Hot temperatures could lead to dangerous walks for your dogs

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – You’ve heard the saying “It’s so hot, you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.” Well, that’s what the ground will start to feel like as we reach temperatures well into the 90s this week. Western Mass News stopped by the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield to learn more about when it is a safe time to take your dog out during hot weather.

“If you are walking your dog, preferably early in the morning and later in the evening. During the hours of 10 [a.m.] to 4 [p.m.] is when the hot pavement becomes a major concern,” said Renee Robichaud, TJO’s animal control supervisor.

­­­­­The extreme heat can cause hot surface temperatures that can lead dogs to suffer from which can cause discomfort, blisters, and burnt paw pads.

“You wouldn’t want to walk barefoot on it. Now imagine what your friend is going to feel when their walking on that pavement,” Robichaud explained.

So how hot is too hot for a dog’s sensitive paws? According to the American Kennel Club, when temperatures reach 90 degrees, the concrete could be reaching around 125 degrees and asphalt at about 140 degrees. Western Mass News stopped by the Agawam dog park and found dog owner Joe Franco, who shared what he does in the heat.

“Well it’s hot and the dogs know that and move slower in the heat, but what we do is we bring them here early in the morning and then, by noontime, we usually clear out in the heat and bring them back home,” Franco said.

He also said if your pet is showing signs of discomfort, don’t hesitate to respond.

“You can usually tell the asphalt is very hot – when the dog starts walking on it and looking to move over and walk on the grass – so you got to be picked up those signals and keep them off,” Franco added.

Another way you can find out if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on is try placing your hand on the pavement for about five to ten seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paw.

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