Many owners check the air temperature before walking their dog, but the ground under your dog's paws can be just as important.
Pavements, roads, artificial surfaces, and sand can heat up quickly in sunny weather. Even when the day feels manageable to you, the ground can still be uncomfortable or dangerous for your dog.
Why pavement temperature matters
Your dog is in direct contact with the ground for the whole walk. If the surface is too hot, paw pads can burn, and the risk increases the longer your dog is on that surface.
Dark pavements, tarmac, and areas with no shade can be particularly harsh in warm weather.
The simple pavement test
A good practical check is the hand test:
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
It's quick, easy, and well worth doing before you head out.
What to do if the ground is hot
If the pavement feels too warm:
- wait until later in the day
- choose a shaded route
- walk on grass where possible
- keep the outing short
- avoid forcing your dog across exposed hot surfaces
This is especially important for puppies, older dogs, flat-faced breeds, and dogs already struggling with heat.
Remember: air temperature is only part of the picture
A walk that looks fine on paper can still be risky because of direct sun, still air, humidity, and ground temperature. That is why it helps to think about the whole walking environment, not just the weather app.
For a fuller picture, read our guide on what temperature is too hot to walk a dog in the UK, learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs, and see the best time to walk your dog in summer.