It’s summer, and you heard your running shoes calling you for a ride? As a runner, I know how much fun you can have doing regular jogs with your dog when the weather is beautiful! Your companion probably loves to exercise with you and this activity could be one of his favorites. That can be very tough to restrict your dog from his daily exercise when the temperature is too hot to run!
However, did you know that running during especially hot days could be dangerous for your buddy? I recently discovered many interesting things about this subject. Now, I would like to share with you what my research helped me understand more risks of high temperatures on dogs. Let’s see how to make sure you don’t put your pooch in danger with a fun activity such as running!
You can’t run with a dog if the temperature or the humidity is too high! There are several risks to jog with your companion in extreme heat. When is it too hot to run with your dog? Try to avoid intense physical activity over 80°F or 27°C. For the humidity, if it’s over 70% with a high temperature, it’s too hot to run for your dog!
Like me before my research, you probably have more questions about why it’s dangerous, what are the risks or is there any solution? In this blog post, I will share with you everything you need to know before running during the summer with your companion!
What Are The Risks Of Running In Hot Temperatures For Your Dog?
There are serious reasons why you can’t run with your dog on especially hot days. The first risk is to injure your companion with heatstroke, overheat or dehydration. Bringing your dog to run in extreme heat is very dangerous for his health!
For example, heatstroke happens to dogs when they can’t regulate their temperatures by panting. Some dog breeds tolerate better high temperatures, but they all can be affected by heatstroke. This is very likely to hurt your dog if you aren’t careful about the temperature before running!
What If You Saw Your Dog Panting Excessively Or Any Other Sign Of Discomfort?
Your dog is probably overheating, and you need to take care of him immediately! Stop exercise, find a cool spot, put a wet towel on him and give him fresh water. After that, you should bring your furry friend directly to your vet or an emergency clinic! (Here’s more information about heatstroke! [Link Open In a New Tab])
Hurting your dog’s paws is another risk of running in the heat. This can also happen if you run too often or you don’t take care enough of your pet’s paws. Street runners should especially be careful about the heat before going for a run with their buddy. If your dog runs at a high temperature, the pavement can be extremely hot. Even if this is less dangerous than heat stroke, this can be very painful for your companion!
To prevent these types of injuries, you can simply avoid running on hot days. For any unusual symptom, treat it very seriously and carefully. If you think your dog is overheating, take care of him and bring him directly to professionals!
For dogs that suffer from paws injuries, I’ve found two good solutions. The first idea is simply to find more soft trails to run or walk and enjoy this sport reasonably. My second solution is to use doggie boots or paws wax to help your dog to feel better!
Why Can’t Dogs Run In High Temperatures?
Dogs aren’t made like humans. They can’t tolerate the heat very well. This can be explained by multiple features such as their coat, the way they regulate their temperature, their warming system, etc. You probably already see some dogs playing in hot temperatures, but not for a long time. These animals have fur coats that keep their body temperatures around 100 and 102°F. They also have a system that could be compared to having constantly thick socks to keep their paws warm.
How Are Dogs Defending Against Extreme Heat?
An interesting thing to know is that they can’t sweat as efficiently as humans. Dogs can sweat a little bit in areas where there’s no fur such as their nose or paws. That’s one of the main reasons they can control their body temperature during hot days. The only other way they can defend themselves from heat is by panting. With extreme heat, some exercise and humidity, your dog can’t make it!
How Hot Is Too Much To Run With Dogs?
Heat over 80°F or 27°C is generally too much for your dog. Furthermore, you should be careful with exercising your dog when the temperature is over 70°F or 20°C. Some dogs can run at a higher temperature, but you should always be careful. There’s a general rule to combine the heat with the humidity and know if you can run with your dog!
This «150» rule is very simple, you take the Temperature (°F) + Humidity (%) and if the total is 150 or more, it’s too hot to run for your buddy. For example, if it’s 82°F with 72% humidity (82+72=154), intense activity isn’t safe for your companion! I’ve found this rule in this article of the Pet Health Network site. [Link Open In a New Tab]
This general rule won’t apply to every dog, but most pets won’t tolerate heat over 80°F or 27°C. That’s why I got a second rule especially for you. You need to know your dog’s characteristics and limits!
In my opinion, heat over 75°F or 24°C is probably too hot to run with my Labrador. Moreover, you should take note that some dogs can run even if they hurt themselves, so you need to pay attention to them!
Be aware of warning signs such as excessive panting, running struggle, etc. Your dog won’t stop if you don’t. That’s why you need to know your companion. Pay attention to his body signs and never push him too hard especially on hot days!
Precautions To Take Before To Run With Your Dog In Hot Temperatures!
Before you go running on a sunny day, be prepared. It’s crucial to decrease as much as you can the risks of over-exercise, overheat or heatstroke. Here are some suggestions to avoid any unnecessary pain or injury!
Early or Late Runs Are Better!
I enjoy my runs or walks in the morning with my dog. That’s a very good way to start the day and spend a good time with my Labrador. Early or late runs can be very interesting during hot days because it’s cooler. The heat and sun won’t hurt your dog if you can run when it’s cooler in the morning or evening!
Take Several Pauses!
Even in normal runs, you should give plenty of rest to your dog. If you want to run during high heat periods, take more breaks for you and your pup. You also need to make sure your dog is hydrated before, during and after your jogs. Water, snacks and rest breaks are necessary to run safely in the heat!
Pay Attention To Your dog!
