As the UK bakes in a heatwave with temperatures climbing into the mid-30s, dog owners are being urged to perform a simple seven-second 'back of hand' test before taking their pets for a walk. Emergency veterinary chain Vets Now has warned that hot pavements can cause severe burns to dogs' paws, with surfaces reaching up to 62°C when the air temperature hits 31°C.
The Seven-Second Test
Vets Now advises owners to place the back of their hand on the pavement for seven seconds. 'If they struggle to hold it down, it's too hot to walk a dog,' the company's website states. The test was developed by vets in the US, where paw burns are common due to high summer temperatures.
Why Pavements Get Dangerously Hot
According to Vets Now, when the outside temperature is a pleasant 25°C with little wind and low humidity, asphalt and tarmac can reach a staggering 52°C. This can rise to 62°C when the mercury hits 31°C. 'An egg can fry in five minutes at 55°C, while skin destruction can occur in just one minute at 52°C,' the veterinary chain explained. Pavements soak up heat all day and retain it, making them hazardous even on days that don't feel searingly hot.
Other Surfaces to Watch
Vets Now highlighted that studies have shown artificial grass can reach equally dangerous temperatures, as can rubber surfaces commonly found on running tracks and asphalt—the material most widely used for roads and pavements across the UK. Dogs' paws are just as sensitive as human feet, making them equally vulnerable to burns from scorching surfaces.
Signs of Paw Burns
Signs that a dog has burnt its paws include limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing at the feet, and blisters or redness on the pads. If a burn is suspected, Vets Now recommends cooling the paw with cool (not cold) water and seeking veterinary attention immediately.
Heatstroke Risk
In addition to paw burns, dogs are vulnerable to heatstroke because they cannot sweat like humans and are covered in thick fur. Owners should walk dogs during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and always carry water. Dogs should never be left in hot cars, as temperatures can rise rapidly even with windows open.
