It’s with good reason that the vast majority of us look forward to the arrival of summer.
Warm days, high spirits, cool refreshments and long swims… what’s not to like?
And yet, whilst the idea of doing anything but relishing sun season might seem preposterous, there are certain precautions we all need to take. Especially when it comes to our pets.
Just think how hot it can get for us; us with our thin layer of skin and ability to sweat out the heat from our bodies. Now imagine you’re a dog, covered in thick fur and walking bare foot wherever you go…
Hopefully there are plenty of spots to allow your dog to cool off when you’re walking, or at the very least places of shade where you seek refuge from the sun’s rays together. There is, however, an often unheralded danger: Asphalt.
Sadly, even a short walk in high temperatures can have fatal consequences for some dogs. When the sun is high in the sky and it’s warm enough to really get you sweating, it’s easy to forget that the ground itself becomes extremely hot as well. So hot, in fact, that it can give your dog severe burns on their paws.
At 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, asphalt can be as hot as 122 degrees. When it’s 30 degrees outside, asphalt can reach temperatures of 140! Now imagine walking on that without any shoes on.
A simple way for your to test the ground, if you don’t have a thermometer to hand, is by simply laying the back of your hand on it.
If you’re unable to keep the back of your hand to the asphalt for longer than five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.
When this is the case, it’s always best to simply choose a path without asphalt. A woodland path, perhaps, or simple anywhere that won’t absorb and retain so much of the sun’s heat.
On top of this, it’s critical to keep in mind that most dogs are suited for long walks in high heat. They need to drink a lot, so always ensure water is readily available. If in doubt, simply leave the walk for another day – it’s not worth risking your pet’s life!
And, as if you need reminding, please don’t leave them locked in a car.
For those seeking more information, watch the video below for a demonstration of how hot asphalt can get outside:
Share this article with your friends and family on Facebook, so that everyone can be made aware of how hot asphalt can be on summer days. No more dogs need to suffer from burned paws!
