As a cynologist and animal behaviorist I've worked with thousands of dogs in all kinds of conditions. One of the most common mistakes I see well-intentioned owners make is over-exercising their furry companions in hot weather. Dogs are eager to please and many will keep pushing themselves to the point of heatstroke to make us happy. It's up to us to know their limits and keep them safe.

In this in-depth article, I'll share my expertise on the risks of exercising dogs in high temperatures, how to prevent heat-related illnesses, and what to do if your pup does overheat. I'll cover everything from checking surface temperatures to the importance of hydration and cooling products. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge you need to safely enjoy summer activities with your canine friend. Let's dive in!

The Dangers of Hot Weather Exercise for Dogs

Unlike humans, dogs can't regulate their body temperature by sweating. While they do have some sweat glands in their paw pads, their primary cooling mechanism is panting. When a dog pants, moisture evaporates from their tongue, nasal passages, and lungs, which carries heat away from their body.

Panting works well in most conditions, but it becomes less effective as the air temperature and humidity rise. If a dog can't dissipate heat faster than they're generating it, their core body temperature starts climbing into the danger zone.

The normal body temperature for dogs is between 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). Anything over 103°F is considered abnormal and cause for concern. Body temperatures above 106°F can cause permanent organ damage and even death.

Several factors increase a dog's risk of overheating:

1. Breed: Dogs with thick, double coats like huskies and chows are more prone to heatstroke. So are brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like pugs and bulldogs because their short muzzles make panting less efficient.

2. Size: Smaller dogs have a higher surface area to volume ratio, which means they absorb heat from the environment faster than larger breeds.

3. Age and health: Puppies, senior dogs, and those with pre-existing health conditions like obesity, heart disease, or respiratory problems are at higher risk.

4. Fitness level: Out-of-shape dogs are more likely to overheat because they're working harder than their fit counterparts.

5. Color: Dark-colored dogs absorb more heat from the sun than light-colored dogs.

Even if your dog doesn't fall into any high-risk categories, it's important to take precautions when exercising them in warm weather. Next, I'll discuss how hot surfaces can contribute to heatstroke and burns.

Checking Surface Temperatures

Have you ever walked barefoot across asphalt on a summer day? Ouch! Now imagine how your dog feels walking on that same surface with their sensitive paw pads. Many of us rely on air temperature alone to decide if it's too hot to walk our dogs, but the ground can be considerably hotter, especially dark, paved surfaces.

Asphalt can reach 125°F when the air temperature is just 75°F. At 125°F, skin destruction can occur in as little as 60 seconds. When the air temperature is 95°F, asphalt can sizzle at 149°F, causing instantaneous pad burns.

Before taking your dog for a walk or allowing them to run around on any surface, check the temperature with the back of your hand. Place your hand on the ground and hold it there for at least 7 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Here's a handy table showing common surface temperatures at various air temperatures:

As you can see, natural surfaces like grass stay cooler than manmade ones. If possible, stick to walking your dog on grass or dirt trails in the summer. Early morning or late evening walks are ideal to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

If you must walk on pavement, consider investing in a pair of breathable, heat-resistant booties for your dog. (We like these Ruff Wear Dog Booties )Just remember that booties can also trap some heat, so keep walks short and monitor your dog closely for signs of discomfort. Wetting your dog's paws with cool water before and after walks provides relief too.

Timing and Intensity of Exercise

The duration and strenuousness of an activity also greatly impact a dog's risk of heat-related illness. A leisurely 15 minute stroll around the block is very different than an hour long trail run or agility practice on a hot day.

As a rule of thumb, healthy adult dogs can handle the following amounts of exercise in warm conditions:

These are general guidelines and every dog is an individual. Puppies, seniors, brachycephalic breeds, heavy-coated dogs, and those with health issues shouldn't exercise for more than 10-15 minutes when temps are over 75°F.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and keep outdoor time brief. Dogs can still get a good workout indoors with games, training, puzzles, and interactive toys. You can also take advantage of cooler early morning and late evening hours for more strenuous exercise.

If you have a high-energy working or sporting breed, you'll need to acclimate them slowly to the heat. Start with short, low-intensity sessions and gradually build up their stamina and heat tolerance over several weeks. Provide plenty of rest, shade, and hydration breaks in between.

No matter how fit your dog is, watch for warning signs of overheating during summer exercise. Heavy panting, weakness, confusion, vomiting, and collapse are all red flags to stop the activity and cool your dog down immediately. When it's very hot and humid out, it's best to choose indoor or water-based exercise instead.

