The hidden danger in summer
Every dog owner knows that summer can be a dangerous time for their four-legged friends. Heat and high temperatures can cause dehydration and heat stroke. But there is also a lesser-known danger: the hot asphalt that heats up in the summer heat and becomes a source of burns and pain for our dogs' paws.
How heat affects asphalt
When the sun is at its zenith, it heats sidewalks and streets to temperatures that are harmful to us humans and our pets. Sometimes just a few minutes are enough to bring the asphalt to temperatures that are unbearable for us. Imagine what it's like for your dog to walk on these surfaces.
The effect on dog paws
Dog paws are sensitive. Although they are rougher than human skin, they are not heat-resistant. Running on hot asphalt can cause first, second or even third degree burns. This can lead to permanent damage and extreme pain.
The Importance of the “Seven Second Test”
To check whether the asphalt is too hot for your dog, you can do the “seven second test”. Place your hand or foot on the asphalt for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.
Asphalt temperatures in relation to air temperature
| Air temperature (°C) | Estimated asphalt temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| 24 | 43 – 52 |
| 27 | 48 – 57 |
| 30 | 52 – 61 |
| 33 | 57 – 66 |
| 35 | 62 – 71 |
Note: This table is intended as a general guide only. Actual asphalt temperature may vary due to various factors including direct sunlight.
First aid for burns on paws
If your dog has burns on his paws, it is important to take immediate action. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Calm your dog: Burns are painful and your dog may panic. Speak to him soothingly and try to calm him down.
- Cool the affected area: Place the burned paw in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not use ice as this may cause further damage.
- Use a cooling ointment: A special ointment for burns can help relieve the pain and aid the healing process. Avoid using human burn ointments unless approved by a veterinarian.
- See a Veterinarian: Burns should always be examined by a veterinarian. Even if the burn appears minor, it may be deeper than it looks.
Practical tips to avoid burns
To avoid burns, try running during the cooler times of the day, such as: B. early in the morning or late in the evening. Find shady paths or grassy areas to run on. You can also consider special dog shoes that will protect your dog from the heat.
Be a responsible dog owner
As dog owners, we are responsible for protecting the health and well-being of our animals. During the hot summer months, this also means protecting them from the damaging effects of hot asphalt. With care and caution, you can ensure that your dog is safe and happy even in the summer.
Fact check and additional points:
- Heat and asphalt: The asphalt on roads and sidewalks can heat up to dangerous temperatures in hot weather. In fact, the temperature of the asphalt can be up to 20 degrees Celsius higher than the ambient temperature, especially in direct sunlight.
- Effects on Dogs: Dogs can suffer burns to their paws when walking on hot asphalt. Even short walks can cause painful and potentially serious burns.
- The “Seven Second Test”: This is a simple test to check if the asphalt is too hot for a dog. If you can't keep your hand or foot on the asphalt for more than seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog.
- Dog Shoes: Special dog shoes or boots can protect a dog's paws from hot asphalt. However, these should only be worn under supervision and after a period of getting used to them, as they may be unusual for the dog.
- First Aid for Burns: It is important to know how to give first aid if a dog has burns on its paws. This includes icing the burned area and visiting a veterinarian.
Read also > The heated debate: Do dog paws really burn on hot asphalt?
To raise awareness of this important issue, we are providing an image. You are welcome to copy this image and share it in your networks. Every information shared helps protect more dogs from the dangers of hot asphalt.

Also read:
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

