How Hot is too Hot for Dogs to Walk on Pavement?
In the summer, it can be hard to tell whether or not the pavement is too hot for your dog’s paws. Burnt paws can be extremely awful for your pet. They can blister, peel, bubble, and cause excruciating pain. Paws are more likely to burn when they’re wet, so you have to be extra cautious taking your dog on a walk after they swim or bathe.
The easiest way to tell if the pavement is too hot is to test it yourself. If your feet or hands burn on the ground, your pup’s paws are going to burn too. Sometimes, one walk may not do any harm but multiple walks on hot asphalt can burn paws more and more over time. There can be a few signs that the asphalt is too hot for your dog. They may limp, try to walk faster, lick at or chew at their paws, or favor certain legs/paws.
Even at temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit outside, pavement can reach up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. There can be a few alternatives to walking your dog on the pavement on a hot day. If there are grassy or dirt paths or trails, that is an excellent solution. The beach is also a great place to walk your pup on a hot day, Just be careful because sand can get just as hot as pavement. If you’re walking your dog on the beach on a hot day, make sure to walk closer to the water. The sand will be cooler down there, perfect for your dog’s paws! If there are no other places around you to walk your dog and pavement is your last option, make sure to stay in the shade. It can be a lot cooler there, causing the ground to be less hot.
Help spare your dog pain by simply checking the asphalt temperature before you walk anywhere.