Plan Summer Pet Walks Without Burning Their Paws
Asphalt surface temperature can hit 145 F when the air is only 90 F. Here is the rule for when your dog should not be on pavement, and what to do instead.
- 1
Use the 7-second back-of-hand test
Press the back of your hand against the pavement for 7 seconds. If you cannot hold it, it is too hot for paws. This test works because dog paw pads have similar heat tolerance to human skin. Asphalt at 130 F causes paw burns in 60 seconds. Concrete is about 15 F cooler than asphalt.
- 2
Shift walk times for hot months
Before 9 AM or after 8 PM during summer. Asphalt cools 4 to 6 hours after peak heat, a 4 PM heat index of 95 F means asphalt is still 110+ F at 8 PM. Grass and dirt trails stay much cooler and are safe at almost any time. Plan summer walks for parks with shade and grass, not sidewalks.
- 3
Know your breed's heat tolerance
Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers) cool inefficiently because of their short snouts. They overheat at temperatures other dogs handle fine. Above heat index 80 F, keep them indoors with AC entirely. Northern breeds (huskies, malamutes) are at similar risk because of their dense coats. Active short-coated breeds (labs, pointers) tolerate more but still need water every 15 minutes.
- 4
Recognize signs of heat stress in dogs
Excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums or tongue, lethargy, staggering, vomiting, collapse. Body temperature above 103 F (normal is 100 to 102 F). If you see these signs, move to shade or AC immediately, soak the body in cool (not cold) water, focus on belly and paws, and call a vet. Heat stroke kills dogs faster than humans, they can collapse to coma within 30 minutes.