08/08/2026
The air feels fine, but the pavement doesn’t. Here’s why that matters.
Asphalt absorbs heat all day. By early afternoon, it can be hot enough to burn a dog’s paw pads in under a minute, even when the temperature outside feels comfortable to us. Dogs won’t always show it right away, which is what makes it the quietest risk of the summer.
The 7 second rule is the simplest way to check: place your hand on the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for their paws.
On our walks, that test is just the start. Early walks when possible, and when they’re not, we choose shaded paths and grass whenever the ground runs hot. Small habits, repeated every day, are what keep every dog in our care safe.
Try the test before your next walk. And if your dog’s routine could use this kind of attention every day, book your free meet and greet through the link in bio.
Serving Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Newmarket.
