How Hot Is Too Hot To Walk Your Dog In Florida?

It's only 88 degrees, so the walk should be fine, right? Not always. In Florida, the pavement can be dangerously hot even when the air feels bearable, and your dog can't tell you their paws are burning until it's too late.

The 7-Second Pavement Test

Put the back of your hand flat on the pavement. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) explains, if you can't comfortably hold your hand there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Both the AVMA and ASPCA warn that asphalt and humid summer air can cause paw burns and heat stress much faster than owners expect.

Best Times To Walk Your Dog In Florida Heat

• Early morning, before the sun heats the pavement
• Evening, after the sun goes down
• Shaded routes and grass instead of asphalt
• Shorter walks on hot, humid days, with water breaks

Dogs At Higher Risk

Flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs, senior dogs, overweight dogs, puppies and dogs with thick coats all have a harder time cooling down. They need extra care, shorter walks and more breaks.

Heatstroke Warning Signs

• Heavy panting that doesn't slow down
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Weakness, stumbling or confusion
• Vomiting or collapse

If you see these signs, get your dog into shade or air conditioning, offer water, and call your vet or an emergency vet right away. Heatstroke is an emergency.

Safe, Heat-Smart Walks, Done For You

Our walkers plan around the Florida heat: shaded routes, fresh water, and shorter or rescheduled walks when it's dangerous. You get a photo update after every walk. Walks start at $17.99, or $9.99 when added to a yard cleanup. Get your free instant walking quote.

Too Hot for You to Walk? Let Us Take the Leash

Some days you just can't get out before the pavement heats up, and your dog still needs to move. Hand that walk to us. We time walks for the cooler parts of the day, stick to shade and grass, carry fresh water and shorten walks when the heat says so. Walks start at $17.99 for 30 minutes, with a photo update after every walk and no contracts. Already getting your yard scooped? Add a walk to the same visit from just $9.99.

We walk dogs in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa and Plant City. Get your free instant walking quote in about 60 seconds, with no phone call needed.

Keep reading: The Florida Heat Is Turning Your Yard Into a Fly Breeding Ground and How Much Does A Dog Walker Cost In Wesley Chapel?.

About the Author

Tiffani, Owner of Scoop Dog

U.S. Army veteran and Zephyrhills dog mom to Luna and Snickers. Tiffani personally scoops yards and walks dogs across Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa and Plant City, and writes every guide from what she sees in local backyards each week. Read her story.