{"id":2313,"date":"2026-06-09T19:22:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T23:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/?p=2313"},"modified":"2026-06-09T19:22:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T23:22:26","slug":"june-heat-index-spikes-and-considerations-for-your-evening-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/june-heat-index-spikes-and-considerations-for-your-evening-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"June Heat Index Spikes and Considerations for Your Evening Walk\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Here in Charlotte, the summer heat can make it difficult, if not impossible, to go outside during the day. This creates a conundrum for our furry family members, especially those who cherish their daily walks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But do pet parents really <\/em>need to skip those crucial walks in the evening or morning? Are there actually risks of dogs overheating in North Carolina in the summer? The team at Animal Medical Hospital and Urgent Care<\/a> in Charlotte shares our best tips below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Hot is Too Hot for a Summer Evening Walk with Pets in NC?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In North Carolina, we don\u2019t just have to worry about heat<\/a>. We also have to keep humidity levels in mind. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to pay attention to the heat index<\/em>, not just the outdoor temperature. The heat index combines both the temperature and the humidity levels to describe how hot it feels outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing Charlotte\u2019s daily heat index is key for safe dog-walking. Dogs can\u2019t sweat like humans can, which means a heat index (not<\/em> just a temperature) of 85-90\u00b0F or higher<\/a> can pose a risk for overheating. Especially for dogs with double-layered, extra-fluffy coats.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becoming used to checking the heat index will help keep your kitties, pups, and yourself safe from the risks of heat exhaustion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you should also get acquainted with another metric: ground temperature. Pavements can stay hot long after the sun goes down. Hot asphalt can burn your pup\u2019s paw pads. In Charlotte, hot pavement is especially risky for dogs going on evening walks, due to the way paved surfaces absorb and hold onto heat all day long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Beating Summer Heat for Pets in NC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the good thing: you don\u2019t have to skip your walks altogether, even when days are muggy and hot. Usually, the heat index is lower in the early morning, after the period of extended darkness\u2014aka, nighttime\u2014has allowed the earth to cool off a bit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a plan to walk your pup early in the morning, or at night after it\u2019s been dark for at least a few hours. Test the pavement by putting your hand on it for at least 5 to 7 seconds to test how warm it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If possible, stay on grass or dirt trails, where heat can\u2019t stay trapped all day, and the surface is naturally cooler for your four-legged friend\u2019s tender paws<\/a>. Always bring fresh water for your dog (and yourself) to drink, and consider keeping the walk short if the heat index is above 85-90\u00b0F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And always<\/em> avoid leaving your pet in a parked car for any amount of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Cat or Dog Overheating in North Carolina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another key step in keeping your pet safe during the hot, North Carolina summers is to keep an eye out for signs of overheating. For both cats and dogs, symptoms of overheating can include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n