Talking your dog out for a walk is a good way to get them some exercise, but it might be doing more harm than good. If you walk your dog on hot weather days, their paw pads can burn on hot cement and asphalt. If you can’t hold your own hand on the hot surface for at least, 7-8 seconds, it’s more than likely too hot for your dog’s paw pads.
Walking your dog on hot surfaces without protection can seriously damage and burn their pads. Some types of dog booties can help alleviate the risk of walking your dog on hot surfaces like cement and asphalt.
TIPS:
- If the pavement feels too hot for your barefoot, it is too hot for your dog.
- Hold your own bare hands or feet on the pavement for at least 7-8 seconds as a recommended strategy to assess heat level.
- The air temperature is NOT an accurate reflection of ground temperature.
- Asphalt and other ground surfaces retain heat and this temperature rises exponentially as heat and sun exposure continues.