Why summer walks are more demanding for your dog than you think

I was sitting here thinking about summer and dog walks — because the heat is really starting to set in now, and it's actually worth taking a couple of minutes to read this.

Your dog isn't built to cool down the same way we are — and that makes a pretty big difference!

How your dog's cooling system works

We humans sweat all over our bodies. Dogs can only sweat through their paws and nose. Most of the heat escapes through panting. That means when the air around your dog is already warm, this cooling system works much less effectively than on a cool day.

Muscles produce heat when your dog moves. Normally, that heat is carried away from the body via blood, skin, and breathing. But when the surrounding temperature is high, the body can't get rid of the heat fast enough — and core temperature rises.

What happens to the muscles in the heat?

When your dog is overheated, the body prioritizes sending blood to the surface to cool down — which means the muscles get less blood flow. That means they work with poorer oxygen supply, and your dog tires faster than normal. You might notice this as your dog suddenly "losing steam," lying down, panting heavily, or seeming weak in the hindquarters.

Worth noting: nearly 70% of dogs that suffer heatstroke became ill after a completely ordinary walk on a hot day. So it doesn't take hard training for it to become demanding.

Which dogs should you watch extra closely?

• Short-nosed breeds (Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, and similar) – they already breathe with more effort and tolerate heat worse
• Dogs with thick or double coats
• Older dogs and dogs that are overweight

Good advice for you as a dog owner:

• Train early morning or late evening – avoid the hottest hours
• Bring water and offer frequent drinking breaks
• Seek shade and calm surroundings on hot days
• Shorten the walk rather than pushing through – two short walks are better than one long one in intense heat
• Swimming and walking in shallow water are fantastic on hot days – it gives muscle work and cooling at the same time!

Watch for heavy panting, lethargy, wobbly movements, or discolored gums. See a vet if you're unsure.

Take it easy in the heat – your dog will thank you for it! 

Sources:

• https://www.royalkennelclub.com/health-and-dog-care/health-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/heatstroke-in-dogs/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7337213/
• https://wagtantrum.com/blogs/news/is-it-too-hot-the-vet-approved-guide-to-exercising-dogs-in-hot-weather-2025
• https://www.eukanuba.com/articles/dog-care/the-three-progressive-stages-of-heat-related-illness-hri