When is it too hot to walk my dog?

If the air temperature is above 90°F, most dogs are at risk. Pavement can reach 140–150°F. That’s hot enough to burn paw pads in under a minute.

If you’re asking this question, you’re probably at the door with a leash in hand. You’re trying to figure out if it’s worth the risk. And that’s reasonable in central Texas where “above 90” describes most of the summer.

So here’s a simple test: press the back of your hand flat on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your skin, it's too hot for their paws.

Air temperature is only part of the story. Asphalt and concrete absorb and hold a lot more heat than the air does. When the thermometer says 95, the pavement could easily be 140. That’s hot enough to blister skin, not to mention paw pads.

Dogs don’t always show pain from paw burns the way you’d expect. By the time they’re limping, they’re already hurting enough to need attention.

Certain dogs are more vulnerable than others. Flat-faced breeds—bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers—can't pant efficiently, which means their primary cooling system is already compromised. Senior dogs, puppies, and overweight dogs also have a harder time with thermoregulation. And as you likely expect, dogs with thick double coats are working harder to stay cool than a short-coated breed on the same walk. For these dogs, anything above 85°F may call for shorter routes or skipping pavement entirely.

In the summer, the best time to walk is before 8 AM and after 7 PM. That gives the ground enough time to cool off. Of the two windows, morning is generally better because asphalt holds heat for a long time after sundown. Either way, if you’re used to a long midday walk, summer is a good time to consider breaking it up into two shorter ones.

On the worst days, the safest walk might be no walk at all. Puzzle toys, training games, and frozen Kongs can fill the gap until temperatures drop.

Woofie's® of Austin Hill Country dog walkers have plenty of experience with Central Texas summers. They know when it’s time to cut a walk short rather than push through. And they also stick to shade and cooler surfaces whenever possible. For you, that could mean one less judgment call you have to make when the weather is trying to cook everything in sight.