06/16/2022
Just a reminder!
We’ve been seeing cases of burnt paw pads and heat strokes this week. During this heatwave, limit your pets time outside and keep walks short and preferably on grass. Not only asphalt but deck and patio surfaces can be dangerously hot as well.
Thank you to LHS Facebook fan Shuman for sharing this image with us!
In the absence of any wind and in direct sunlight, asphalt surfaces can reach 125 degrees when the air temperature is only 77 degrees. In general, asphalt can be 40-60 degrees hotter than the surrounding air temperature. That means it's going to get HOT, HOT, HOT during this heat wave!
Concrete sidewalks also get much hotter than the surrounding air temperature. There’s a simple trick to determine if the ground may be too hot for your dog to walk on; if you can’t place the back of your hand against the sidewalk (or other surface) for at least 5 seconds, then it’s too hot. This week especially, sidewalks and asphalt will be too hot - particularly during the heat of the day. Make sure to walk your pups in the grass if you can or wait until later in the day when it’s cooler!
