Every dog needs a walk. In Dubai, the time of the walk is as important as the length of the walk. A street can be safe for a dog at 6am. The same street can be dangerous at 2pm.
This guide gives you a plan for each part of the year. It does not give exact temperatures. The weather changes from year to year and from day to day. Always check the forecast before you go out.
Check the forecast first
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) publishes the official UAE weather forecast. In the warm months, look at the forecast every day. Look at these two items:
- The temperature at the time of your walk. Do not look only at the highest temperature of the day.
- The humidity. A dog cools its body mainly by panting. Panting does not work well in humid air.
A humid morning near the sea can be more difficult for a dog than a dry evening.
Also look for warnings about dust and sandstorms. Dust can make breathing difficult for dogs with short noses. Dust can also be a problem for old dogs.
Do the five-second ground test
The ground gets much hotter than the air. Asphalt, paving stones, sand and metal covers stay hot for hours after sunset.
Animal welfare charities, for example the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, give a simple test:
- Put the back of your hand on the ground.
- Hold your hand there for five seconds.
- If the ground is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for the paws of your dog.
- Walk on grass, walk later, or stay inside.
Signs of burnt paws
Look for these signs after a walk:
- Your dog limps.
- Your dog licks its feet.
- The pads are red or dark.
- The pads have blisters.
- A part of a pad is missing.
If you see one of these signs, call us or book a visit.
A plan for each part of the year
The groups below are general. In a usual year, Dubai has a cooler season in winter. It also has a long, very hot season in summer. In some years, the hot season starts early or stops late. Use the forecast to decide. Do not use only the calendar.
December, January and February
These are usually the coolest months. Most healthy dogs can walk at most times of the day.
- Long walks are usually possible in the morning and in the late afternoon.
- The sun can still be strong at midday. Bring water on every walk.
- Use these months for longer walks, training and new places.
November and March
These months are between the seasons. Some days are cool. Other days are hot.
- Walk in the morning and in the evening.
- On a warm day, keep the midday walk short. Stay in the shade.
- Start the ground test again.
April, May and October
The days get hot. The early mornings and the late evenings are often still good for a walk.
- Walk early in the morning or after sunset.
- Do the ground test before each walk.
- Keep play and running short. Stop before your dog gets tired.
- Watch your dog for heavy panting. If you see it, walk more slowly.
June, July, August and September
These are usually the hottest months. The nights can stay warm. The humidity can be high.
- Walk only very early in the morning or late at night.
- Keep walks short. On many days, a toilet break and a slow walk near your building are enough.
- Do not run or cycle with your dog.
- Do the ground test each time. The pavement can stay hot until late at night.
- Give your dog exercise inside the home. See the ideas below.
Dogs that need more care
Some dogs get hot faster than other dogs. Be more careful if your dog:
- has a short, flat face, for example a Pug, a French Bulldog or an English Bulldog
- is too heavy
- is very young or old
- has a thick or long coat
- has a heart problem or a breathing problem
- is a large or giant breed
For these dogs, use the plan of the next, hotter season. For example, in March, walk these dogs as you walk them in May.
What to bring on a walk
- Water and a bowl, on every walk, in every month.
- A lead. In the UAE, a dog must be on a lead in public places.
- Bags for dog waste.
- Your phone. Save our number in it: +971 54 746 6650.
Before you go to a park, read its rules and its opening hours. Read our guide to dog-friendly places in JVC and Dubai.
Exercise inside on hot days
A dog that cannot walk far must still use its body and its brain. Try these ideas inside your home:
- Food puzzles. Put a part of the daily food in a puzzle toy or a snuffle mat.
- "Find it" games. Hide a treat. Let your dog look for it.
- Short training sessions. Practise "sit", "down" and "stay" for five minutes. This makes your dog tired in a good way.
- Gentle play. Play with a tug toy or a soft toy in a cool room. Stop before your dog pants hard.
Some buildings and pet businesses in Dubai have indoor play areas. Before you go, make sure that the area is cool. Also make sure that the other dogs have their vaccines.
Never leave a dog in a car
Do not leave a dog in a parked car. Do not do this for a few minutes. Do not do this with the engine on. The air in a car can get dangerously hot very quickly. The RSPCA warns that dogs can die in hot cars.
Know the signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is an emergency. Look for these signs:
- heavy panting
- a large quantity of drool
- weakness, or a dog that does not want to move
- walking that is not steady
- vomiting
- collapse
If you see these signs, do these steps:
- Move your dog to a cool place.
- Pour cool water on your dog.
- Call us.
Read all the steps in our heatstroke guide.
We can help
Are you not sure how much exercise is safe for your dog? Ask us. The vet can check the weight, the heart and the breathing of your dog. Then the vet can make a plan for the hot months.
Book a consultation or book online. If your dog is sick today, read our urgent care page.
Sources
- National Center of Meteorology (NCM), UAE weather forecast: ncm.gov.ae
- RSPCA, "Caring for your dog in hot weather": rspca.org.uk
- Dogs Trust, "Caring for your dog during hot weather": dogstrust.org.uk
- PDSA, "Heatstroke in dogs": pdsa.org.uk
- UAE Government portal, dog ownership and leads in public: u.ae
This article is general information. It is not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call us.
This article is general information. It is not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call us. Call +971 54 746 6650 (Daily 10am–10pm). We are not a 24-hour emergency hospital. From 10pm to 10am, take your pet to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Want a vet to check your pet?
Book a visit at Pet Avenue Clinic in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). Open every day, 10am – 10pm.