Know When It’s Too Hot To Walk Your Dog

We’re heading towards summer at a rapid pace, and while you might be prepared for blistering hot temperatures and a walk down by the beach, your dog may not be. Before you head out, it’s important to know when it’s safe to walk your dog outside.

If it’s 25 degrees Celsius outside, pavement that’s been sitting in sun can potentially be up to 50 degrees. When the temperature gets up to 30, that asphalt temperature grows to a paw-burning 60 degrees.

For a little perspective, asphalt that’s 57 degrees can fry an egg in 5 minutes.

PetPlan recently put out this infographic explaining what can happen when your pooch gets exposed to hot pavement.

Editor’s Note: You will need some simple Fahrenheit to Celsius conversions to understand the implications of the graph.

It suggests as a rule of thumb to put your hand on the pavement for seven seconds before heading outside with your dog. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it’s also too hot for paws.

Taking walk in the early morning or after the sun sets can also ensure cooler temperatures and a safer situation for your dog.

If you do need to go out while it’s still hot, try and walk in the grass as much as possible. You can also invest in a good pair of dog booties to keep your pet’s paw’s safe or use a topical product to toughen up their paws.

And pay attention to your pooch. If your furry pal seems uncomfortable or is acting unusually on your walk, you might need to relocate to a cooler spot.