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The important points, first
- Asphalt holds a lot of heat and can be much hotter than the air, hot enough to burn paw pads.
- Before going out, put your hand on the surface: if you cannot keep it there for about 10 seconds, it is too hot for your dog too.
- Walk on grass, go out in the cooler hours and consider protective boots.
- If you think the paws are burned, contact your veterinarian: fur hides the damage.
Why asphalt gets hotter than the air
Cornell University’s Riney Canine Health Center explains that asphalt holds a lot of heat and can be much hotter than the air temperature. A dog’s paw pads are tougher than our skin, but they can still burn when walking on a scorching surface.
According to an emergency veterinarian at the University of Illinois teaching hospital, paws burned on hot concrete or asphalt are among the hazards of summer, although less serious than heatstroke. Another Cornell article notes that concrete as well as asphalt can get hot enough to burn a dog’s feet.132
The hand test before going out
The check takes a few seconds. Cornell suggests placing your hand on the asphalt or trying to stand on it barefoot: if you cannot manage about 10 seconds, it is probably too hot for your dog too. The University of Illinois uses the same rule: if a surface is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it will burn your dog’s paws just as easily.
Bear in mind that the sun is highest around noon, but according to Cornell the hottest part of the day is the late afternoon, roughly between 3 and 5 pm.13
Changing route, time or surface
If the asphalt is too hot, avoid it: walk on grass when you can, or go out early in the morning or in the evening. The Riney Center also suggests boots to protect the paws.
While you are at it, rethink the whole outing. Choose shaded routes, avoid strenuous activity when it is hot or humid, and bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl. Never leave your dog in the car, not even briefly: cracking the windows does not keep it cool.213
If the paws are already burned
The MSD Veterinary Manual warns that burns are hard to assess in animals because fur hides the damage. Large or deep burns need immediate care. Meanwhile you can gently flush the area with cool water and cover it with a dressing that will not stick to the wound. Call your veterinarian before setting off, so they can give you instructions and prepare for your arrival.
On the same hot days your dog is also at risk of heatstroke. If your dog has hot skin, vomits, drools, pants rapidly, moves in an uncoordinated way or collapses, MSD advises moving it out of the heat, wetting it with cool but not cold water, using a fan and taking it to the veterinarian straight away. It should never be immersed in cold water, and drinking water should be offered in small amounts only once its temperature starts to fall.41
Sources and checks
Numbers in the text lead to the exact source. Commercial blogs and social posts are not used as evidence.
- 1University veterinary centre
Summer heat safety tips for dogs
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine · Riney Canine Health Center · Blacktop retains heat and can exceed air temperature, pads can burn, about 10-second hand or barefoot test, hottest hours, shade, cars, heatstroke signs.
Link checked on 16 Sept 2026 - 2University veterinary centre
Canine Summer Safety Tips: May 2024
Cornell Riney Canine Health Center · Asphalt and cement can burn a dog’s feet, hand check, walking on grass, boots, cooler times of day, carrying cold water.
Link checked on 16 Sept 2026 - 3University veterinary centre
Avoid Hot Weather Hazards for Dogs
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine · Paws burned on hot concrete or asphalt; if a surface is too hot to walk on barefoot it will burn a dog’s paws; cars and cracked windows; fast-developing heatstroke.
Link checked on 16 Sept 2026 - 4Peer-reviewed veterinary manual
What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency
MSD Veterinary Manual · Burns hard to assess under fur, flush with cool water and cover with a nonstick dressing, large or deep burns need immediate care; heatstroke first aid; calling the clinic ahead.
Link checked on 16 Sept 2026
This guide does not replace a veterinary examination and does not recommend medicines or doses. Any burn, even a small one, should be assessed by your veterinarian.