Know When It’s Too Hot to Walk Your Dog
San Francisco had a slight heat wave recently. It is extremely rare for the temperature to rise above 80 (although it has become less in recent years), which means that most people do not have air conditioning, and even more so they have no idea how to deal with the heat.
This detail became especially evident on some of the hottest days, when you saw people walking their dogs in the middle of the day. Dogs that in many cases could not keep their paws on the hot asphalt.
If it’s 77 degrees outside, the sidewalk in the sun can potentially have temperatures up to 125 degrees. When the temperature reaches 87, that asphalt temperature rises to an incredible 143 degrees.
For an overview: on asphalt with a temperature of 135 degrees, you can fry an egg in 5 minutes.
Pet insurance company PetPlan recently published this infographic, which explains what can happen if your dog hits the hot sidewalk.
It is generally a good idea to put your hand on the sidewalk for seven seconds before driving your dog outside. If it’s too hot for the hand, it’s too hot for the paws.
Walking early in the morning or after sunset can also provide cooler temperatures and a safer situation for your dog.
If you still need to go outside while it’s hot, try to walk on the grass as much as possible. You can also buy good dog booties to keep your pet’s paw secure, or use a topical product to strengthen the paws.
And pay attention to your dog. If your furry buddy seems uncomfortable or walks unusually, you may need to move to a cooler place.