When Is it Too Hot To Walk Your Dog In Minnesota?

It's mid-May here in Central Minnesota, and we are already seeing temps in the upper 80s and into the 90s. With the influx of warm air, you might want to know when it's too hot to take your dog out for a walk. Here is what you need to know to keep your best friend in good health.

When is it too hot to walk your dog?

If you have a dog, chances are you take them outside for some R&R regularly. With the warm temps we are experiencing right now in Minnesota, you might want to take your dog for a W-A-L-K (I can't say the word around our dog as he looses his mind when we say it and don't take him), but how hot is too hot to take your furry friend for one?

According to the USDA, 85 degrees is too hot for your dog to stroll through the neighborhood for any length of time. At 85 degrees, the pavement reaches temperatures above 120, which can burn your dog's paws if they are on the pavement too long.

When we get temps this warm, it's also hard for your dog to regulate their body temperature, so any amount of exercise can be bad for their overall health.

Your dog's breed can also play a factor in what is too warm

My family has a Siberian Husky/German Shepherd mix, so we won't take him for a walk if the temp is above 75, as he just gets TOO hot on a walk. Dogs that are 'arctic' breeds don't do well in hot temperatures, while dogs from desert climates like chihuahuas can handle the heat a little bit better.

Your pet's age should also be considered when taking them out when the temperatures are high, older dogs can have a tough time with heat too.

What can you do to keep them comfortable?

Putting them in front of a fan, having water available for them to drink, as well as putting a cool rag on their paws, can help cool your best friend down if they get uncomfortable.

If you suspect that your pet is in real danger due to heat stroke, you should contact your vet or take them to an emergency pet hospital. You can learn the warning signs of heat stroke in your dog here.