Hot Pavement, Burned Paws: Protecting Your Pet from Florida’s Summer Heat

Florida summers bring intense heat — and with it, an often-overlooked hazard for our pets: scorching pavement temperatures. While we wear shoes to protect our feet, our pets walk barefoot, exposing their sensitive paw pads directly to surfaces that can reach dangerously high temperatures. 

As your trusted veterinary care partner, we want to raise awareness about how hot pavement can become, what it means for your pet’s safety, and how to prevent painful injuries during your daily walks. 

How Hot Does Pavement Get in Florida? 

During summer, outdoor surfaces like asphalt and concrete absorb and retain heat much more than the surrounding air. Here’s how quickly things heat up: 

Air Temperature	Asphalt/Pavement Temperature
77°F (25°C)	125°F (52°C)
87°F (30.5°C)	143°F (62°C)
95°F+ (35°C+)	150–160°F (65–71°C)

At 125°F, skin damage can occur in just 60 seconds. At 140°F, burns can happen in under 5 seconds. 

For our four-legged friends, that means even a short walk on a sunny day can cause second- or third-degree burns to their paw pads. 

Who’s Most at Risk? 

• Dogs and cats, especially those with thin or light-colored paw pads 

• Senior pets and animals with arthritis or mobility issues (slower movement = longer contact time) 

• Small pets like rabbits or ferrets allowed outdoors 

• Puppies and kittens with developing paw pads 

Signs Your Pet May Have Burned Paws 

Watch for these symptoms after outdoor exposure: 

• Limping or reluctance to walk 

• Licking or chewing paws 

• Red, swollen, or visibly blistered paw pads 

• Crying or whining when feet are touched 

• Darkened paw pad color (a sign of serious burn) 

If you suspect burns, rinse the paws with cool water and call your veterinarian immediately. 

Simple Steps to Keep Your Pet Safe 

1. Use the 7-Second Rule Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't hold it for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. 

2. Walk During Cooler Hours Stick to early mornings and late evenings, when surfaces have had time to cool. 

3. Stay on Grass or Shaded Routes Avoid asphalt and concrete where possible — grassy paths and shaded sidewalks are safer. 

4. Use Paw Protection Dog booties or paw balms (like musher’s wax) can create a barrier between the paws and hot surfaces. Just be sure to introduce them gradually so your pet is comfortable. 

5. Shorten Outdoor Time Limit time outside during the heat of the day. Always bring water and take frequent breaks in the shade. 

6. Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars Even with windows cracked, interior temperatures can rise dangerously fast. 

Our Commitment to Your Pet’s Health 

At Country Oaks Animal Hospital, we see firsthand the injuries pets can suffer during the Florida summer — but with proper awareness and prevention, they’re completely avoidable. 

If you notice signs of paw pad burns, heatstroke, or unusual behavior after time outdoors, don’t wait. Contact us immediately so we can help your pet heal and stay safe. 

Have questions about summer safety for your pet? Call us at 727-858-5056 or schedule a wellness exam today. 

Stay cool, stay safe — and protect those paws! 🐾