Walking Your Dog in the Heat Can Be More Dangerous Than Parked Cars

Every year, as temperatures start climbing, dog parents hear the same warning: never leave your dog in a parked car. It is important advice, and sadly, dogs still die this way every summer. But many pet parents are surprised to learn that most cases of heatstroke in dogs actually happen somewhere else entirely, during walks, runs, hikes, or even games of fetch.

Research from the Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass program found that exercise is the leading cause of heatstroke in dogs and is responsible for the majority of cases. Hot cars are still dangerous, but they account for a much smaller percentage than most people realize. That means a normal afternoon walk during hot weather may pose a bigger risk than many dog parents expect.

As temperatures heat up across the country, understanding how dogs overheat and how quickly it can happen can help save your dog’s life.

Most Heatstroke Cases in Dogs Happen During Exercise

Many people assume heatstroke only happens when a dog is trapped in a hot vehicle. In reality, dogs are far more likely to develop heatstroke while exercising outdoors in warm weather.

The VetCompass study reviewed over 1,200 confirmed canine heatstroke cases and found that nearly three-quarters were triggered by exercise or exertion. Walking, running, playing fetch, and hiking were much more common causes than hot cars.

That statistic changes the way many veterinarians now talk about dog safety during the summer months. A walk that feels comfortable to you may still be dangerous for your dog, especially when humidity rises or the pavement starts retaining heat.

Even temperatures in the upper 70s or low 80s can become risky for some dogs, particularly if they are active, overweight, elderly, or flat-faced breeds.

Why Dogs Overheat So Easily

Dogs do not cool themselves the same way humans do. We humans sweat when we are overheated, which helps us release heat efficiently. Dogs mainly rely on panting to regulate their body temperature.

When the air outside is already warm, panting becomes less effective. Add physical activity on top of that, and a dog’s body temperature can rise dangerously fast.

Pavement and asphalt make the situation even worse. On sunny days, sidewalks and roads can become significantly hotter than the air temperature itself. A dog walking close to the ground absorbs that heat with every step.

Many dogs will also keep walking or playing long after they should stop. Dogs naturally want to stay with their humans and often push themselves through discomfort without obvious signs early on.

That combination of the warm air, hot pavement, exercise, and a dog’s desire to keep going is what makes heatstroke in dogs so dangerous. This is why it’s important to learn how you can tell if your dog is overheated.

Flat-Faced Dogs Face the Highest Risk

Certain breeds are far more vulnerable to overheating than others. Flat-faced dogs, also known as brachycephalic breeds, are especially at risk because their shortened airways make panting less effective.

Breeds with a higher risk of heatstroke include:

• French Bulldog

• English Bulldog

• Pug

• Boxer

• Boston Terrier

• Pekingese

Research has shown that French Bulldogs are significantly more likely to suffer heatstroke compared to breeds like Labrador Retrievers.

However, flat-faced breeds are not the only dogs at risk. Large double-coated breeds, senior dogs, overweight dogs, puppies, and dogs with heart or respiratory conditions can also struggle in warm weather.

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Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. The earlier you recognize the symptoms, the better the chance your dog has of recovering.

Common signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting

• Thick drooling

• Bright red or pale gums

• Rapid heartbeat

• Weakness or wobbling

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Glassy eyes

• Collapse or Seizures

If your dog suddenly slows down, refuses to continue walking, or seems disoriented during warm weather, take it seriously. Many pet parents mistake these early warning signs as merely being tired.

Once a dog collapses from heatstroke, the situation becomes extremely critical.

What to Do if Your Dog Overheats

If you think your dog may have heatstroke, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately. Offer your dog cool water and begin gently cooling them down with lukewarm or cool water, not ice water.

Try to focus on the belly, paws, and chest area. Fans can also help lower a dog’s body temperature more effectively.

Then contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away. Even if your dog appears to recover, heatstroke can still cause internal organ damage that is not immediately visible.

Fast treatment can make a major difference.

How to Walk Your Dog Safely in Hot Weather

You do not necessarily have to skip every summer walk, but you may need to change your routine during warmer months.

Walking early in the morning or later in the evening is usually much safer than midday walks. Cooler temperatures and shaded areas help reduce the risk of overheating.

Pay close attention to pavement temperatures as well. A simple way to test the ground is the seven-second rule: Take the back of your hand and put it on the pavement for seven seconds. If the pavement feels too hot for your hand, it is definitely too hot for your dog’s paws.

Bring water on walks, take frequent breaks, and avoid intense exercise during hot or humid weather.

On extreme heat days, indoor enrichment may be the better choice. Puzzle toys, short training sessions, snuffle mats, and indoor games can provide mental stimulation without the physical risk.

The Conversation Around Heatstroke In Dogs Is Changing

Hot car awareness campaigns remain important because those tragedies are completely preventable. But veterinarians are increasingly trying to educate pet parents bout another reality: many dogs develop heatstroke during completely normal outdoor activities.

That includes walks that seem harmless at first.

Dogs cannot tell us when they are overheating, and many will continue walking long after their bodies are struggling. That is why prevention matters so much.

As summer temperatures rise, the safest thing you can do may not be pushing through your dog’s daily walk routine. Sometimes, protecting your dog means shortening the walk, changing the schedule, or skipping it altogether.

A missed walk is temporary. Heatstroke can be fatal in a matter of minutes.