How to Tell if Pavement is Too Hot for Your Dog’s Paws

When Are Sidewalks and Roads Too Hot for Your Dog’s Paws?

The Seven-Second Test

There’s a simple seven-second test to check whether the pavement is too hot for your pet’s paws. Just touch the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds.

If you can’t hold your hand there for the full seven seconds, then it’s also too hot for your dog’s paws. Same difference, if you walk barefoot and can’t tolerate the pavement heat, neither can your dog.

How to Protect Your Dog’s Feet

If you must walk your dog on hot days, make sure there are grassy surfaces for your dog to walk on. If you can’t ensure that, then you’ll need to look into buying some protective foot

Dog shoes or all-terrain boots can protect your dog’s feet from hot surfaces, but most dogs will need time to get used to them first.

With any kind of paw covering, it’s important to get the right size. They should fit snugly, but not tightly. Your dog’s paws need a little room to breathe. Get boots with wrap-around closures and full-foot grips on the bottoms. Don’t get products that stick to the dog’s pads.

What Do Burned Paws Look Like and How to Treat Them

Asphalt burns look like 2nd-degree burns. You might notice swollen red or brown patches that have a scaly texture on the paw pads. Or you might see cracks or even charred spots on their pads. All of these are serious and should be treated by cooling off the affected paws under cool (not cold) running water. and then bandaging each paw or protecting it with a sock.

Needless to say, until the paws are healed, any further pavement walks should be avoided.