We’ve all been there – it’s a gorgeous summer day, the leash is in your hand, your dog is doing joyful circles, and you’re ready to head out for a walk. But before you open the door, there’s one thing you might not have considered: the sidewalk.
Your dog walks barefoot every day. And unlike us, they don’t have sneakers to protect them from heat. That cute bounce in their step can turn into a painful limp if the ground beneath them is too hot. Let’s talk about how to keep those paws safe – without sacrificing summer fun.
How Hot Is Too Hot?
You might be surprised how fast pavement heats up. When the air is just 77°F, pavement can already reach 125°F. At 86°F? Asphalt can spike to a sizzling 135°F – hot enough to fry an egg, and more than enough to burn paw pads in under a minute.
One simple rule: If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog. Press your palm or bare foot to the pavement or sidewalk for 7–10 seconds. If you pull away because it’s too hot, don’t make your dog walk on it.
Paw-pad burns may only take a minute to happen, but they often take 24-48 hours to show up. Look for swelling, blistering, limping, or darkening skin – these can progress quickly into more severe injuries, like this poor dog suffered:
What Larry’s Heat Gun Revealed
My friend Larry – dog dad, retired Supply Chain Management Professional, and all-around “cool under pressure” kind of guy – decided to test things out for himself. Armed with a heat gun, he started checking the surface temperatures around his neighborhood. What he found? Shocking, even to him.
88 degrees outside. But the pavement is 138. That’s a 50-degree increase!
The next day, it was up to 140.4°F.
Larry’s test was a big eye-opener. So now, before every walk, he checks the pavement like it’s part of his dog’s daily gear check. We should all do the same. Even if you don’t have a heat gun handy, you can do the 7-10 second test.
Protecting Paws: Prevention Tips
Your dog’s paw pads are tough – but not invincible. A few smart habits can make a huge difference:
Conditioning Over Time
Paw pads toughen gradually, like calluses on our hands. Early morning walks on cool pavement help build resilience. Avoid long walks on the first hot day of the season.
Use Paw Balms
Moisturized pads are less likely to crack or burn. Use paw balms or waxes made specifically for dogs to create a protective barrier.
Consider Dog Booties
Booties protect paws from hot pavement, but take time to get used to. Look for:
- Non-slip soles with full-foot coverage
- Breathable, lightweight materials
- Secure closures that won’t slide off mid-walk
Heat Hurts More Than Just Paws
Dogs actually sweat through their paw pads – so when the ground is scorching, they don’t just risk burns. They also lose one of their natural cooling systems. That heat builds up fast, especially in small dogs, seniors, and flat-faced breeds, increasing the risk of heatstroke before you even realize it.
Here’s what heat stress can look like:
- Seeking shade or lying down mid-walk
- Heavy, uncontrolled panting
- Bright red skin or gums
- Restlessness or nausea
When It Crosses the Line: Heatstroke Symptoms
Once your dog’s body temp hits 106°F, you’re in emergency territory. Signs include:
- Disorientation or confusion
- Ropy, thick drool
- Gums turning blue, purple, or very red
- Collapse, seizures, or refusal to drink
If you see these signs, get your dog to a vet immediately. Every minute counts.
What to Do If Your Dog Overheats
Start cooling immediately – but gently. Ice-cold water can shock their system. Try this instead:
- Move them to shade or indoors
- Apply cool (not cold) water to their body and paws
- Place covered ice packs under the armpits or the chest area
- Let them rest on a cooling mat if available
- Offer water, but don’t force it
Create a Summer Safety Plan
Treat summer like its own season of care. Keep a bag packed with:
- Fresh water and a portable bowl
- Paw balm or wax
- Cooling towel or mat
- Dog booties (if they’ll wear them)
Know your dog’s limits. Puppies, seniors, overweight dogs, and certain breeds may need extra precautions.
Smarter Exercise Routines
You don’t have to stop walking your dog – just be strategic.
- Walk before 9 AM or after 7 PM, when surfaces are cooler
- Stick to grass, shaded trails, or dirt paths when possible
- Keep walks short and sweet during peak heat
These are Larry’s dogs – Maise (pronounced May-zee), the gray pup, and Paco, the brown one. Both are rescues, and both are always eager for their daily walk. But in the summer, Larry won’t take them out until evening, when the pavement is safe to touch. As Larry says, ” They don’t understand!” They’re just excited to get some exercise and sniff the neighborhood. But Larry knows their paws come first, and always checks the sidewalks with his heat gun. Now that’s love in action.
Water Activities Can Save the Day
For heat-safe exercise, nothing beats water. A dog-safe kiddie pool (the hard plastic kind), sprinklers in the yard, or a shaded swim session can be a game-changer.
Just remember – some dogs aren’t natural swimmers. Use a life vest and always supervise.
Sometimes, Staying In Is the Best Option
Some days, it’s just too hot. And that’s okay. Puzzle toys, scent games, frozen treats, and quick indoor training sessions can provide plenty of safe stimulation.
Paw Safety Is Dog Parenting 101
Protecting your dog from hot pavement isn’t just about avoiding burns – it’s about understanding how the world feels under their paws. A few small changes can spare them serious pain.
Think of perfect walking weather as 70°F and below. When the heat rises, adjust with love.
Let’s Help Each Other Out
Got a creative way to exercise your dog during hot days? A paw balm you swear by? Share it in the comments – your idea might be the one that helps someone else keep their pup safe.
