Let’s Talk Hot Stuff: Why Summer Heat Can Be Dangerous for Your Pets
Summer is a wonderful time to get outside. Longer days mean more walks, trips to the park, and afternoons spent exploring with our four-legged friends. But summer also means heat, and often excessive temperatures, especially for our pets.
Keep in mind that dogs cannot sweat like humans. They mostly control their core temp through panting. However, they do have sweat glands in the pads of their feet. The glands are relatively inefficient for cooling purposes, but if your dog sometimes leaves little wet footprints, this is the reason.
It is also worth noting that our pets have higher core temperatures than humans. Both dogs and cats run from 100 to 102 degrees. This means they are starting a severe disadvantage when faced with summer temps.
It’s Not Just the Air Temperature
One of the biggest misconceptions is that if we are comfortable, our pets are too. We often think our pet will let us know when it is uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
Air temps may feel very comfortable to us, but for our pets who have higher core temps, heat can affect them very quickly. Asphalt and concrete absorb sunlight throughout the day, often becoming much hotter than the surrounding air.
| Air Temperature | Approximate Pavement Temperature |
| 77°F | 125°F |
| 86°F | 135°F |
| 87°F | 143°F |
| 95°F | 149°F |
At around 77 to 79 degrees, it’s worth slowing down and thinking about where your dog will be walking. By the time the temperature climbs into the upper 80s and 90s, pavement can become hot enough to burn paw pads in well under a minute.
The 7-Second Test
Fortunately, there’s a simple way to tell if the pavement is too hot. Place the back of your hand on the sidewalk or asphalt for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. It’s a quick habit that only takes a few seconds and can prevent a painful injury.
Heat Can Be Dangerous in More Ways Than One
Burned paw pads are only part of the concern. A much larger concern would be heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Heatstroke can happen very quickly, and with only a few clues to warn you.
Be especially cautious if your pet is:
- A puppy or senior
- Overweight
- A flat-faced breed such as a Bulldog, Pug, or Boston Terrier
- Living with heart or respiratory disease
If your dog begins excessively panting, drooling heavily, acting weak, stumbling, vomiting, or collapses, seek veterinary care immediately. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can become life-threatening very quickly.
A Few Simple Ways to Beat the Heat
Keeping your pet safe doesn’t mean staying indoors all summer. It simply means making a few smart adjustments.
- Walk early in the morning or after the sun begins to set.
- Stick to grassy areas whenever possible.
- Bring fresh water on longer walks.
- Take breaks in the shade.
- Keep walks shorter during the hottest part of the day.
- Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Your Pet Trusts You
Our pets don’t know when the sidewalk is too hot or when they’re getting dangerously overheated. They trust us to make those decisions for them.
So before heading out for your next summer walk, take seven seconds to check the pavement. It may seem like a small step, but it can make all the difference between a fun afternoon outside and a painful trip to the veterinarian.
A little caution goes a long way toward making sure every walk ends with a happy, healthy wagging tail.
About the Author:
Shawn McWhorter
Hi, I'm Shawn!
I'm a former Certified Veterinary Technician with over six years of clinical experience, including three years in an emergency clinic. I’m certified in Canine and Equine Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Leash Training, and I’m currently continuing my education in animal behavior and behavioral therapy.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide variety of animals—from reptiles, snakes, turtles, and birds to wallabies, fish, and even sloths and octopuses! I’m passionate about animal care and love sharing what I’ve learned—so if you ever want to chat about animals, I’m all ears.
I look forward to bringing my experience, compassion, and a whole lot of love for all creatures to your home!