Hot asphalt – a danger to dogs' paws

In summer, high temperatures can be unpleasant not only for us humans. Animals too suffer from the heat and, like us, can get heatstroke. What many people do not know: hot asphalt in particular poses a great danger to sensitive dogs' paws. Especially in the midday heat, the sun can heat the ground enormously, so that a multiple of the air temperature is reached. At an air temperature of 25 degrees, the asphalt temperature already reaches 45 to 62 degrees. At an outside temperature of 30 degrees it is 50 to 60 degrees, and at 35 degrees it is even 55 to 68 degrees Celsius.

The danger of hot asphalt for the paws

There is a risk of burns to dogs' paws from around 41 degrees Celsius. As a basic rule: whenever possible, you should not be out on asphalt with your four-legged friend. This applies in particular in the midday heat. Walks should rather be moved to the evening hours and, ideally, take place only in the shade or on grass. The so-called 7-second test provides a remedy here. For this, you press the back of your hand onto the asphalt for 7 seconds. If that becomes too hot for you, then it cannot be expected of the dog either. Dog boots could provide a remedy, but they are understandably rejected by many animals.

If it does nevertheless happen that the dog has burned its paws and the skin is reddened or swollen, the paws should be cooled immediately. Blisters are a serious signal. The cooling can be done under running water. In any case, a vet should be consulted immediately afterwards. There the paw is treated properly and fitted with a bandage, which can additionally be protected by a sock.

The special perception of heat in dogs

Dogs are equipped differently from humans. We have sensors for cold and warmth in the skin all over our body. So we immediately notice where something is too cold or too hot, and instinctively react quickly. When the tar of a road is too hot, we pull our foot back before burns can occur. Dogs, however, have almost exclusively cold sensors in their body and no comprehensive warmth sensors like humans. The only exception is the dog's nose. From here the animals perceive heat.

• Increased risk of burns due to a lack of a warning system on the paws
• Extreme temperatures on asphalt, concrete and bricks
• Perception of heat primarily via the sensitive nose
• Pain receptors often only report heat when it is already too late

The dog will indeed sniff at hot asphalt, but it walks on its paws and not on its nose. The dog therefore lacks the early warning system. Heat that is perceived with the nose does not automatically mean to the animal that it could become unpleasant for the paws. So it could burn its paws, or, when sitting, other parts of its body, before it notices. Only the pain receptors report the heat, but by then it is usually already too late.

Dogs in the car in summer

Leaving dogs in the car in the heat is an absolute no-no. Did you know that temperatures of 20 degrees inside the car can rise to 30 degrees after just 10 minutes? That becomes life-threatening for dogs. Never leave your animal alone in the vehicle in summer. Even an opened window or parking in the shade does not help sufficiently. Anyone who leaves their dog in the car in the heat must expect a charge of animal cruelty. For this the law provides for a fine or, in extremely serious cases, a prison sentence of up to 3 years. That is more than deserved for the protection of the animals.

This article serves as general information and for the safety of your dog on hot days.