It may well be the hottest day of the year — so far, which isn’t saying much considering it’s not even officially summer yet. The Weather Channel reports that it is currently 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and I just got back from a quick walk with the doggies.
They don’t much like the heat — both are doublecoated dogs, which is a lot of fur to carry around on sunny days! But this afternoon the problem wasn’t the fur but the floor. As we walked on the blacktop parking lot, both dogs started limping. Curious, I slipped off one shoe and tested the pavement with a toe — it was HOT!
On hot, sunny days, pavement easily absorbs energy from the sun. As the heat leaves the concrete, it leaves a layer of very hot air just above the surface — this is what causes the rippling “mirages” we sometimes see on paved roads.
Hot pavement can actually burn a pet’s footpads, leaving them cracked, bleeding, or blistered. And from the way both dogs were walking just now, it seems painful.
What can you do to protect your pet’s feet from hot pavement?
- Check the temperature with your hand (or feet) before walking. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s probably uncomfortable for your pets.
- Stick to shady or grassy areas. The hot pavement problem is totally eliminated if you’re on the grass, but we don’t all have the luxury of a lawn nearby.
- Save your long walks for cooler, shadier parts of the day. Walk before the sun gets high, or once it’s started to set. Go for quicker, shorter walks during the hottest hours.
- If your pet is willing, there are doggie and kitty booties that will protect feet from extreme weather (super hot AND super cold). There are also wax-based products you can use to “coat” the footpad to protect against heat or cold.
- Pay attention to your pet. The way they walk will let you know if the pavement is uncomfortably hot!