Hot pavement warnings ahead
Dog's pads can be harmed when temperatures soar
By News Channel NebraskaSYRACUSE - Today's summer solstice signals hot pavement warnings ahead.
Highs are forecast in the 90s over the weekend and 101 degrees on Monday, which can mean scorching sidewalks for dogs and their walkers.
According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, the walking surface can be higher than what the air temperature says.
An air temperature of 87 degrees can result in asphalt surface temperature of 143 degrees. At 95 degrees, a concrete surface can rise to 140 degrees.
A surface temperature of 125 degrees can harm skin in 60 seconds. Even an air temperature of 77 degrees can turn pavement hot enough for patchy and pink blisters to occur on dog's pads.
Symptoms can be limping, excessive licking, favoring certain paws over others, reddening, blistering or bleeding.
First Aid for paws includes soaking in cool water, pat drying and cutting away hair to prevent infection.
Apply Vaseline and bandages and the cover with socks to prevent licking.
The Humane Society encourages a seven-second rule, which requires placing the back of your hand on the walking surface. If you can’t hold it there for more than seven seconds, it’s too hot for dogs.