Summer Dog Walking Schedule! Avoid These Two Time Slots~

With record-high temperatures sweeping the country lately, even 35°C (95°F) heat can’t dampen our furry friends’ eagerness to go outside! But summer dog walks come with risks—here’s what you need to know to keep your pup safe.

⏰ Dangerous vs. Safe Times to Walk

• 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Ground temperature can reach ~60°C (140°F)
  ❌ ABSOLUTELY AVOID. At this heat, pavement can burn your dog’s paw pads in seconds—think of walking barefoot on a hot skillet. Even shaded areas retain extreme heat, so skip walks entirely.
• 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Ground temperature hovers around ~45°C (113°F)
  ⚠️ HIGH-RISK WINDOW. Paws can still get burned quickly, and heatstroke risk spikes. If you must go out, keep it under 5 minutes in full shade—no exceptions.
• Before 7:00 AM / After 8:00 PM: Ground temperature drops below 30°C (86°F)
  ✅ SAFE ZONES. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal. The air is cooler, pavement is gentle on paws, and your dog can enjoy a longer, relaxed walk without overheating.

🔥 The 3-Second Paw Test

Not sure if it’s too hot? Use this trick: Press the back of your hand firmly against the pavement.

• If you can hold it for 5+ seconds: It’s safe to walk (but still keep an eye on your pup).
• If it burns after 3 seconds: Head back inside immediately—your dog’s paws will suffer the same pain.

🩹 First Aid for Burned Paws

⚠️ Signs of burned paws: Limping, lifting paws, excessive licking of pads, or red/blistered skin.

1. Cool the area gently: Run lukewarm (never ice-cold) water over the paws for 10–15 minutes. Cold water can shock their system or worsen tissue damage.
2. Clean carefully: Rinse with saline solution to prevent infection. Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide—these sting and irritate already sensitive skin.
3. Protect and soothe: Apply a pet-safe burn ointment, then cover with a light 纱布 (gauze) or a soft baby sock to keep dirt out.
4. Seek help for severe cases: If blisters form, paws bleed, or your dog is in obvious pain, visit the vet right away. Burns can get infected quickly!

💧 Pro Tips for Summer Walks

• Carry water: Bring a portable bowl—offer sips every 5–10 minutes, even if your dog doesn’t seem thirsty. Dehydration creeps up fast.
• Stick to grass: Pavement and asphalt trap heat, but grass stays cooler. Avoid concrete, sand, or metal surfaces (like park benches).
• Watch for heatstroke signs: Heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting mean your dog is overheating. Move to shade, wet their belly/ paws with cool water, and go to the vet ASAP.
• Paw protection: For early/late walks where pavement is still warm, use breathable dog booties—they’re not just cute, they’re lifesavers!

Summer heat is no joke for dogs—their bodies overheat faster than ours, and they can’t tell us when their paws hurt. By sticking to safe times, testing pavement temperature, and staying prepared, you’ll keep your pup happy, healthy, and ready to play all season long.

Enjoy those cool morning strolls—and let your dog splash in a kiddie pool afterward as a well-deserved treat! 🐾