Too Hot for Paws: Hiking With Your Dog in a Heatwave

Dogs are incredibly resilient, but they handle heat completely differently than we do. They don't sweat to cool down (except for a tiny bit through their paws), relying instead on panting. When the air temperature is high, panting becomes less effective, and heatstroke can set in terrifyingly fast.

At Outdoor Revival, we love seeing dogs out on the hills, but safety always comes first. Whether you're heading up into the Mourne Mountains, strolling through a local forest park, or tackling a rugged coastal path, here is your definitive guide to hiking with your dog during a summer scorcher.

1. Ditch the Peaks, Seek the Canopy

When the sun is blazing, open mountain ridges like the Lake District fells or the exposed slopes of Pen y Fan offer absolutely zero shade. The intense sun beats down directly on you and your dog, and the lack of a breeze can make it feel stifling.

• The Fix: Swap the high-altitude peaks for deep forest trails or ancient woodland walks. Places like Castlewellan Forest Park or Tollymore in NI, or the New Forest in England, offer dense tree canopies that trap cooler air and keep the sun off your dog's back.

• Bonus points: Pick a trail that runs alongside a clean, flowing river or stream so your pup can safely dip their paws to cool down.

2. Time it Right (The 7-Second Rule)

The midday sun is your enemy. If you're planning a walk during a heatwave, you need to be out at the crack of dawn or late in the evening when the air has cleared and the ground has cooled.

Before you set off, perform the 7-second tarmac test: Press the back of your hand firmly against the path or pavement. If you can't comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it is far too hot for your dog’s sensitive paw pads. Asphalt, sand, and even exposed rock on mountain trails can reach blistering temperatures that will cause severe burns.

3. Pack as Much Water for Them as You Do for Yourself

f you usually carry a 2-litre hydration bladder for a long walk, you need to double up when your dog is tagging along in the heat.

Hydration is key: Offer your dog small, frequent drinks of fresh, cool water rather than letting them gulp down massive amounts at once.

Gear tip: Pack a collapsible silicone travel bowl or a specialized dog water bottle.

Avoid stagnant water: Don't let your dog drink from stagnant ponds or slow-moving rivers during a heatwave. Warm, still water is the perfect breeding ground for toxic blue-green algae, which can be fatal to dogs. If in doubt, stick to the water you brought from home.

4. Know the Subtle Signs of Heatstroke

Dogs are eager to please and will often keep walking alongside you even when they are dangerously overheating. It is up to you to monitor them constantly. Keep an eye out for these early warning signs:

• Excessive, heavy panting or drooling. • Bright red or dark gums and tongue. • Signs of fatigue, lethargy, or reluctance to keep walking. • Unsteadiness, stumbling, or confusion.

Emergency Action: If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them into the shade immediately. Pour cool (not freezing cold) water over their body, especially their belly and paws, and fan them.

5. Be Honest: Should They Just Stay at Home?

It’s tough to leave those puppy-dog eyes behind when you're lacing up your hiking boots, but sometimes the kindest thing you can do is leave them at home.

If the temperature is pushing past 20°C–25°C, or if you have a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed (like Pugs, Frenchies, or Boxers), an older dog, or a breed with a heavy double coat (like a Husky or Golden Retriever), they simply shouldn't be hiking. Leave them at home and take them for a walk later on that they can actually enjoy.

Reclaiming the Cool Evenings

A heatwave doesn’t mean your outdoor summer is ruined - it just means you need to adapt.

Shorter walks, slower paces, plenty of water breaks, and misty dawn starts will keep both you and your best friend safe, healthy, and ready for the next adventure.

How do you keep your pup cool on summer walks? Do you have a favourite shaded trail in the UK or NI?