06/18/2026
☀️🐾 Hot Pavement = Burned Paws 🐾☀️
As temperatures rise, we’re seeing more dogs being walked during the hottest parts of the day on scorching asphalt, concrete, and even beach sand. While the air temperature may feel manageable to us, ground surfaces can become dangerously hot and cause painful burns to your pet’s paw pads in as little as 60 seconds.
🔥 Asphalt can reach temperatures well above the air temperature:
• 77°F air = 125°F asphalt
• 86°F air = 135°F asphalt
• 87°F air = 143°F asphalt
And don’t forget… SAND can become just as dangerous, especially during peak sun hours.
🐕BEFORE EVERY WALK:
✔️ Place the back of your hand or your bare foot on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
✔️ Choose grassy areas whenever possible.
✔️ Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
✔️ Bring water and watch for signs of discomfort, limping, or excessive licking of the paws.
Our pets rely on us to make safe choices for them. A simple change in walk time or route can prevent a painful injury and keep tails wagging all summer long. ❤️
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