Keep your dog safe this summer by protecting their paws from hot asphalt which can be hotter than the air. 

When the thermometer registers at 85 degrees Fahrenheit and stays elevated throughout the day, taking your dog everywhere you can, even for a short outing, can be dangerous. 

Spending even a few minutes meandering through an outdoor event can prove hazardous, according to officials from American Kennel Club (AKC). 

When the air temperature is 86 degrees, the asphalt temperature registers 135 degrees, according to data reported by the Journal of American Medical Association. 

Scorching surfaces can be especially damaging to puppies with sensitive young paws, according to AKC officials. 

Symptoms of burns:

• The affected area is reddened and swollen (1st degree)
• Clear blisters are visible (2nd degree)
• The skin is charred (3rd degree)

One way to avoid burned paw pads on dogs is to follow the seven-second rule, which involves placing the back of your hand on the asphalt for seven seconds. 

If you can’t keep the back of your hand on the asphalt for longer than seven seconds, then it is considered too hot to walk your dog. 

For more information, click here. 

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