Summer paw safety · North Central Washington
Concrete, asphalt, sand and artificial turf can become much hotter than the air. A quick surface check, a cooler route and attention to your dog’s behavior can help prevent painful paw burns and heat-related illness.
The short answer
Use the hand test as a warning screen—not a guarantee.
Place the back of your hand on the walking surface. If it becomes uncomfortable at any point during a cautious 7–10-second check, skip the walk or move to a cooler surface. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine recommends seven seconds with the back of the hand; Cornell advises about 10 seconds using your hand or bare foot. When in doubt, choose shade, grass or indoor enrichment.
This conservative range reconciles guidance from two veterinary schools. It is a screening check—not proof that a surface is safe for a particular dog or a prolonged walk.
A safer walk decision
Check the surface, the conditions and your dog
Test where your dog will walk
Check the sunniest part of the actual surface—not only a shaded patch nearby. Concrete, asphalt, sand, metal and artificial turf can all retain dangerous heat.
Watch the whole dog
Consider humidity, direct sun, route length and your dog’s age, breed, coat, weight and health. Flat-faced, senior, young and medically vulnerable pets need extra caution.
Stop when anything feels wrong
If the surface is uncomfortable, your dog hesitates, pants heavily, seeks shade, slows down or lifts a paw, move to a cool area and end the activity.
Why the forecast is not enough
Pavement can be dramatically hotter than the air
This is an example, not a conversion chart.
Washington State University summarizes published pavement-burn research showing that, in direct sun without wind, asphalt can reach about 135°F when the air is 86°F. Surface temperature varies with material, color, sunlight, shade, wind and time of day, so do not calculate pavement safety from air temperature alone.
Six ways to make summer outings safer
Know when your pet needs veterinary help
Possible paw-pad injury
- Limping or refusing to walk
- Licking or chewing the feet
- Red or darkened pads
- Blisters, peeling or visible raw tissue
- Crying or pain when a paw is touched
Possible heatstroke—an emergency
- Heavy or persistent panting
- Thick drool or difficulty breathing
- Weakness, confusion or poor coordination
- Vomiting or diarrhea, especially bloody diarrhea
- Collapse or seizures
What to do if paws may be burned
Move your dog off the hot surface and into shade or air conditioning. Gently rinse the paws with cool—not icy—water. Do not apply an unapproved ointment. Prevent licking if you can do so safely, and contact a veterinarian promptly for guidance.
If you see heatstroke signs, treat it as an emergency: AVMA first-aid guidance recommends moving the pet out of direct heat, beginning cooling, and getting to a veterinary hospital promptly. Merck Veterinary Manual likewise identifies heatstroke as an emergency and supports cool-water cooling and airflow while veterinary care is sought.
Cascade is not a continuously staffed 24-hour emergency hospital. During regular hours, review Cascade’s urgent-care instructions and call ahead. After hours, established Cascade clients should follow the current call-first triage process.
Quick-reference chart
| What you notice | What it may mean | Safer next step |
|---|---|---|
| Pavement becomes uncomfortable within 7–10 seconds | The surface may burn paw pads during a walk | Choose grass, deep shade, a cooler time or indoor activity |
| Dog lifts a paw, hesitates, slows or seeks shade | Paw discomfort or overheating may be developing | Stop, move to a cool area, offer water and check all paws |
| Limping, licking, redness, discoloration or blisters | Possible paw-pad burn | Cool-water rinse; avoid ice and unapproved products; call a veterinarian |
| Persistent heavy panting, vomiting, confusion, collapse or seizure | Possible heatstroke | Begin safe cooling and seek emergency veterinary care immediately |
Continue planning safer care
Helpful Cascade resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 10-second pavement test accurate?
It is a useful warning screen, not a validated guarantee of safety. Cornell advises about 10 seconds with a hand or bare foot; UC Davis uses seven seconds with the back of the hand. If the surface feels uncomfortable at any point, avoid it. Always consider the dog, route, sun and humidity too.
Is concrete safer than asphalt?
Concrete may sometimes be cooler than dark asphalt, but it can still become hot enough to injure paws. Test the specific surface your dog will use and prefer shade or grass when conditions are hot.
Do dog boots make every hot walk safe?
No. Properly fitted boots can reduce direct paw contact, but they do not prevent whole-body overheating or heatstroke. Keep walks short, choose cooler hours and monitor breathing and behavior.
What should I do about a suspected paw-pad burn?
Move your dog off the hot surface, use cool water, prevent further trauma or licking when possible, and contact a veterinarian. Blisters, discoloration, raw tissue, severe pain or continued limping warrant prompt professional guidance.
Veterinary sources
- UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: Summer Pet Hazards, updated June 2026.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Summer Heat Safety Tips for Dogs.
- Washington State University: Protect Your Pet’s Feet From Heat and Burns.
- Berens JJ. Thermal Contact Burns From Streets and Highways. JAMA. 1970;214(11):2025–2027.
- Royal Veterinary College VetCompass: Heat-Related Illness Research in Dogs.
- Merck Veterinary Manual: What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet First Aid.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace an examination or individualized veterinary advice.