When is it too hot for your dog to be outside in GA? Here’s what experts say
Georgia summers can get extremely hot, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and above. Some days may even seem too hot to step foot outside, especially for vulnerable groups of people like the elderly or young children. But what about dogs?
How hot is too hot outside for dogs and what are some ways to protect dogs in the heat? Here’s what to know:
When is it too hot outside for dogs?
According to Georgia law, pets should not be outside when the temperature dips below 45 degrees or is above 85 degrees. Penalties for violating this include animal cruelty charges.
“Leaving a dog outside in temperatures about 85–90 degrees for just a few minutes can cause them to overheat,” said a PetMD expert. “This can be a life-threatening situation if they don’t have access to shade, cooler temperatures, and plenty of fresh water.”
Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat strokes because their body temperatures are typically between 100 and 102 degrees, which is much higher than a human’s body temperature. If a dog is exposed to hot temperatures for too long and their body temperature reaches 106 degrees, they can die from heat stroke.
However, heat isn’t the only concern for dogs when outside.
“The amount of humidity in the air is just as concerning as the heat. Dogs rely on panting to cool their body, and they are not as efficient as people at breathing very humid air,” according to PetMD.
So, how can you protect your dog in hot temperatures? Here are some tips:
How to protect your dog in hot temperatures
According to the Animal Humane Society, dog owners should do the following to protect their furry friend in hot temperatures:
- Ensure your dog has access to plenty of shade and fresh water.
- Check the pavement before you walk your dog. As a general rule, if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it’s also too hot for your dog.
- Limit outdoor exercise. Your pup may think playing fetch for hours in the sun sounds like a great plan, but on hot summer days try to limit their exercise time and intensity.
- Be especially careful with short-nosed dogs. Brachiocephalic breeds, also called short-nosed or snub-nosed breeds (like Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Pugs) are at an increased risk for breathing issues when it’s hot out.
- Pro tip: Skip the ice cubes. Ice and ice water can cause shock to your dog’s stomach making your four-legged friend even more uncomfortable.
What other questions do you have? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 4:17 PM with the headline "When is it too hot for your dog to be outside in GA? Here’s what experts say."
