How Hot Is Too Hot To Walk Your German Shepherd?

It’s summer time which means people everywhere are taking time off to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs. It’s the perfect time to get more fresh air and sunshine with your four-legged best friend.

However, if you live in a warm climate, rising temperatures pose a special challenge if you own German shepherds or another active breed.

Working breeds love spending time outside and need lots of exercise. But when it’s hot, the risk of heat-related injuries, including heatstroke, increases. Every year, there are far too many reports of dogs that became sick and even die due to hot weather.

So, how hot is too hot for your dog to play outside, go on a walk, a hike, or even just leave your dog outdoors?

How Hot Is Too Hot For Your Dog?

Experts agree that when the temperature reaches 89 degrees Fahrenheit (F), most dogs are at risk of heatstroke. When the humidity is high, the temperature outside can measure lower than 89 F, but can be even more dangerous.

However, some dogs are even more sensitive to heat and can’t tolerate temperatures above 82 F. It is also just as important to know what the temperature “feels like” (provided on many weather apps).

This “feels like” temperature is a measure of how hot or cold the air “feels like” to the body. It measures how it “feels” outside by taking into account environmental factors, the ambient air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed.

For example, at the time of this writing, in Brenham, Texas its 101 F, which is above the 89 F threshold. However, a Heat Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service because it ‘felt like’ a scorching 118 Fahrenheit at 5 p.m.

To keep your dog safe, you should always be weather aware. Anytime the temperature exceeds 85 F, use caution when walking your dog or letting them play outside. When it's humid, that temperature will measure even lower as dogs will have less heat tolerance.

Their tolerance is reduced because when the air is humid, it is harder for dogs to regulate their body temperature. Panting is less effective and it’s harder for them to cool off. So, even if it doesn’t feel very hot to you, keep a close eye on your dog and the temperature.

How to Accurately Calculate If It’s Safe to Exercise Your Dog Outdoors

To help you figure out if it’s too hot outside for your dog, here is a method you can use. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT, and Board-Certified Veterinary Specialists recommend the following method for factoring in humidity and temperature:

If the temperature (measured in Fahrenheit) plus the humidity level add up to 150 or higher, you should avoid exercising your dog outdoors. For example, if it's 85 F with 70% humidity (total 155), it is too hot for your dog to be outside.

Some Dogs Are More At Risk Of Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke

But there are more considerations than just this calculation to determine if it’s too hot for your dog. Each dog is unique, and you know them best, but the following factors can make a pet more prone to a heat-related injury, they are:

1. Age

Puppies and seniors are more vulnerable to heat and humidity and can’t regulate their body temperatures as well.

2. Body Size and Weight

Larger dogs and overweight dogs can’t dissipate heat as quickly as small dogs and overheat quicker and easier.

3. Coat Type and Color

Dogs with thick double coats can overheat easier than dogs with short fur. Dark color fur also attracts heat so they can get hot faster than light-colored dogs.

4. Health Conditions

The healthier the dog, the better it can cope with warmer temperatures. Meanwhile, a dog with certain health problems will be more sensitive to warm temperatures.

5. Medications

Some medications can contribute to overheating. If your dog takes medication, ask your vet if it has this side effect.

Dog Walking Guideline:

60-65 F
Perfect for exercising outdoors

66-70 F
Nice day for outdoor activity but some large, senior, ill, overweight, or sensitive dogs may have a risk of overheating.

71-75 F
It's warming up so large or at-risk dogs should be observed during exercise, especially if it's humid.

76 – 80 F
Walks should be taken early in the day or evening as some large, double-coated dogs could get too hot.

81 – 85 F
Avoid outside activities and leaving your dog unattended while outside.

86 – 100+ F
It’s too hot to exercise outdoors for all dogs.

Heatstroke is Deadly and Preventable

Heat stroke is life-threatening and also preventable. Heat exhaustion is defined as a body temperature of 103 F and above. Heat Stroke occurs when the body reaches 106 F. Heatstroke causes organ failure and is a medical emergency.

One of the most common causes of heat stroke in dogs is exercising when it’s too hot and humid. The other two primary causes are leaving dogs unattended in the car or outdoors. The symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Hot to the touch
• Excessive panting
• Dry, sticky gums
• Dark red gums
• Unsteady gain
• Unable to stand, weakness
• Not acting like themselves
• Stress
• Increased heart rate
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Collapse

Hopefully, you will never face a heat-related emergency with your dog. But if you do, move your pet right away to a cool area with access to water. Then immediately head to your vet or the closest veterinary emergency hospital.

We hope you found this article helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends.

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