With summer heating up, dog owners may be wondering if taking their furry friend outside when temperatures climb into the 80s is safe or if 85 degrees is simply too hot. The good news is that while humidity, shade, and other factors come into play, 85 degrees Fahrenheit generally does not pose an imminent threat to most dogs’ health.
If your dog starts panting heavily, seems exhausted, or shows signs of heatstroke like vomiting or disorientation, get them to a cooler area immediately. Otherwise, on moderately warm days, regular exercise and access to water should allow them to regulate their temperature just fine.
How Hot is Too Hot for Dogs
When temperatures start to climb, pet owners rightly begin to worry if their furry friends can handle the heat. Dogs, with their fur coats, are much more susceptible to overheating than humans. But when does hot weather start posing serious risks for your pup?
Here’s what you need to know about dogs and high temperatures.
Average Normal Body Temperature Range
A healthy dog’s normal body temperature is between 101°F and 102.5°F. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies to cool down. They primarily sweat through the pads on their paws and pant to lower their temperature through evaporation.
If your dog’s temperature rises to over 104°F, heat exhaustion sets in. At 106°F, they are at risk for heat stroke, which requires emergency veterinary treatment. With heat stroke, your dog could face organ failure, brain damage, or even death if not properly cared for.
When Do Dogs Start Feeling the Heat
Dogs start feeling uncomfortable when the temperature hits about 77°F. At this point, they begin panting to try to cool off. However, dogs with shorter snouts, like Boxers and Pugs, don’t pant as effectively and feel overheated sooner.
In general, if it’s over 85°F outside, you should limit your pup’s time outdoors. Take them out early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Adjust the length of walks to prevent overexertion in the heat. And always make sure they have access to shade and fresh, cool water.
Danger Zone: Heatstroke Risk Factors
Certain conditions put dogs more at risk for heat stroke on hot days:
- Age: very young and very old dogs
- Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers who don’t pant as effectively
- Overweight or obese body condition
- Underlying heart or respiratory disease
- Coat: dogs with long, thick coats are at higher risk
You should also use extreme caution taking dogs with any of these factors out in temperatures over 85°F. Monitor them closely for signs of overheating like heavy panting, lethargy, or staring blankly ahead.
| Air Temperature | Risks for Dogs |
| Under 77°F | Generally safe but monitor dogs at risk |
| 77°F – 85°F | Limit exercise for dogs; provide ample water and shade |
| Over 85°F | High risk for all dogs; avoid extended time outdoors |
While most evidence suggests 85°F is the threshold for caution with dogs and heat, use your best judgement based on breed, coat length, and your pup’s behavior. If your dog seems distressed in the heat, take steps to cool them down.
With summer around the corner, take some common sense precautions to keep your dog safe. And make sure you know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which requires emergency vet care.
To learn more on protecting dogs in hot weather, check out tips from the AKC at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/keep-dogs-safe-hot-weather/ or the ASPCA at https://www.aspca.org/news/how-keep-your-pet-safe-heat.
Breeds and Other Individual Factors
When determining if 85 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot for a dog, it’s important to consider the specific breed and other individual traits that may impact heat tolerance. Certain physical characteristics and health conditions can make some dogs more sensitive to heat.
Coat Types & Lengths
Dogs with very thick, double coats or long hair are generally less tolerant of high temperatures. Breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, and Chow Chows are designed to withstand cold weather and may struggle in the heat.
Short-haired dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, and other smooth-coated breeds tend to better tolerate heat due to less insulation.
However, extremely short hair can also increase risk for sunburn or skin damage from hot asphalt during walks. Larger dogs tend to overheat faster as well due to their bulk insulating heat close to their body. Small breeds with shorter hair tend to be the most heat tolerant in general.
Age & Health Considerations
Senior dogs and puppies should not be exposed to temperatures over 80°F for extended periods of time. Older dogs may suffer decreased cardiac and cognitive function or have arthritis that makes regulating body temperature more difficult.
Panting and drinking water help dissipate heat, but senior pets may not adequately perform these cooling functions.
Likewise, younger dogs have not yet developed efficient temperature regulation. Their bodies struggle to cool properly when faced with heat and humidity. Additionally, any breed with a prior heart or respiratory condition should avoid heat due to decreased ability to pant and manage heat dissipation.
Brachycephalic Breed Risks
So-called “smushed face” breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and others are classified as brachycephalic. The shortened structure of their heads and airways makes breathing less efficient. This means heat regulation via panting does not adequately cool their bodies.
