5 seconds with your hand on the ground: a veterinarian’s simple test to do before taking your dog out when the pavement reaches 52°C
When the temperature rises, we need to completely rethink our routines with our dog. An everyday activity as simple as a morning walk can quickly become risky during a heat wave. However, a quick test is all it takes to determine whether it’s safe to go out.
Pads that are much more fragile than you might think
Before you even think about fatigue or thirst, you need to watch out for the ground. On sunny days, concrete and asphalt absorb intense heat. So, if the outside air temperature is 25 °C, the asphalt can reach about 52 °C, according to Dr. Laetitia Barlerin, a veterinarian.
But the pads on a dog’s are in direct contact with this scorching surface. In just a few seconds, that part of their paws can suffer severe burns. Because, unlike the soles of our shoes, nothing protects their paws from the overheated ground.
“Simple actions can make all the difference for your dog or cat.”
The 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation shared this warning on its Instagram account, based on advice from a veterinarian. Many pet owners are still unaware of this danger and act recklessly, sometimes putting their pets’ health—or even their lives—at risk.
The 5-Second Test: Make a Decision in an Instant
The method is as simple as it is effective. Place your hand flat on the ground, palm down. If you can hold it there for more than 5 seconds without feeling any pain, you can go for a walk. Otherwise, the risk of burns is too high for your dog.
This simple step takes only a few moments. As a result, it helps prevent your pet from experiencing unnecessary pain before you even leave the house. It’s better to postpone the walk than to have to treat paw injuries.
Heat and Dehydration: Two Threats Not to Be Underestimated
Burns from the ground aren’t the only danger. In fact, a dog’s body has a hard time regulating its temperature when the heat becomes excessive. Dehydration then sets in quickly—much faster than in a healthy human.
Hydration, cooling, and appropriate activities are therefore among your pet’s basic needs as soon as the temperature rises dangerously high. Cats and dogs share these same vulnerabilities during heat waves.
- Avoid going out in the middle of the day, when the ground is at its hottest.
- It’s best to go for walks early in the morning or after sunset.
- Test the soil by hand for 5 seconds before each outing.
- Offer a bowl of fresh water as soon as you get home.
- Rinse the coat with a stream of water or a damp washcloth after exercise.
After the walk, the right steps to take for recovery
Even if the walk went well, the return trip requires special care. First, offer your dog a bowl of cool water to replenish lost fluids. Next, cool his coat with a spray of water or a damp washcloth.
Then let him rest in a cool place so he can fully recover. These simple steps, recommended by Dr. Laetitia Barlerin, significantly reduce the risks associated with heat.
Adjusting dismissal times: a rule that changes everything
During a heat wave, you should avoid taking your dog for walks in the middle of the day. The ground reaches its highest temperatures between noon and 5 p.m. Waiting until the sun goes down and temperatures drop is still the best option.
This adjustment to the schedule addresses two major risks: overheating of the body and paw pad burns. Both dangers are very real, and yet many owners continue with their usual routines without giving it a second thought.
Taking care of your dog in the summer doesn’t require any special equipment or extra money. A quick check with your hand, a cool food bowl, and a walk later in the evening are all it takes to get through heat waves without any problems. These simple habits, adopted by more and more pet owners every summer, effectively protect our pets’ health.