Keeping Your Dog Hydrated

Proper hydration is absolutely critical for dogs exercising in hot weather. When dogs pant, they lose precious fluids and electrolytes that keep their bodies functioning normally. Replacing these losses is key to preventing dehydration and heatstroke.

Always offer your dog fresh, cool water before, during, and after summer activities. Bring a portable bowl and water bottle whenever you head out for walks, hikes, or beach days. Encourage your dog to drink every 15-20 minutes even if they don't seem thirsty.

For exercise sessions lasting more than an hour, I highly recommend using an oral electrolyte supplement formulated for dogs. These products contain a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, and chloride to replenish what's lost through panting. They also promote thirst to encourage your dog to drink more.

My go-to is the Dog Electrolyte Supplement from Nupro. You can get it here: Nupro Electrolytes for Dogs

In addition to providing an electrolyte supplement, you can also offer moisture-rich foods as snacks during exercise. Some of my favorites are:

- Watermelon (seedless)

- Cantaloupe

- Cucumber

- Low-sodium chicken or beef broth frozen into ice cubes

- Plain yogurt frozen into cubes

These refreshing treats provide a boost of fluids and electrolytes while also helping to cool your dog down from the inside out.

One more way to keep your pup hydrated is to wet their coat with cool water before and during exercise, especially on their chest, belly, and inner thighs where blood vessels are close to the surface. A damp bandana around the neck can enhance the cooling effect too.

If you'll be exercising your dog for more than an hour in hot weather, it's a smart idea to invest in a cooling vest or mat. These innovative products use evaporative cooling to regulate your dog's core temperature and prevent overheating. Cooling vests are great for extended hikes, beach trips, and outdoor sporting events.

The Importance of Pre and Probiotics

Believe it or not, keeping your dog's gut healthy can also help them better handle the heat. A robust population of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract supports proper hydration, electrolyte balance, and immune function - all crucial for exercising in hot weather.

Prebiotics are a type of indigestible fiber that "feed" the good bacteria in your dog's gut, helping them flourish. You can find prebiotics in certain fruits and veggies like bananas, berries, and asparagus. They're also available in powdered supplement form.

Probiotics are living organisms that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. The most common types are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir. Probiotic supplements designed for dogs are also widely available.

I recommend giving your dog a prebiotic and probiotic supplement daily, but especially during the summer months when they're prone to dehydration and heat stress. Look for a product that contains multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and is specifically formulated for canines.

One of my favorite pre/probiotic combos is the Natures Farmacy Probiotic Max Get it here: Natures Farmacy Probiotic Max

In addition to a daily supplement, you can also boost your dog's gut health by offering probiotic-rich foods like:

- Plain, unsweetened yogurt (make sure it says "live active cultures")

- Kefir

- Fermented veggies like sauerkraut and kimchi (without onions or garlic)

- Bone broth

Adding these foods to your dog's diet a few times a week can help diversify their gut bacteria and keep their digestive system running smoothly. A healthy gut equals a better-hydrated pup that can handle the heat!

Providing Adequate Shade and Ventilation

If you'll be spending extended time outdoors with your dog in hot weather, it's imperative to provide them with a cool, shaded spot to rest and plenty of ventilation. Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes with the windows cracked.

On an 85°F day, the inside of a car can reach 102°F in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temp soars to a scorching 120°F. Leaving a dog in a hot car is not only extremely dangerous, it's illegal in many states.

If you're camping, picnicking, or tailgating with your pup, bring along a pop-up shade tent or canopy. Set it up over a cool surface like grass or damp sand, and place a portable fan inside to keep the air circulating. Provide plenty of fresh water and encourage your dog to rest in the shade as much as possible.

For dogs riding in the car, invest in a mesh window screens and a battery-powered fan to prevent the vehicle from turning into an oven. Car Window Screens fit most vehicles and install in seconds. Get yours here: Universal Window Screens

When you have to park, find a shady spot and use a reflective windshield sun shade to minimize heat gain. Additionally, consider using a greenhouse silver shade cloth with a minimum of 70% shading to provide extra protection from the sun's rays. (you can buy this here: Greenhouse Silver Shade Cloth) Avoid leaving your dog alone in the car for more than a few minutes, even with the windows down and a fan running. If you can't take them with you, it's best to leave them at home.

