When the weather heats up, many dog owners wonder whether it’s still safe to take their dog for a walk. The answer depends on more than just the air temperature.

During warm weather, pavements and artificial grass can become much hotter than the surrounding air. Even when it feels comfortable outside, the ground may be hot enough to burn your dog’s paws.

A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

As a general rule, avoid walking your dog during the hottest hours of the day. Early morning or late evening walks are much safer during a heatwave.

At Cool Tails London, we adjust our walking schedule during hot weather to help keep every dog safe and comfortable. We also choose shaded routes, provide regular water breaks and monitor every dog for signs of overheating.

Your dog’s health always comes first, and sometimes the safest decision is simply to skip a walk and enjoy indoor games until temperatures cool down.