When's the safest time to walk the dog?

The 7-second pavement test

Press the back of your hand flat on the pavement and count to seven. If you can't keep it there comfortably, it's too hot for paws. Pavement can be 30°C hotter than the air on a sunny day. Twenty-five degree air means 55-degree pavement.

By season

Summer

Walk before 8am or after 7pm. Pavement is cooler, the sun is low. Skip 11am to 4pm. Carry water. Watch for excessive panting, slowing down, or refusing to walk. Those are early heat exhaustion signs.

Winter

Most healthy dogs handle cold down to about 4°C. Smaller breeds and short-haired dogs need a coat below that. Below -10°C, keep walks to 10 or 15 minutes. Wipe paws when you're back inside. Salt and grit crack the pads.

Spring and autumn

Easiest. Just check the AQI. Pollen and seasonal pollution affect dogs too, more than most owners realise.

AQI and your dog

Dogs are closer to the ground, where heavier particles settle. They breathe faster than you. Bad-air days hit them harder. At AQI 150+, keep walks short and skip running. AQI 200+, just toilet break in the yard.

Warning signs

• Limping or holding up a paw means pavement burn
• Heavy panting after stopping means overheating
• Coughing during or after walks means bad air or canine asthma (it exists)
• Cracked, red, peeling paw pads mean winter salt or summer burn

Gear that helps

• Booties. Hot pavement, snow, salt, areas with broken glass.
• Cooling vest. Soak it in water, evaporation cools the dog. Made for hot climates.
• Reflective lead and collar. Short winter days mean dark walks.

Today's call

Open Window Today's outdoor cards (UV, AQI, heat) apply to dog walks too.

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