At outdoor sporting events and shows, be sure to park in the shade and set up a secondary shade structure next to your vehicle, such as a canopy or tent with a greenhouse silver shade cloth (minimum 70%) for added protection. Place a cooling mat on the ground and a battery-powered fan nearby to help regulate your dog's body temperature. Check on your dog often for signs of distress, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy, and take them for regular water and potty breaks to keep them hydrated and comfortable.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

Early signs of heatstroke include:

- Heavy panting

- Excessive drooling

- Bright red tongue and gums

- Thick, sticky saliva

- Glassy eyes

- Lethargy or weakness

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea (may be bloody)

As heatstroke progresses, dogs may also experience:

- Rapid heartbeat

- Confusion or disorientation

- Incoordination or staggering

- Collapse

- Seizures

- Unconsciousness

If you notice any of these signs, immediately move your dog to a cool, shaded area and begin first aid. Wet them down with cool (not ice cold) water, especially on their belly and inner thighs. You can also place cool, wet towels over their body.

Offer small sips of cool water if they're alert and able to drink without vomiting. Don't force water into their mouth as this could cause choking or aspiration.

Take your dog's rectal temperature if possible. A temperature over 103°F is considered abnormal and cause for concern. If it's over 105°F, they need to see a vet immediately. Temperatures above 106°F can lead to organ damage, brain swelling, and death.

Even if your dog seems to recover quickly with first aid, it's best to have them checked out by a veterinarian. They may have underlying organ damage or electrolyte imbalances that require treatment.

Heatstroke Can Affect Any Dog

One dangerous myth about heatstroke is that it only happens to out-of-shape or poorly conditioned dogs. The truth is, any dog can suffer from heatstroke given the right circumstances - even canine athletes in peak physical condition.

I've seen my share of hunting dogs, schutzhund, agility and flyball competitors collapse from heat exhaustion at outdoor trials. Most of these dogs were in excellent shape, but they were asked to perform at their max in hot, humid conditions without proper acclimation or rest breaks.

The drive to work and please their handlers pushed these dogs past their limits. By the time they started showing signs of distress, they were already in serious trouble. Sadly, some didn't make it, even with emergency veterinary intervention.

The lesson here is that all dogs have a breaking point when it comes to heat, no matter how fit they are. It's our responsibility as owners to know our dog's individual tolerance level and adjust their activity accordingly.

Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs are especially prone to overheating due to their short muzzles and narrowed airways. They can't pant as efficiently to cool themselves, so they need extra precautions in hot weather.

Other high-risk breeds include those with thick double coats like huskies, malamutes, and chows. These dogs were bred for cold climates and can struggle to regulate their temperature in the heat, even with regular grooming.

Puppies and senior dogs are also more susceptible to heatstroke because their bodies aren't as adept at thermoregulation. The same goes for dogs with underlying health problems like obesity, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.

The bottom line is that all dogs need to be closely monitored for signs of heat stress during summer exercise, regardless of their breed, age, or fitness level. If you're ever unsure if it's too hot for your pup, err on the side of caution and choose a cooler activity.

Conclusion

Exercising your dog in hot weather requires extra planning and precautions, but it's absolutely possible with the right approach. Remember to:

1. Check the surface temperature before walks and choose grass or dirt paths when possible. Invest in booties for pavement.

2. Time activities for cooler parts of the day and keep sessions shorter than normal. Indoor exercise is a great option when it's extremely hot out.

3. Always provide fresh water and encourage frequent drinking breaks. Use an electrolyte supplement and cooling treats for longer outings.

4. Boost your dog's heat tolerance with a daily pre/probiotic supplement and gut-healthy foods. A strong digestive system supports better hydration.

5. Provide ample shade and ventilation when spending extended time outdoors. Never leave your dog in a parked car.

6. Know the warning signs of heatstroke and act quickly if you suspect your dog is overheating. When in doubt, cut the activity short and help them cool down.

Above all, trust your instincts and prioritize your dog's safety over their desire to keep going. No walk, hike, or training session is worth risking their health and wellbeing.

As a final thought, I want to emphasize that heat-related illness is largely preventable with the right knowledge and preparation. By following the guidelines in this article and staying attuned to your individual dog's needs, you can safely enjoy all your favorite summer activities together.

Remember, your dog depends on you to keep them safe and comfortable in hot conditions. If you're ever unsure about whether it's too hot to proceed with an activity, take a pause and reevaluate. It's always better to cut a session short than to push your pup past their limits.

With patience, planning, and a commitment to your dog's welfare, you can beat the heat and make the most of the summer months. Stay cool, stay safe, and have fun out there!

You can also consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's individual health status and risk factors. They can help you develop an exercise plan that keeps your pup safe and healthy all summer long.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay cool! Your dog will thank you for it.

Cynologist