While dog owners are very cautious during the summer months – providing their pup extra water, shade and cognizant of sun time – there is another danger lurking right under their dog: the sidewalk.
Pavement, concrete and asphalt can become extremely hot during this time of the year, and with dogs’ paws having direct contact with these materials during walks, there is a chance they can get burned.
Related: Here’s How to Quickly Tell If It’s Too Hot to Walk Your Dog
Fortunately, there is a super easy test to determine if it okay for your dog to walk on a sidewalk or road. Place the back of your hand on the ground (where your dog will be) and see if you can hold it there for five seconds. If you can, it is likely your dog will be okay taking a stroll. If you can’t, it is best to wait until it cools down.
For those that can’t wait and need to walk their dog during hot times, there are a few things you can do. For one, look for grass or others surfaces that aren’t as hot. You can also invest in salve (make sure it is for hot weather) to coat your dog’s paws and protect them. Or try booties that work in the heat.
Image via East Bay SPCA Veterinary surgeon
