How hot is too hot to work your service dog?

Today's blog post was inspired by a student question from my membership.

They asked, “How can you tell when it is too hot to work your service dog?”

I thought that was an amazing question and so applicable for the season!

Here’s how I walk through making a decision on heat and working service dogs:

1. Just how hot is it?

If there’s a heat advisory or very high temperatures (90-100+), it’s best to keep your dog at home, regardless of the situation, aside from emergency vet trips, etc. There are some temperatures that are just not safe for dogs to work out and about, and even humans can struggle in heat like this.

2. How high is the humidity?

Humidity can make hot temperatures even worse. If high temps are paired with high humidity, stay home. If you live in dry as a bone Colorado like I do, thankfully humidity may not be a factor. But down in Georgia or Florida, it should be a huge factor in your decision.

3. Will you be outside? Will it be shady?

If you’re going to a festival that’s outdoors and sunny, temps above 80 can be too hot to work your dog, but adding some shade and a cooling mat might be enough to keep them comfortable, provided they are staying on the cooling mat and primarily resting. 

4. Is there air conditioning? Can you get it running in advance?

One of the riskiest parts of heat and dogs is the car. Even just 5 minutes can severely injure or harm your dog. If you are able to start your air conditioning before getting in the car (and use a thermometer to make sure it’s reaching them), it will be much safer for your dog to ride. Of course, they should never be left in the car alone. 

5. But along with this, when you leave the venue/event/store, is it too hot for your dog to wait outside (or inside the car) while the car cools down?

If so, it’s not safe to bring them. By the time you get back to the car, the temps may have raised back to an unsafe level, so waiting outside until it cools off may be necessary. If it's not cool enough to do that, it's too hot to work, even if it's an air conditioned store!

6. How long is the time period of being outside?

If you are just walking from store to store or from your car and back, there’s a lot less risk than a full trip outside for several hours. Just make sure their paws are protected with booties and you’ve got a plan for the car on the way home. Cars really can heat up so quickly.

7. How active will your dog be?

If you are just sitting to watch a show or something, they may find higher temps tolerable. If you are active and walking, there’s a lot more risk.

8. Can you leave at any time and quickly?

This is a big one!

If you are going to a situation where you can’t quickly leave and cool down, keep your dog home. If you are able to leave at any time, you may more easily be able to try while keeping a VERY close eye on your dog’s fatigue signs and level of heat.

For example, if you are going to concert where you'd have to climb sets of stairs or walk a long way to get back to the car, even though you CAN leave, you can't get there quickly. This situation is much riskier than a trip to the store with a handicap placard.

9. And finally… when in doubt, leave them home.

There is nothing worth risking your service dog’s health, especially for something that is for our benefit, not theirs. Use your alternate coping skills and keep them safe!

Part of the struggle of knowing what is and isn’t safe is that there isn’t a clear temperature guideline. Every dog is an individual and may be affected differently, so above all, if you are questioning the safety of a temperature, leave them home. 

I hope this helped you think of all the aspects you might need. If you have any follow up questions, send me an email at [email protected]! I’m always happy to chat through situations like this!