Are dogs paws sensitive to hot pavement?
Leda Kessler
2025-06-29 08:30:20
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Hot pavement isn’t just uncomfortable for your dog—it can actually be harmful. The Risk of Burned Paw Pads Imagine walking barefoot on a sizzling hot surface. Sounds painful, right? That’s what your dog might be experiencing. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have the luxury of shoes to protect their feet. A hot surface can cause minor to severe burns on your dog’s paw pads. Sure, their paws are a bit tougher than our feet, but they’re not invincible. Physical Signs in Your Dog: Watch out for behaviors like hopping from paw to paw, limping, or trying to retreat to a grassy or shaded area. These could be tell-tale signs that the ground is uncomfortably hot for your four-legged friend. The 5-Second Rule: Here’s a quick and simple test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t keep it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Velda Nicolas
2025-06-16 18:43:48
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Yes, pavements can be too hot for dogs to walk on. Pavements absorb heat quickly. This means that while you may feel the warmth is pleasant, the pavement could already be too hot for your dog’s delicate paw pads. A study by one of our charity partners, FOUR PAWS UK, highlighted the huge difference between air temperature and asphalt temperature. The study found that an air temperature of 25 degrees resulted in an asphalt temperature of 52 degrees, and an air temperature of 35 degrees led to asphalt temperatures of a scorching 65 degrees! All dogs are at risk of getting burnt paws. The best test is to place the back of your hand onto the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If you are unable to keep the back of your hand comfortably on the ground for seven seconds, the pavement is likely to burn your dog’s paws.
Adrien Klein
2025-06-16 18:19:50
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Hot pavements can pose a serious risk to your dog's paw pads. Even if the shade temperature seems moderate, the pavement can reach scorching levels. For example, a pavement exposed to the sun can soar to a staggering 44°C (111°F) while the shade temperature remains at 26°C (79°F). After a few seconds of standing barefoot on the hot pavement, you will feel the discomfort and potential burn. Imagine your dog being tied up outside a shop for just a few minutes; their paws can suffer significant damage in that short time. Darker pavements tend to be even hotter than lighter ones. Grass tends to be cooler and gentler on their paws.
Nathanael Jakubowski
2025-06-16 17:28:27
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Hot pavement can and will burn a dog’s paws. If asphalt and cement can get hot enough to cook an egg during the summer or if it feels way too hot for you to leave your hands comfortably on the ground for at least 10 seconds, it can result in nasty burns on your dog’s paw pads. This is especially true if you have a new puppy with tender young paws. Dogs showing symptoms of burned paws may display limping or avoiding walking, licking or chewing feet, paw pads are darker in color than usual, pads are visibly damaged, or blisters or redness. Your dog’s paws have footpads that can usually handle whatever a stroll or walk in nature throws at them. But a lot of human-made surfaces can burn your pooch’s paws, including concrete, metal, pavement, sidewalks and asphalt.
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