Mary Allen
It’s pleasant 25 degrees outside. “It’s still possible,” you think and want to walk with your dog. But even at these very mild temperatures, the asphalt can resemble a slab for a dog’s paws – and heat up to about 52 degrees. When dogs run on hot streets, their paws can get burned.
This Is How You Check If It’s Too Hot for Your Dog Outside
While we humans can protect ourselves from the hot streets with shoes, this is often not possible with dogs. Therefore, in the summer, before each walk, check if the asphalt has burned the paws of your four-legged friend.
In the “7-second test” at the University of Frostburg, USA, you place the back of your hand on the floor – and if you can’t hold out for seven seconds, don’t expect your dog to do the same. Then the heat will be too strong for the dog’s paws.
Pavement is Almost Twice as Hot as Air Temperature
If the air temperature is still bearable, this does not necessarily mean that your dog can still walk without hesitation. American researchers have found that there can be a big difference between air temperature and road surface:
Air temperature on asphalt
25 ° C 52 ° C
31 ° C 62 ° C
35 ° C 65 ° C
And one more thing: concrete and brick heat up less than asphalt. When the temperature of the asphalt was 51 degrees, the temperature of the concrete was 40 degrees and the bricks were about 43 degrees.
Here’s How You Can Tell If Your Dog Has Burned Paws
Like skin, dog paws can have varying degrees of burns. For first-degree burns, the affected area is red and swollen. If clear burn blisters are visible, these are already second-degree burns. We are talking about the third degree when the skin is already charred.
Burnt Dog Paws? First Aid!
If you notice burns on your dog, you should definitely contact your veterinarian and until then cool the paws, for example, under cool running water. However, do not use ice cream: it can damage the paw tissue. Then protect the paw with a bandage or a clean toe.
The best way to avoid burns ahead of time is to only go outside in the early morning or late evening, let the dog run through meadows and lawns if possible, or follow the seven-second rule.