How Does Hot Pavement Impact Dogs?
Hot pavement can burn a dog’s paws and paw pads. Given that it is recommended that you take your dog for a walk every day, this can lead to real problems. Most people take their dog for a walk on the sidewalk, which is made of pavement. If the pavement is hot enough to burn a dog’s paws and paw pads, this can be very dangerous.
How Hot Is Too Hot For Dogs?
Generally, going over 25 C (77 F) outside creates conditions that are too hot for dogs with their fur coats. However, when it comes to their paws, pavement temperature matters, and at 25 C (77 F), the pavement can reach over 50 C (122 F), with temperatures skyrocketing quickly afterwards.
One way to see if the pavement is too hot for your dog is the seven-second test. If you place your hand on the pavement and it’s uncomfortable after 7 seconds or less, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on it comfortably.
How Can I Tell If My Dog’s Paws Are Burned?
There are two ways to tell if your dog’s paws can be burned. Sometimes you’ll get hints from seeing what your dog is doing; other times, you’ll actually see the burn for yourself. Some things your dog might do if their paws are burned include the following:
- Licking the burned paw
- Making vocal sounds when using the burned paw
- Limping
- Using, resting or holding the paw in unusual ways
You can notice that your dog’s paw pads have burns by looking for the following:
- Redness on the paws
- Blisters
- Charred Skin
If you notice any of these, it is best that you take steps to help your dog.
How Can I Treat My Dog’s Burned Paws?
You can use cold water, running it on your dog’s paws slowly, and put bandages on your dog’s paws. Only use ice if you’re careful. If needed, go see a vet.
How Can I Protect My Dog?
There are a few ways that you can protect your dog’s paws from the hot pavement. These include the following:
- Find alternatives to pavement, such as nearby grass that won’t damage their paws. This includes walking in parks with plenty of grass.
- Walk your dog during cooler times of the day.
- Use multiple brief walks as an alternative to give your dog time to recover.
- Let your dog run around in the backyard if you have one as a substitute for part of your walk.
Please note that these are not mutually exclusive. You can combine these, as well as other methods, to help stop your dog from getting injured.
