The seven-second pavement test

On a hot Perth afternoon the footpath can be far hotter than the air. Dark asphalt in full sun gets hot enough to burn paw pads, and dogs can’t tell you until it hurts.

Try the test

Press the back of your hand flat on the ground for seven seconds. If you want to pull it away before then, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

On hot days

• Walk early in the morning or after sunset.
• Stick to grass, shade and tree-lined paths.
• Carry water for both of you, and offer it often.
• Keep it short for puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds, who overheat faster.

The walk check on our home page flags hot, high-UV conditions, so you can plan around them before you grab the lead.