It’s a Scorcher! How Hot is TOO Hot When You Walk Your Dog in Arizona?

In Arizona, the hot weather doesn't mess around. We encourage each other to hydrate, we wear more hats and protective clothing, and make sure our kids are slathered with sunscreen.

While we enjoy the warmer days, we're tempted to take the whole family on outings, which means bringing our beloved dogs with us. But how do we know if it's too hot for Fido's paws?

How to Make Sure Your Dog's Paws Aren't Getting Too Hot on the Sidewalk

One of the challenges of walking our dogs in hot weather is protecting their paws from the scorching heat. The sidewalks and asphalt can get hot quickly, and your dog could get burned by the pavement.

Asphalt, concrete, or artificial grass can get much hotter than the air temperature. Since humans usually walk around in shoes, we might not realize how hot the pavement is, which can cause blisters, cracks, or damage to our dogs' delicate paw pads.
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How do you know if the pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on? Here are some tips.

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How to Test a Hot Sidewalk for Your Dog to Walk On

The easiest way to make sure the sidewalk is safe for your dog is to check the pavement temperature. Simply use the back of your hand or your bare foot. Place it directly on the pavement for seven seconds and see if you can hold it comfortably. If it's too hot for you, it's far too hot for your dog.

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Testing the Sidewalk to Make Sure It's Not Too Hot for Your Dog

A more accurate way to check the pavement temperature is to use a thermometer.

If the air temperature reads 80 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter, the pavement is probably a lot hotter than that, and that's hot enough to burn your dog's paws.

Did you know? Asphalt temperatures can reach up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit when the air temperature is only 86 degrees!

Watch Your Dog to Make Sure He's Not Hurt on a Hot Day

If you notice your dog doesn't seem comfortable walking on the sidewalk or is showing signs of distress, such as chewing, licking, limping, tapping, darkening, blisters, redness, or cracks, stop walking immediately and call a veterinarian.

The best way to prevent burns is to go for a walk at a cooler time of day, like early morning or evening. Visiting the dog park or a place with natural grass will also help lessen the possibility of injury to your dog's paws.

Getting exercise together is a wonderful way to spend time with your dog. Just remember to do it safely.