By mid-summer in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, asphalt and concrete surfaces routinely reach temperatures 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the air around them. On a 90-degree Georgia afternoon, that means pavement can climb well past 140 degrees — hot enough to cause second-degree burns on a dog’s paw pads in under a minute. It’s one of the most common, and most preventable, summer injuries we see referenced by clients and local veterinarians alike.

As groomers, we spend a lot of time with our hands directly on dogs’ paws — trimming nails, checking pads, cleaning between toes — which gives us a close-up view of just how vulnerable paw pads are to heat damage, and how often it goes unnoticed until it’s already happened.

The 7-Second Rule

Before any summer walk, place the back of your hand flat on the pavement and hold it there. If you can’t comfortably keep it there for 7 seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws. This simple test takes ten seconds and prevents the vast majority of pavement-related paw injuries.

Surfaces to test include sidewalks, asphalt roads, parking lots, and even artificial turf or dark-colored decking — all of which absorb and hold heat far more than natural grass or dirt.

Best Times to Walk in Georgia Summer

Timing your walks makes the biggest difference of all:

• Early morning (before 9 AM) — pavement hasn’t yet absorbed the day’s heat
• Late evening (after 8 PM) — surfaces have had time to cool after sunset
• Avoid entirely between 11 AM and 6 PM during peak summer months — this is when pavement temperatures are at their most dangerous, even if the air temperature doesn’t feel extreme

If a midday walk is unavoidable, stick to grass, dirt paths, or shaded areas whenever possible, and keep the walk short.

Signs Your Dog’s Paws Are Already Injured

Paw pad burns aren’t always immediately obvious, especially on dogs with thicker or darker pads. Watch for:

• Limping or refusing to walk on a particular surface
• Licking or chewing at the paws more than usual
• Visible redness, blistering, or discoloration on the pads
• Pads that feel unusually soft, raw, or missing surface texture
• Reluctance to put weight on one or more paws after a walk

If you notice any of these signs, rinse the paw with cool (not ice-cold) water, keep your dog off the affected paw as much as possible, and contact your veterinarian — burns can become infected if left untreated, and it can be difficult to judge burn severity without an exam.

How Grooming Fits Into Paw Protection

Regular grooming plays a bigger role in paw health than most owners realize:

• Trimmed paw fur reduces the amount of fur trapping heat against the pad and improves traction if your dog needs to move quickly off a hot surface
• Regular nail trims keep your dog’s natural gait correct, which distributes weight evenly across all paw pads rather than concentrating pressure on one area
• Paw balm application — many groomers, including our team, offer a protective paw balm that adds a light barrier against heat and rough surfaces, similar to how sunscreen protects skin
• Routine pad checks during grooming mean small cracks, dryness, or early damage gets caught before it becomes a bigger problem

Other Summer Paw Protection Options

For dogs who walk frequently on hot surfaces — or dogs training for activity in the heat — dog booties are a legitimate option, though many dogs need a short adjustment period to walk comfortably in them. Paw wax products applied before a walk can also add a protective layer, though they should be reapplied regularly and aren’t a substitute for avoiding extreme heat altogether.

A Simple Habit That Prevents a Painful Summer

The 7-second hand test costs nothing and takes no time, but it’s the single most effective habit for preventing pavement burns all summer long. Combine it with early or late walk timing, and a grooming routine that keeps paw fur trimmed and pads checked, and your dog can enjoy an active Georgia summer without the risk.

Robin’s Groomingdales is located at 2482 Jett Ferry Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338, serving Dunwoody and Sandy Springs since 1987. Ask about paw balm at your dog’s next grooming appointment — book at robinsgroomingdales.us/bookings or call (770) 396-8902. Open Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM.