Is it too hot to walk my dog?
On a sunny day asphalt gets far hotter than the air: at 25 °C (77 °F) it can reach about 52 °C (125 °F), hot enough to burn paw pads in about a minute. If you can't hold the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog.
Free, no sign-up · Reviewed October 2026 · How it works
Sun
Surface
Your dog
Estimated surface temperature
57 °C
Too hot for paws
Pads can burn in about a minute. Walk on grass or in shade, or go early morning or late evening.
Heatstroke risk on a walk: take care
Keep walks short, slow and shaded, and carry water. Heavy panting, bright red gums, drooling, wobbling or vomiting mean stop, cool your dog with cool (not ice-cold) water and call a vet.
The 7-second test: put the back of your hand flat on the ground for 7 seconds. If you can't keep it there, it's too hot for paws. Surface temperatures here are estimates from typical readings in direct sun; dark surfaces, still air and late afternoon run hotter.
How this tool works
The checker estimates the surface temperature from typical readings of asphalt in full sun: about 52 °C (125 °F) at an air temperature of 25 °C (77 °F), 62 °C (143 °F) at 31 °C (87 °F) and 72 °C (161 °F) at 36 °C (97 °F). Concrete, sand, grass, cloud and shade are scaled down from that; those adjustments are our estimates.
Paw burns become a serious risk from about 52 °C (125 °F) surface temperature.
The heatstroke guide uses lower air temperatures for flat-faced, overweight, older or thick-coated dogs, which overheat more easily. It's a rule of thumb, so watch your dog rather than the number.
Questions.
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
On a sunny day, pavement can burn paws when the air is around 25 °C (77 °F) or more. For heatstroke, many dogs struggle above about 30 °C (86 °F), and flat-faced, overweight and older dogs at lower temperatures.
How can I tell if the pavement is too hot?
Use the 7-second test: press the back of your hand flat on the ground. If you can't hold it there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
What are the signs of burnt paw pads?
Limping, licking or chewing the feet, darker or red pads, blisters or missing skin. Cool the paws with cool water and see your vet.
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