Studies show these dogs can succumb to heat stroke in just 15 minutes at 85°F if exercising.
While every dog needs ample shade and water on hot days, brachycephalic breeds should not be outdoors for extended periods when temps exceed 80°F. Caution walking on hot asphalt is also essential to prevent burned paws.
If overheating occurs, get pets under air conditioning or to the veterinarian immediately.
Tips for Keeping Dogs Cool
Access to Shade & Water
Ensuring your dog has constant access to both shade and fresh, cool water is one of the most effective ways to prevent overheating on hot summer days. Shaded areas like trees, covered patios, or even a tarp can provide respite from the baking sun.
Provide multiple water bowls around your home and yard. Consider freezing treats or toys in water for added enrichment.
Brush Out Excess Fur
For long-haired or excessively fluffy pups, keeping that winter coat brushed and trimmed will help heat escape their body more easily on sweltering days. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing with a slicker brush and metal comb to keep air flowing to the skin.
If possible, ask your groomer for a seasonal cut pre-summer.
Avoid Overexertion
Vigorous exercise should be avoided during extreme heat, as dogs are unable to sweat like humans. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), outdoor activities and exercise should occur during cooler hours of the early morning and evening.
Additionally, pay attention to the walking surface – hot asphalt can literally burn pads. Grass, dirt, or even booties are better options during summer play.
Know the Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke can occur in a dog when the body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Warning signs include heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue or gums, vomiting/diarrhea, and lack of coordination. At the first sign of heatstroke, the AVMA recommends initiating emergency first aid like applying ice packs to neck, armpits or between the thighs, providing access to air conditioning or shade, and getting the dog to the vet.
| Body Temp (°F) | Condition |
| 103-106 | Elevated body temperature, heat exhaustion |
| 106 and higher | Heat stroke |
For more information, visit the American Kennel Club and AVMA websites on safely caring for dogs in hot weather. Stay cool out there!
When to Call the Vet
Panting Excessively
If your dog is panting more than normal on a hot day, closely monitor them for signs of heat exhaustion. Rapid breathing is normal for dogs when they exercise or try to cool down. However, excessive panting paired with symptoms like lethargy, weakness, or staring off into space could indicate heatstroke.
Contact your vet right away if your dog’s tongue changes color or starts to dry out. The vet may advise moving your dog into air conditioning and recommend fluids to rehydrate them.
Drooling & Glazed Eyes
A dog drooling isn’t always cause for concern, as excitement, car sickness, or a minor mouth injury could be the culprit. However, if your dog suddenly starts uncontrollably drooling on a hot day with glazed-over eyes, immediately get them out of the heat.
These are telltale visual signs of heat exhaustion in dogs. Try moving them into shade or air conditioning, offer cool (not ice cold) water and call your vet right away. Timely action could help stabilize your dog until you can bring them in for emergency treatment.
Rapid Heart Rate
Your dog’s normal heart rate ranges between 70-120 beats per minute for an adult. Puppies tend to have faster heart rates. However, if your dog’s heart is racing over 160bpm while also panting excessively and showing signs of weakness, these could be signs of overheating and you should call your vet promptly.
They may advise cooling techniques, specific fluids to administer, or an urgent visit. Catching it early could help prevent conditions like heart arrhythmias, organ damage or loss of consciousness.
Vomiting or Collapsing
Vomiting and collapsing are some of the most serious signs of heat exhaustion in dogs. If your dog is throwing up or unable to stand while outside in the heat, immediately get them indoors and call your vet or emergency clinic right away.
These are signs their body is going into shock and prompt veterinary treatment is vital. While waiting for advice or driving them in, apply cool, wet towels to their head, neck and paws to help lower their temperature.
Having the emergency vet’s phone number handy can save critical minutes in this scenario.
Monitoring your dog closely when temperatures rise is crucial to keeping them safe and healthy. At the first sign of concerning symptoms, take action to cool them down and call your vet. With rapid treatment guided by a professional, the chances of a full recovery are good.
Prevention is also key – avoid strenuous exercise in heat and make sure water, shade and climate control are always available.
Conclusion
Monitoring weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities when temperatures are cooler can go a long way in keeping your dog comfortable. But in general, if your four-legged friend has access to shade and water, most dogs can tolerate a walk or play session even when the mercury hits 85 degrees.