Always be alert to sign from your dog of overheating during your run. This is serious, and your companion’s life could be in danger. Most runners have headphones and never pay attention to their dogs. You need to look regularly at your buddy to be sure he’s able to continue running!
Some Signs That Your Dog Is Overheating!
- Heavy Panting.
- Difficulty To Keep Up
- Glazed Eyes.
- Weakness/Collapse.
- Increased Pulse.
- Vomiting.
- Dark Red Tongue or Gums.
- Excessive Drooling.
- Etc.
Take Your Dog For Shorter and Slower Runs!
Finding a smoother pace for hot days could be an excellent idea. Your dog won’t be able to keep up if you don’t slow down or try shorter distances because of the heat. That’s why you need to adapt you runs to the conditions for your dog’s well-being!
Consider Walking!
Finally, the best option to exercise during extreme heat is to walk. Yes, this is a simple solution to spend your dog energy without putting him in danger. However, extremely hot pavement or heat can also restrict your dog to enjoy walking. That’s why you could need to find very low-energy activities or things to do inside!
The best temperature (not too hot) to run with your dog is between 40°F (5°C) and 60°F (15°C). This is the perfect spot to make sure you can enjoy running safely with your companion!
Best Dogs To Run In Hot Climates!
Before helping you understand how you can your dog could be suitable for high temperatures, examples are often more fun and visual. Let’s see which dog breeds are the most suitable to run during hot days!
Dalmatians.
Logically, firefighter dogs can tolerate hot temperatures! Seriously, with their short coat, medium size, and energy, they are good runners for higher heat!
German Shorthaired Pointers.
These well-known hunting dogs can be very interesting as running partners. The heat is also something they are comfortable with. These high-energy dogs can run very well even on especially hot days!
Vizslas.
These balls of energy are well-suited for hot temperatures. This dog breed is very friendly, smart and easy to train. With their short fur and big ears, Vizslas don’t have issues with the heat. They could be an amazing running partner for warm climates!
Australian Cattle Dogs.
These extremely high energic dogs can also tolerate hot temperatures well. This loyal dog breed could be a very good running partner even when it’s relatively hot outside. However, his double-coat could restrict him to run in extreme heat!
Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
These African dogs were originally used to chase lions. You can understand why by their athletic and impressive shape. This breed could be very interesting to run when it’s especially hot!
Other interesting well-suited dogs to run in warm temperature:
- Dobermans.
- Whippets.
- Border collies.
- Basenjis.
- Weimaraners.
- Etc.
Dogs To Be Careful With During Hot Days!
Unfortunately, some dogs can’t tolerate the heat well. Therefore, they will be more prone to heatstroke, dehydration or overheat. Let me share with you which types of pooches don’t withstand hot temperatures!
Brachycephalic or Short-Nosed Breeds: (Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Mastiffs, etc.)
These dogs can’t breathe and regulate their temperature well. That’s why they are more likely to overheat!
Thick or Double-Coated Dogs: (Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, etc.)
These types of fur are better for cold climates. Double-coated dogs shouldn’t run during extreme heat for their safety. You need to find lower activities for your buddy with a thick fur to enjoy during hot days!
What Makes Your Dog Suitable To Run When It’s Hot?
Breed.
Some dog breeds can tolerate heat better than others. Make sure your companion can’t overheat easily himself before exercising in warm temperatures!
Coat. (Short and Single)
The fur of your animal will help to know more about his capacity to run in hot weather. Short and single coats are the best to be suitable for higher temperatures!
Nose Type.
Long noses can help your dog to breathe well. The more efficient their panting is, the more likely they can regulate their temperature. That’s why your dog’s nose could help you figure out how hot it’s too hot for your dog!
Size. (Small to Medium or Lanky)
Lanky dogs seem to be more suitable for hot weather. Overweight or large dogs can have difficulties exercising in extreme heat. Analyze your dog’s size to make sure he’s OK to run especially when it’s hot!
Big Ears And Light Fur.
These two features can help your dog be more tolerant to warm temperatures. Big ears can help your dog to rid himself of excess heat. Light fur will help your dog absorb less sun’s rays than a dark one. That’s why you can notice that many suited dogs for hot weather have big ears and a light coat color!
Safer Activities Ideas To Try On Especially Hot Days!
Now that you know when it’s too hot to exercise with your dog, what are the alternatives? Simple lower energy sports or games than running can be a very good option. Therefore, here are some activities to enjoy during extremely hot days!
Water Activities.
When it’s hot outside, go play in the water with your buddy. (Is swimming safe for dogs?) Believe me, you both will enjoy this fun activity. You can play in a sprinkler, in a pool, at the beach, etc. Dog surfing, fetch in the water and many other things can be awesome to play when it’s especially hot!
Indoor Games.
Sometimes, it’s simply too hot to go play outside. Don’t worry, there are many fun indoor activities you can enjoy in the summer. The AC will help your dog to feel better, but doesn’t need to make him feel bored! You can try puzzle games to entertain your dog mentally. Many interactive activities can be done inside such a tug of war, fetch and shell game. Having fun and quality time inside is possible when it’s too hot to enjoy the outdoors!
Last Thoughts About When It’s Too Hot To Run!
In conclusion, temperature is very important for running. You shouldn’t run with your dog when it’s over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). You could also personalize the 150 (Temperature + Humidity < 150) rule to your dog’s conditions!
Make sure everything is good to exercise your dog safely. Don’t forget to have fun with your buddy even if in extreme heat. Here are 21 dos and don’ts to enjoy running with your pooch safely. I hope this blog post helps you understand when it’s too hot to run with your dog!
