If a dog begins showing signs of heatstroke it should be moved immediately to a shaded or cool location. Photo credit: Ezzolo/Shutterstock
As temperatures begin to soar across Spain, pet owners are being urged to take extra precautions when exercising their dogs. Under Spain’s Animal Welfare Law, owners have a legal responsibility to protect animals from conditions that could cause suffering or injury, with serious breaches carrying fines of up to €50,000.
The warning comes as veterinarians continue to highlight the dangers of heatstroke, dehydration and burns caused by hot pavements during the summer months. While many residents adjust their routines during periods of extreme heat, experts warn that dogs remain particularly vulnerable because they are less able to regulate their body temperature than humans.
Legal responsibility and potential penalties
Authorities may consider it a breach of an owner’s duty of care if a dog suffers harm as a result of being exposed to dangerous conditions, particularly if the animal develops heatstroke, dehydration or injuries caused by hot surfaces.
Under Spain’s animal welfare framework, serious infringements can carry fines ranging from €10,001 to €50,000. The severity of any penalty depends on the circumstances and the impact on the animal’s wellbeing.
Why hot weather can be dangerous for dogs
Unlike humans, dogs do not cool themselves efficiently through sweating. Instead, they primarily rely on panting and limited sweating through their paw pads.
During periods of extreme heat, dogs can quickly become overheated, especially when exercising, walking on hot surfaces or spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight. Certain breeds, including Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, are particularly vulnerable because their shortened airways make cooling themselves more difficult.
Owners should also ensure that any muzzle used does not prevent panting, as this can increase the risk of overheating, particularly during hot weather.
Older dogs, puppies and animals with underlying health conditions also face an increased risk of heat-related illness. Heatstroke can develop rapidly, particularly during Spain’s summer heatwaves, making prevention essential.
How to keep your dog cool during Spain’s summer
Veterinary experts recommend walking dogs during the coolest parts of the day, ideally early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Strenuous exercise should be avoided during the hottest hours, typically between midday and late afternoon.
Owners should always carry fresh drinking water and offer it regularly during walks. Access to shade is equally important, particularly in urban areas where concrete and asphalt can reach extremely high temperatures.
A simple way to test whether the ground is too hot is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it feels uncomfortable, it may also be hot enough to burn a dog’s paw pads.
At home, pets should have constant access to fresh water, shaded areas and adequate ventilation. Cooling mats, fans and damp towels can help reduce heat stress, while dogs should never be left unattended inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.
Recognising the signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate attention. Early warning signs often include excessive panting, heavy drooling, restlessness and difficulty settling.
As the condition worsens, dogs may become anxious, weak, lethargic or disoriented. Other symptoms can include bright red gums or tongue, rapid breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, loss of coordination, collapse or unconsciousness.
Without prompt treatment, heatstroke can lead to organ failure and may prove fatal. For this reason, pet owners should act quickly if they suspect their dog is overheating.
What to do if you suspect heatstroke
If a dog begins showing signs of heatstroke, it should be moved immediately to a shaded or cool location. Small amounts of cool drinking water can be offered, but the animal should not be forced to drink.
Owners should begin lowering the dog’s temperature gradually using cool, rather than ice-cold, water. Wet towels can be applied to the neck, chest and abdomen to help reduce body temperature safely.
Veterinary attention should be sought as soon as possible, even if the dog appears to recover. Internal complications can develop after the initial symptoms have subsided and may not be immediately visible.
Questions and answers
Is it illegal to walk a dog in hot weather in Spain?
No. Spanish animal welfare law does not set a specific temperature at which walking a dog becomes illegal, including 40°C or above.
However, the law does require owners to avoid exposing animals to conditions that could cause suffering or injury. In extreme heat, this can include risks such as heatstroke, burns from hot asphalt, dehydration or collapse from overheating.
Whether an offence has occurred depends on the circumstances, including the time of day, duration of the walk, condition of the dog and whether reasonable precautions were taken.
Can someone really be fined €50,000?
Potentially, yes. Serious infringements under Spain’s Animal Welfare Law can carry fines of between €10,001 and €50,000 where negligence results in significant harm to an animal.
What is the safest time to walk a dog during summer?
Early morning and late evening are generally the safest times, when temperatures are lower and pavements are less likely to cause burns.
How can owners tell if the pavement is too hot?
A common guideline is to place the back of your hand on the surface for several seconds. If it feels uncomfortably hot, it may also be too hot for a dog’s paws.
What is the biggest danger during extreme heat?
Heatstroke is one of the most serious risks. It can develop rapidly and requires immediate action and veterinary treatment.
A reminder for pet owners
As Spain enters another summer of high temperatures, veterinarians and animal welfare organisations continue to stress the importance of prevention. While the law does not specifically ban dog walks during hot weather, owners are expected to act responsibly and avoid exposing animals to conditions that could jeopardise their health.
By adjusting walking times, providing plenty of water and recognising the signs of heatstroke, residents can help ensure their pets remain safe throughout the hottest months of the year while complying with their responsibilities under Spanish law.
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