Change the plan when the weather changes
A normal walk can become too much on a hot day. Check the conditions where you live and consider your dog’s age, health, coat and breathing. Flat-faced dogs can be especially vulnerable. There is no single temperature that makes exercise safe for every dog.
Choose cooler times only if conditions are suitable, keep activity gentle and avoid running or cycling with your dog in heat. If it is still too warm, skip the walk and arrange brief, safe toilet breaks instead.
Try a quieter day at home
Offer a shaded, ventilated space and constant access to fresh water. A short sniffing game, an easy food puzzle or a little reward-based training can replace a strenuous outing. Use food from their normal allowance and supervise toys.
Think small and calm: hide a few pieces of food in easy-to-find places in a cool room, then let your dog rest. Stop if they appear uncomfortable. Mental activity should not become another way of exhausting them.
Remember paws, cars and gardens
Hot surfaces can burn paws. Check the ground before going out, but remember that a cool pavement does not mean the air is safe for exercise. Shade can move as the day goes on, so check outdoor resting areas regularly.
Never leave a dog in a parked car in warm weather, even briefly. Before a day out, check whether your dog can safely join you throughout; otherwise arrange suitable care at home.
Act quickly if your dog overheats
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion or collapse can indicate heatstroke. Move the dog into shade or a cool space and begin cooling immediately. Call a vet urgently; have someone call while you cool the dog if possible.
Use cold tap water over the body, avoiding the nose and mouth, and provide airflow. Offer water without forcing them to drink. Do not cover them with wet towels, which can trap heat. Follow veterinary advice for transport and continue safe cooling where possible. Improvement does not remove the need for assessment.
Agree a flexible plan with your carer
Ask your dog walker or sitter how they adapt during hot weather. Agree when a walk will become a home visit, who can authorise changes and how updates will be shared. Safety should take priority over completing the usual route.