Dog Walking

[GenuineclAss]

Hi all!
Rufus suffers badly in hot weather, so I have to study the local weather forecast in detail.
Does anybody know which is worst for dogs, temperature or humidity?
My thinking is that humidity may be worse, as he'd be breathing in the hot, moist air, but I'm no expert at these things, so I thought I'd throw myself on the mercy of 'people in the know'!

[lankeela]

The two go together - you don't get one without the other. No dog ever died from not being taken for a walk, but plenty have died from being walked in hot weather. Only walk early morning or late night if you must, and definitely don't walk them on hot pavements if you could not walk on them yourself in bare feet. Dogs have a higher temperature than humans anyway and short faced breeds often have trouble breathing under normal conditions. Dogs like Greyhounds have very little spare flesh on their bones so suffer quickly from the heat and should not be taken out if it is very warm.

[Vagus]

We don’t check the humidity but just assess for ourselves whether or not we feel it’s worth taking our dog for a walk or not due to how hot the day is.
He’s missed a few walks lately but it doesn’t seem to bother him as he’s been pretty lethargic in the heat.

[CrapAtCryptics]

You can buy cooling jackets not sure how good they are though.

[GenuineclAss]

lankeela - yes the two go together, but differ in intensity during 24 hours, that's why I wanted to know if one was WORSE for dogs than the other.
Vagus - I check the cloud cover and humidity every time I go outside, which is often. I need eyes in the back of my head, or else Rufus is clever and very solid. He's able to barge his way through my inefficient fence and escape. I wouldn't mind - since he comes back after a while - but his breed have no road sense and people round here find it necessary to drive at 50/60 mph on our road, which is very short, so there's no need for speed.
CrapAtCryptics - I bought a cooling jacket for £42. He wore it once. Ever since, if he sees it, he runs and hides under the bed. Frustrating to say the least!

[iluvmargie]

I'm no expert, but personally I would say temperature because of their fur coats and the fact they don't sweat. My dog is quite hairy, but no matter what the weather he isn't bothered and will happily trot out in extreme heat or cold. I make sure I keep in the shade though on very hot days and provide plenty of water, which he usually turns his nose up at! That made me laugh when you said he runs away from his cold jacket, my dog will happily paddle about in muddy puddles in the park, but totally ignores his paddling pool! Do you have a garden he can wee or poo in if it's too hot to go out?

[ladybirder]

// He's able to barge his way through my inefficient fence and escape. I wouldn't mind - since he comes back after a while - but his breed have no road sense and people round here find it necessary to drive at 50/60 mph on our road, which is very short, so there's no need for speed. \\
Gc I think your priority should be to get your fence fixed. I know that's not what you asked but it would worry me sick and I wouldn't be able to rest knowing he escapes and could get run over. You have been lucky so far, don't push it.

[daisypotter]

^ Actually that's a very good point.

[pastafreak]

My black greyhound will tolerate only about 20 minutes in the heat. He'll get up to 30minutes if its cooler.

[ladybirder]

Thank you Daisy. I hope the OP has seen it and takes action as I have only the dog's interests at heart.