstroke in the UK.

Never leave dogs in cars

According to the BVA, car interiors can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes — even with windows slightly open and on cloudy days. Call 999 if you see a dog in distress in a vehicle.

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature is too hot to walk a dog in the UK?: Many vets advise avoiding walks in the hottest part of the day when temperatures exceed roughly 20°C for sensitive breeds, or when pavement is too hot to hold your hand on for five seconds. Flat-faced breeds need extra caution at lower temperatures.
How do I test if pavement is too hot?: Place the back of your hand on the tarmac for five seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it can burn paw pads. Walk on grass where possible, or exercise at dawn and dusk.
Can I walk my dog if they still want to go?: Dogs may not stop themselves overheating. Short toilet breaks on grass in shade are safer than full walks in midday heat. Prioritise cooling and hydration over exercise.