Creating a Pavement Temperature Chart for Dogs for Your Practice

Has your veterinary practice seen an uptick in dogs with burnt paws? Create a pavement temperature chart to educate owners about the dangers of exposing their dogs’ paws to hot asphalt.

Asphalt can reach 130°F when the outdoor air temperature reaches 85°F. A dog’s feet can’t handle high temperatures, so pet owners may need to seek veterinary attention immediately after a pet’s paws touch hot asphalt.

Exposing a dog’s paws to extreme heat can also do more than cause burns. It could lead to dangerous heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Learn how to create a pavement temperature chart for dogs for your practice below.

Understanding Air Temperature, Pavement Temperatures, and the Safety of a Dog’s Paws

When owners walk their pets, they don’t usually do it barefoot. They’re often wearing shoes and don’t realize how hot surfaces are. Even if the outdoor temperature is a pleasant 70s, the asphalt temperature is much higher.

Dog paws have pads for foot and paw protection. However, hot asphalt can burn a dog’s paws when they walk on pavement in the summer.

For this reason, dog owners should go beyond checking the weather and outdoor temperature before walks. They should also measure the ground temperature to see if the pavement is too hot.

How To Measure Pavement Temperature

Dog owners should measure the temperature of the pavement once the surrounding air climbs into the 70s. Here are two ways to do it:

• Point a digital infrared thermometer at asphalt, concrete, grass, dirt, sand, and other surfaces.
• Place a hand on a hot surface and keep it there for ten seconds (if you can’t, the surface is too hot for dog paws!).

The Pavement Temperature Chart for Dogs

Creating a pavement temperature chart for dogs can help their owners figure out if hot pavement is too hot. Make one like this to protect a dog and its paws:

Using the Asphalt Temperature Chart

In addition to creating a pavement temperature chart for dogs, teach your veterinary clinic‘s patients how to use it. Communicate to pet owners that they can measure the temperature of the pavement before walking a dog and adjust their walking schedule accordingly. They may, for example, want to try walking dogs in the early morning before the sun’s rays warm up the pavement and cause burns.

Seasonal Tips for Walking a Dog

Studies show that only about two-thirds of owners walk dogs regularly. Avoid giving owners the impression that walking a dog is bad, since it can provide many health benefits.

At the same time, advise them to change their approach to walking a dog throughout the year. Use these seasonal tips.

Spring

Spring is the ideal time to walk a dog since the weather will get warmer. Be aware of seasonal allergies, as dog allergy cases have increased by 30% over the last decade.

Summer

Summer is the toughest time to walk a dog since outdoor temperatures spike and hot surfaces can cause burns to a dog’s paws. Steer clear of walks on hot pavement, encourage a pet to drink water, and watch for indications of overheating.

Fall

Fall is another great time to walk a dog since the air and asphalt temperatures won’t soar. Look out for hazards that fallen leaves can hide on the ground.

Winter

Winter is a difficult time to walk a dog since temperatures drop and snow and ice cover the ground. Put shoes and sweaters on the dogs and provide special care for their paws.

Recognizing Signs of Heat Stress and Cold Stress in Dogs

Walking dogs in hot or cold temperatures can lead to health complications. Let owners know to monitor dogs for signs of heat and cold stress.

Signs of Heat Stress

A dog with heat stress may exhibit these symptoms:

• Red gums
• Drooling
• Lethargy

Move dogs with heat stress into the shade on grass, let them drink water, and apply cold towels to keep a dog cool.

Signs of Cold Stress

A dog with cold stress may demonstrate these symptoms:

• Shivering
• Whining
• Reluctance to walk

Put layers on dogs with cold stress to protect them, take them indoors to increase their body temperature, and skip future walks.

Breed-Specific Considerations for Hot Weather and Cold Weather

Dog breeds react to hot and cold weather differently. Find out how heat- and cold-tolerant specific breeds are.

Thick-Furred Breeds

Huskies, malamutes, and breeds with extra fur handle cool temperatures, but hot weather can leave them vulnerable.

Short-Coated Breeds

Greyhounds, boxers, and breeds with short fur perform better in hot weather than in cool weather.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Bulldogs, pugs, and flat-faced breeds are prone to overheating.

Small Breeds

Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and small breeds don’t do well in cool weather.

Let Us Elevate Your Veterinary Practice

Owners should take dogs on walks, but they shouldn’t let it lead to burnt paws. Both you and your vet staff can protect them by providing owners with a pavement temperature chart for dogs.

You can also equip your office with tools to stay in touch with patients. Get a demo of Weave’s comprehensive communication solutions for your practice today.

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