We all love spending time outdoors with our furry friends, especially during the summer. However, it is extremely important in the summer months to be aware of how the hot pavement can affect your dog.
When getting ready to go for a stroll, be sure to check the hot pavement. First, feel the pavement you’re planning on walking on. Can you place your hand on it comfortably for 10 seconds? If you can’t, the pavement is too hot for your pets to be walking on. Hot pavement can burn dog’s paw pads, causing blisters and peeling. This would put them in pain and make it hard for them to walk. Early morning or late evening walks would be more comfortable for both you and your furry friend.
Always be sure to carry water with you when walking, and take stops to cool down and rehydrate. Harnesses are also suggested when walking dogs because they are not as tight as collars and they make it easier to control your dog. If you do not have a harness, make sure your dog’s collar is loose enough to be able to fit two fingers in between the collar and the dog’s neck.