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

Watch for Hot Spots

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

Asphalt, concrete, or artificial grass can get much hotter than the air temperature. Since we humans usually walk around in shoes, so we might not realize how hot the pavement is, and it can cause blisters, cracks, or damage to your dog's delicate paw pads.

How do you know if the pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on? Here are some tips.

Give it the Back of Your Hand

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.

Use a Thermometer

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

If the air temperature is reading 80 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter, the pavement is probably a lot hotter - 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 for Signs of Distress

If you notice your dog doesn't seem comfortable walking on the sideway, 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 choose a cooler time of day, like the early morning or evening to go for a walk. 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 great way to spend time with your dog. Just remember to do it safely.