Free Shipping on Orders over $65 🇦🇺 - Local Pickup Available

When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog? (And What to Do Instead)

by Belinda Paterson

 

When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog? (And What to Do Instead)

Hot weather can be tricky for dog owners. While daily walks are usually part of your routine, there comes a point where heading outside isn’t just uncomfortable — it can actually be dangerous for your dog.

At Simple Country Living, we’re all about doing what’s best for our pets while keeping life simple, thoughtful, and sustainable. Knowing when not to walk your dog — and what to do instead — is an important part of responsible pet care.

So… When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?

As a general rule:

  • Anything over 25°C can be risky for many dogs

  • 30°C and above is considered unsafe for most breeds

But temperature alone isn’t the only factor. Humidity, direct sun, hot pavement, your dog’s age, size, coat type, and health all play a role.

A simple test:
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds.
If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Dogs don’t sweat like we do — they cool themselves mainly through panting, which makes them far more vulnerable to heat stress and heatstroke.

Why Walking in the Heat Can Be Dangerous

Walking your dog in hot weather can lead to:

  • Burnt paw pads from hot surfaces

  • Dehydration

  • Overheating and heatstroke

  • Lethargy or vomiting

That’s why sometimes the kindest choice is skipping the walk altogether.

And that’s okay.

What to Do Instead: Mental Stimulation at Home

Missing a walk doesn’t mean missing enrichment. In fact, mental stimulation can be just as tiring — if not more so — than physical exercise.

Here are some simple, heat-safe ways to keep your dog happy indoors or in the shade.

Snuffle Mats & Snuffle Balls

Snuffle toys encourage dogs to use their natural scenting instincts to find treats hidden among fabric folds.

Benefits include:

  • Mental enrichment

  • Slowing down fast eaters

  • Reducing boredom and anxiety

  • Safe, low-impact activity on hot days

Our handmade snuffle mats and snuffle balls are made from recycled clothing, making them a sustainable choice that’s gentle on both your dog and the planet.

Perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Tug Toys & Slinky Dogs

Short, gentle play sessions inside or in shaded areas are a great alternative to long walks.

Our recycled fabric tug toys and slinky dogs:

  • Provide interactive play without overexertion

  • Strengthen the bond between you and your dog

  • Are soft on teeth and paws

  • Are handmade from upcycled materials

A few minutes of tug or problem-solving play can leave your dog happily exhausted — without the risk of overheating.

Snuffle Play = A Tired, Happy Dog

Just 10–15 minutes of sniffing and problem-solving can be equivalent to a decent walk.
That makes mental enrichment one of the best tools for hot weather days.

And the bonus?
Your dog gets enrichment, while you get peace of mind knowing they’re safe.

Sustainable Choices for Everyday Pet Care

At Simple Country Living, our dog toys are:

  • Handmade in South Australia

  • Made from recycled and repurposed fabrics

  • Designed to reduce waste and landfill

  • Created with your dog’s wellbeing in mind

Choosing sustainable pet toys isn’t just better for the environment — it also means safer, softer, more thoughtful products for your dog.

Keep Your Dog Happy (Without the Heat)

When the weather heats up, it’s okay to slow down and change the routine.
Mental stimulation keeps your dog fulfilled, calm, and content — all while staying cool.

Explore our range of handmade snuffle mats, snuffle balls, tug toys and enrichment toys designed for safe, sustainable play at home.

Because sometimes, the best care is knowing when to stay inside.

 

Back to News