How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?

The short answer: markers, not one number

The American Kennel Club says outings in temperatures above 90°F should be kept to short spans of no more than 10 to 15 minutes, and that large double-coated breeds should not be left out long in very warm weather above 90°F. It also says that when the air is 85°F or higher with no chance for pavement to cool down, even short walks can be risky.

These are markers, not guarantees. AKC's overheating guide defines overheating by the dog's body temperature rather than the air temperature, and says hot or humid weather raises the risk, especially during exercise. Use the numbers as an early warning, and for the specifics of walking, see our guide to how hot is too hot to walk a dog.

Humidity and the dogs that struggle first

Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, and AKC explains that panting works best when the air is dry, because humidity reduces the evaporation that does the cooling. A muggy day can therefore be harder on a dog than a dry one.

AKC lists short-snouted breeds, dogs with thick or double coats, dark-coated dogs, overweight dogs and elderly dogs, especially those with heart disease, as more at risk. The ASPCA says flat-faced animals are more susceptible to heat stroke because they cannot pant as effectively. If your dog is in one of these groups, give yourself a wider margin than the numbers suggest.

Indoors and in the yard

The ASPCA says pets that are elderly, overweight, or have heart or lung disease should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible, and that all pets need a shady place to get out of the sun and plenty of fresh, clean water, because dehydration can set in quickly in hot or humid weather. A cooler spot such as a dog cooling mat can give a dog a place to rest, and a dog water bowl keeps water available in the yard or on the porch.

AKC adds that shady shelter matters most for dogs with very short or white hair, who sunburn easily, and notes that some laws bar tethering a dog outdoors during extreme heat advisories. The ASPCA advises keeping pets indoors when it is extremely hot and not over-exercising them.

Parked cars: never, in any weather

AKC says never to leave a dog in a parked car in any weather, even with the windows cracked. On a mid-60s day, a closed car can reach 130°F within minutes, and AKC says death can occur within 15 minutes. The ASPCA says leaving an animal alone in a parked vehicle can cause fatal heat stroke and is illegal in several states.

If you cannot bring your dog into the place you are going, leave the dog at home. There is no safe five-minute errand in a warm car.

Hot pavement and paws

AKC cites data that when the air is 86°F, asphalt can register 135°F, hot enough to blister paw pads. Place your hand comfortably on the pavement for ten seconds: if it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for your dog. The same test applies to sand, metal, concrete and dirt, and walking early in the morning or evening on grass or shade is safer.

Boots are one way to protect paws, and AKC says they offer protection from hot surfaces but that many dogs need time to adjust, with a snug fit and wrap-around closures being important. Options include a breathable mesh dog boot with a reflective strap and a breathable mesh dog boot with a zip, and our guide to the best dog boots for hot pavement explains how to fit them, while our dog boots for hot pavement collection shows the range.

Signs of overheating and what to do

AKC lists frantic or excessive panting, thick saliva, bright-red gums or tongue, labored breathing, weakness or inability to stand, and vomiting or diarrhea as signs of overheating. It says overheating can begin when body temperature is just a few degrees over 102°F, and above about 106°F symptoms can escalate quickly to gray or purple gums, seizures or collapse.

Move the dog to a cooler area immediately, spray the coat with cool, not cold, water so it reaches the skin, and call your vet or nearest emergency vet, even if your dog seems to recover, since internal damage can still occur. For the emergency steps, read our page on heat stroke in dogs.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.