Walking dog on hot pavement

[bdevito]

I was politely chewed out last year for walking my dog to the mail station on a hot afternoon last summer. I have read some articles about dogs in hot weather on hot pavement. I have lived in Florida for 25 years and had dogs all those years, never have I had a problem with hot pavement and discomfort to the dog. I have had mostly had large dogs (German Shepard) and have a 4 year old Aussie (56 pounds) currently. I even read an article from a Vet advising against walking dogs on pavement on hot days.

So, I tallked to our Vet. I said "can I assume that my dog would show signs of discomfort, like yelping, limping or balking if there is a problem." She said, dogs are not stupid, if they have a problem with hot pavement, they will let you know.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue?

[jblum8156]

I've owned dogs for 40-some years in NY and Florida and I've never known them to have a problem walking on hot pavement. I've noticed they will hop onto the grass if they can but if they can't they just keep trudging along. I think their footpads are pretty tough.

[RVRoadie]

At the last RDOG2 meeting, two local vets discussed problems encountered by pets in hot weather. This subject came up and they did caution about the damage that can be caused by hot pavement, and discussed some of the cases they had treated. Can't remember all the details, but it made an impression on me. I am now more careful to find my dog places to walk where he can be off the pavement.

While dogs are not stupid, they do follow the lead of their owners. They will walk on the pavement if that is where you will take them.

[F16 1UB]

Attended the same meeting as RVRoadie. Agreed with everything they said. Vets did say that small dogs with short snouts also are more prone to heat stress than larger dogs.

[zcaveman]

When I first moved here, I took Bart for a walk and when he hit the hot pavement he did a quick move to the grass. I was careful ever since.