Dogs are burning their paws
25/6/2026
Translation: machine translated
Is it too hot for you? Then it's even hotter for your dog. This is how you protect him from burnt paws.
Lunchtime. 33 degrees Celsius. I'm sitting at the bus stop, sweating. A young man with a Corgi stands next to me. I smile. The short-legged bonsai St. Bernards always bring a smile to my face. But then I see the Corgi shifting restlessly from one paw to the other and panting. My smile fades. How hot must the ground be without sneakers?
63 to 64 degrees Celsius. That's how hot asphalt can get, according to the animal welfare organization Vier Pfoten, when the air temperature is 33 degrees Celsius. This can lead to severe burns. Paws can redden and swell (1st degree), form blisters (2nd degree), or even char (3rd degree). In any case, there's only one thing to do: cool the paw under lukewarm water, bandage it, and immediately go to the vet!
To prevent this from happening, here are four practical tips and tricks.
1. The Seven-Second Test
I'm a big fan of experiencing things firsthand. That's why I like the Seven-Second Test. Hold the back of your hand on the road surface for seven seconds. If it burns, it's too hot for your dog too. It's that simple.
2. Early Birds and Night Owls
At certain times of the day, no test is necessary because your dog is guaranteed not to burn their paws: in the early morning and late evening hours. It's best to reschedule your walks to these times.
3. Green, Green, Green ...
Often, however, there's no other way: you have to walk your dog during the day. Make sure to walk on meadows or grassy areas. Livia Waser from Glarus has published dog hiking guides for hot days. In them, you'll find really cool walks and hikes.
4. Stylish Footwear
If it's unavoidable to walk a short distance with your dog on hot ground, there are shoes. You'll find them in various sizes and designs, and you should gradually get your dog used to them.
But <strong_>be careful</strong_>: In the heat, you should be cautious. Dogs regulate their temperature not only by panting but also partly through their paws. If they are in shoes, this cooling function can be restricted. So make sure your pet can cool down quickly again.
Don't rejoice too soon
Looking at the heatwave, I often think back to the Corgi at the bus stop. How does he manage to cross the hot asphalt? Does his owner take him into consideration, or does someone point it out to him? Maybe I should have. As much as I like the high temperatures, I wish for him that it cools down soon.
But be careful, even at 25 degrees Celsius air temperature, a hot pavement can still be a problem: asphalt can still heat up to around 52 degrees Celsius. Would you hold your hand on it for longer? Exactly.
When and how do you take your dog out in the current temperatures?
Header image: KPhrom/Shutterstock
Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI love everything with four legs or roots – especially my rescue cats Jasper and Joy and my collection of succulents. I’m happiest following the scent of stories about police dogs and cat groomers – or cultivating thoughtful tales in garden flea markets and Japanese gardens.
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