We are getting into the hottest part of the year in Florida. Hot weather, of course, means hot pavement. As pavement heats up, pet owners struggle to keep their animals from getting hurt, and it is common for pets to deal with paw burns during this time of year. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that pet owners take to help their pets. This week, we are listing tips on how to protect your pet from summer pavement. Read on to learn how pet protection works against hot pavement.
Asphalt Temperature Measurement
It is surprising how much higher asphalt temperature is than air temperature. Adoptapet.com produced a helpful chart for judging asphalt heat. At 77 degrees Fahrenheit, asphalt reaches up to 125 degrees. By the time outside temperatures reach 87 degrees, the asphalt temperature can reach up to 143 degrees.
Those asphalt temperatures are quite literally hot enough to fry an egg, and 87 degrees Fahrenheit is far from the hottest temperature in Florida.
A good way to check if the pavement is bearable for pets is to use yourself as a guinea pig. Press the back of your hand into the pavement firmly. If you can keep it there longer than seven seconds, that temperature is manageable for a dog. Any less than seven seconds and it is too warm.
Walk Your Dog When It Is Cool
The best time to enjoy outside time with your pets is in the early morning and late evening. Essentially, times when the sun is down or nearly down. This ensures that the pavement is not too warm. The absolute best time is in the morning. In the morning, the sun has not had time to heat the pavement up yet. Without the sun’s heat, the pavement is at its most manageable temperature of the entire day.
Stay On The Grass
If you cannot walk your dog when it is cool, simply avoid walking on pavement. Either play with your pet at a grassy park, or keep them on the grass in your neighborhood. Try and keep the pet in shady areas too, as even heated grass can cause discomfort at the high point of a Florida summer day.
Even Your Pet Needs Moisturizer
Use a pet-friendly paw moisturizer to keep the pads of their feet healthy and safe. A moisturizer ensures that a pet’s paw pads are not cracked or injured. This helps keep the toughened outer layer of the paw in place. If the pad cracks, the freshly exposed skin underneath cannot handle any type of pavement or heat.
Signs To Keep An Eye Out For
Sometimes paws are more sensitive than human skin. There are signs a pet owner can look for that indicate the pavement may be too warm for your pet.
- Limping
- A normally active pet is avoiding going outside
- Licking or chewing on their paws
- Visible damage, such as cracks, burns, unusual redness, or blisters, on paws
- The pads are a darker color than usual