Walking Dogs on Hot Pavement – Essential Safety Guide

Walking your dog on hot pavement can be a real concern, especially during the summer months. Pavement temperatures can reach as high as 140°F (60°C), which is hot enough to burn a dog's paw pads.

To avoid this, it's essential to check the pavement temperature before taking your dog for a walk. A simple trick is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds - if it feels too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.

You can also consider walking your dog on grass or dirt, which is cooler and softer on their paws.

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Walking your dog on hot pavement can be hazardous, especially when the thermometer registers 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. At this temperature, pavement can become incredibly hot and cause discomfort, blisters, and burns to your dog's paw pads.

The American Medical Association reports that when the air temperature is 86 degrees, the asphalt temperature can register as high as 135 degrees. To avoid this, try the "hand test": place your hand comfortably on the pavement for 10 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

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The type of terrain doesn't matter - sand, metal, concrete, or dirt - the same temperature test works. Your bare foot also serves as a good measurement, and if it's too hot for you to hold it there for 10 seconds or less, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.

If the air temperature is 76 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler, you can safely walk your dog on pavement without worrying about the temperature.

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If you live in a warm climate, you know how hot the pavement can get during the summer months. It's essential to take precautions to protect your dog's paws from burns and injuries.

The first thing to do is to acclimate your dog's paws to the heat by walking on pavement during cool weather. This helps toughen them up and builds resistance for when the temperature heats up.

Many canine products help moisturize dog's pads to prevent cracking from heat. When pads are dry, they're more susceptible to burns from hot pavement. You can also use dog shoes or all-terrain boots to protect their paws, but make sure to get the right size and choose products with wrap-around closures and full-foot grips.

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If you must take your dog out during hot weather, avoid the hottest time of day and walk in the early morning or evening. Choose grassy or shady areas to reduce the risk of burns.

Here are some ways to protect your dog's paws:

Remember, if you see anything that might be an injury or your dog seems reluctant to walk, call your vet immediately.

To prevent burns on your dog's paws, consider dog shoes, socks, or booties. These simple and effective protectors come in various styles and sizes, so you can find the right fit for your furry friend.

Walking your dog earlier in the day or later in the evening can also help prevent injuries, as the pavement has had less time to heat up.

Dog shoes or all-terrain boots can offer protection from hot surfaces, but many dogs need time to adjust to wearing them before the first outing.

Getting the right size is crucial – the shoes should fit snugly but not too tightly, and not too loosely either. Your dog's feet need some room to breathe.

Moisturizing your dog's paws regularly can help prevent injuries like cuts, cracking, or peeling of the paws, which can make your dog's paws more susceptible to burns.

To check for injuries, look for burns and blisters, cuts, thorns, and debris in-between foot pads.

Here are some common signs of paw injuries to look out for:

If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to call your vet for advice. Even if your dog's paws aren't visibly injured, hanging around outside can cause dry, cracked feet as the season progresses.

Walking safely on hot pavement requires some basic precautions. The air temperature needs to be 76 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler for pavement to be safe for dogs to walk on.

If it's hotter than that, you can use a laser temperature gun to check the pavement, or simply put your bare hand on it and try to hold it there for 10 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.

To condition your dog's paws for hot weather, walk on pavement during cool weather. This helps toughen their pads and builds resistance for when the temperature heats up.

Here are some key things to check before walking on hot pavement:

If the air temperature is 76 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler, you can walk your dog on pavement without worrying about their safety. This is because the pavement is unlikely to be too hot for their paws.

If you're unsure about the temperature, you can use a laser temperature gun to check if the pavement is too hot. Alternatively, you can place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 to 7 seconds - if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.

Walking during the hottest time of day can be a recipe for disaster, so try to stick to early morning or evening walks instead. This will give you a cooler and more comfortable walking experience for both you and your dog.

If you must walk during the day, keep your walks short and sweet to avoid overheating your dog. And don't forget to bring plenty of water and take regular breaks to keep them cool and comfortable.

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when walking your dog safely:

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog's safety. If in doubt, choose a cooler route or postpone your walk until a more comfortable time.

Taking your dog off-road can be a great way to beat the heat, as shaded walking trails with plenty of tree cover can act as a natural coolant for your dog's exposed paws.

However, this alternative increases the risk of encountering a snake. Dr Hasler advises keeping your dog on a lead when walking through scrubland to prevent them from chasing after snakes.

If you notice your dog's paws are injured, it's crucial to act quickly. Bring your dog inside right away, or to a safe cool place, and carry them if necessary.

If you suspect a burn, flush the foot with cold water or use a cold compress. This will help reduce the pain and prevent further damage. Try not to let your dog lick the injured pad, as this can introduce bacteria and prolong healing time.

You should also check your dog's paws regularly, especially after hot-weather outings. Look for signs of injury, such as burns, blisters, cuts, thorns, or debris in-between foot pads. If you notice anything unusual or your dog seems reluctant to walk, consult your veterinarian.

Here are some common signs of heat-related issues to watch out for:

If you notice any of these symptoms, provide your dog with water and let them rest in the shade. If their symptoms don't improve, call your veterinarian as it could be a medical emergency.

A dog's normal resting temperature ranges from 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature over 104 signals heat stress.

If your dog slows down and lags behind you, it's a sign they're getting tired, so take heed and slow down to their pace, and take a break with shade and water.

If your dog is warm to touch, drooling, and/or vomiting, those are strong indicators of dehydration and possibly heatstroke. If you're hot, your dog is too.

If you notice your dog holding up a foot, limping, vocalizing, licking or chewing at the feet, or not wanting to walk, it could be a sign of pain and discomfort due to burned paw pads.

Here are the signs of heatstroke to watch out for:

If your dog's symptoms don't go away, call your veterinarian as it could be a medical emergency.

First, bring your dog inside right away, or to a safe cool place, and carry your pet if necessary. This will help prevent further damage to their paws.

If your dog's paw is burned, flush the foot with cold water or use a cold compress. This will help reduce the pain and swelling.

Try not to let your dog lick the injured pad, as this can cause further irritation and delay the healing process. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your dog's behavior to prevent this from happening.

Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to get proper advice and treatment for your dog's burned paw.

If you notice any of the following, seek veterinary attention immediately: