Is It Too Cold or Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?
It can be too hot to walk your dog on pavement even on a mild day: when the air is 77°F, sunny asphalt can reach about 125°F, hot enough to burn paws within a minute. Use the seven-second test with the back of your hand. In cold weather, the AVMA advises against leaving pets outside for long at 32°F or below, and below about 20°F the risk of frostbite and hypothermia rises.
There's no single "safe" temperature. Sun, humidity, wind, the walking surface and your dog's breed, size, coat, age and health all matter.
Hot weather: the pavement problem
| Air temperature | Approximate asphalt temperature in sun |
|---|---|
| 77°F | 125°F |
| 87°F | 143°F |
| 97°F | 161°F |
| 107°F | 179°F |
Source: Chewy, citing veterinarian Dr. Becca Boronat; reviewed by Dr. Hannah Hart. Another veterinarian quoted in the article says paw burns can happen in as little as 60 seconds at these temperatures.
The seven-second test: press the back of your hand flat on the pavement for seven seconds. If you can't keep it there, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Hot-weather walking tips
- Walk before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m., when surfaces are coolest (Chewy).
- Choose grass or shaded paths; asphalt, artificial turf and metal get hottest.
- Avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day and bring water (AVMA).
- Take extra care with flat-faced (brachycephalic) and overweight dogs, which the AVMA lists as higher risk.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car.
Signs of heat stress
The AVMA lists anxiousness, excessive panting, restlessness, excessive drooling, unsteadiness, abnormal gum or tongue color and collapse. Heatstroke is an emergency: move your dog to a cool place and call a vet right away.
Cold weather: how cold is too cold?
| Temperature | Guidance |
|---|---|
| 32°F and below | AVMA advises not leaving pets outside for long periods |
| Below about 30°F with wind chill | Veterinarian Kim Smyth told NPR it's unsafe for any dog to be outside for an extended period |
| Below 20°F | PetMD warns of risk of frostbite and hypothermia |
Sources: A Healthier Michigan (citing AVMA and PetMD) and NPR.
Dogs at higher risk in the cold
- Small dogs and dogs with thin or short coats
- Puppies and senior dogs
- Dogs with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal disorders (NPR)
Cold-weather walking tips
- Shorten walks and keep moving.
- Use a coat or sweater for small or thin-coated dogs; booties protect paws from ice and de-icing salt.
- Wipe paws after walks to remove salt and chemicals.
- Watch for shivering, whining, lifting paws or slowing down, signs that your dog is too cold.
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Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.