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Key takeaways
- Pavements, tarmac and artificial grass can reach dangerous temperatures on warm days.
- Use the seven-second rule to test any surface before walking your dog.
- If your dog shows signs of paw burns, contact your vet immediately.
When the sun comes out, most dog owners think about keeping their pet cool and hydrated. But there’s a less obvious risk that causes serious injuries every summer: the ground beneath their paws.
How hot do pavements actually get?
Dogs’ paws are as sensitive as human feet, meaning they’re just as likely to burn on a hot surface. The problem is that pavements and tarmac absorb heat throughout the day and retain it long after the air temperature has dropped.
On a day with an air temperature of just 25C (77F), asphalt can reach 52C (125F). At 31C (87F), that rises to 62C (143F). To put that in context, skin destruction can occur in just one minute at 52 °C (125F), and an egg can fry in five minutes at 55 °C (131F).
Is artificial grass dangerous for dogs?
Many owners assume natural-looking surfaces are safe, but artificial grass is actually one of the most dangerous surfaces for dogs on hot days. In a university experiment measuring six different surfaces at two points on two separate summer days, artificial grass was the hottest in all four trials, hotter than running track material, asphalt, brick, and concrete. Natural grass was the coolest of all six.
All three hottest surfaces, artificial grass, running track and asphalt, measured upwards of 50 °C (122F) at 2 pm on both days. That temperature could severely burn a dog’s paws within a matter of minutes.
Artificial grass is increasingly used to replace natural grass in sports fields and gardens across the UK, creating a growing risk that many owners aren’t aware of.
How to tell if a surface is too hot for your dog
Emergency vets in the US, where paw burns are common due to high summer temperatures, developed a simple test. Place the back of your hand on the surface and hold it there for seven seconds. If you can’t keep it there comfortably, it’s too hot to walk your dog.
How to protect your dog’s paws in hot weather
Walk early in the morning or late in the evening. Our advice is before 8 am and after 8 pm when surface temperatures are no longer as high.
- Stick to natural grass where possible.
- Check artificial grass before letting your dog walk or play on it.
- Consider investing in a pair of dog booties for unavoidable hot surface walks.
If you’re worried your dog has burnt their paws, contact your vet immediately or if out of hours, contact your nearest Vets Now clinic.