Hot Paws

Hot asphalt, concrete or beach sand can quickly blister your dog’s paw pads. Paws softened by a day of swimming are at extra risk. Broken glass, jagged metal, and burrs present hazards to your dog.

When the air temperature is this, asphalt has been measured at this!

Air temperature/Asphalt temperature

25 degrees/52 degrees

30 degrees/57 degrees

31 degrees/62 degrees

These temperature correlations represent direct sun, no wind, very low humidity and high radiant energy.

At 52 degrees Celsius, (human) skin destruction can occur in 60 seconds. An egg can fry in 5 minutes at 55 degrees. To be safe, place the back of your hand on the pavement or sand. If you cannot hold it for 5 seconds, it is too HOT to walk your dog on it!

Would YOU walk barefoot through all of your summer activities? We recommend walking early in the morning or in the evening to avoid hot surfaces.  Always have water available.

Written by The Centennial Animal Hospital Team