If it is 30°C or above and you are thinking it might be too hot to walk your dog trust your instinct as it probably is!
You must be aware that most grounds; bitumen, concrete and sand will absorb the heat from direct sun light. It can increase the ground temperature quite dramatically.
According to studies on a 30°C day bitumen can read up to 61°C. Concrete 46°C, Sand 52°C and even grass can spike up to 35°C in direct sunlight! This ground temperature is way too hot for our dog paws and will put them at risk of burning their paw pads.
How to test the ground temperature for my dogs paws?
The easiest and most effective way to check if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on is by putting the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If you cannot last 7 seconds, then the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on.
Even though your dog has paws, they can still burn if the ground is too hot. If you notice your dog limping or licking their paws after or during a walk you must check their paws to see if there are blisters or they are red. If they are, your dogs have burnt its paws, and you should seek professional veterinarian assistance immediately.
The best ways to prevent heatstroke or burnt paws are to walk during the cooler times of the day, sunrise and sunset. This removes most of the risks and will keep your dog’s safe!
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