The Heat is On

Attachments

Asphalt Temp Sign.pdf

This time of year, there is no doubt that stepping outside for longer than half an hour requires making some extra preparations. You may stock up on sunscreen, buy new sunglasses, or be sure to water your lawn a little more than usual. What many fail to consider when stepping out into the heat, however, is how varying asphalt temperatures might affect your pet’s paws or even your children’s feet provided that they don’t have the proper footwear. Asphalt can be anywhere from 40 degrees up to 60 degrees hotter than surrounding air temperatures. So those common 100+ summer days can mean we're stepping on a surface as hot as 160 degrees.

Temperatures above 85°F can be dangerous for your animal. At that temperature, pavement, and asphalt can register as high as 140° F. The heat can potentially damage your feet and your puppy's paws if not wearing the proper foot protection. Although you may think your dog's paw pads are quite tough, it's important to remember that they are still made of skin and can be just as sensitive as the bottom of your feet. Even just by placing a hand or barefoot above the asphalt, you can ensure your pup’s paws aren’t being scalded. If you cannot hold your hand to the asphalt for more than five to 10 seconds, then it is too hot for your dog's paws. 

While asphalt baking in the summer sunshine is no fun for tender feet, a new study suggests it's not doing your lungs any favors either. ​​Inhaling fumes from asphalt may lead to irritation in the nose, throat, and lungs, which might result in coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Being exposed to asphalt fumes can also trigger headaches, dizziness, and feelings of nausea or cause someone to throw up. The good news is that all of these symptoms and hazards can be easily avoided by being cognizant of outside temperatures and the temperature of the ground beneath your feet as well. 

Asphalt also releases chemical compounds that contribute to air pollution as it heats up. Researchers also found that the asphalt's emissions double as its temperature increases from 104 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunlight plays a key role in these asphalt emissions, with even moderate levels of sunshine tripling the release of air pollutants, according to the study published in the journal Science Advances. Unfortunately, the problem is most likely to only be exacerbated by increasing global warming.

There are many ways to limit the risks of heat stroke or exhaustion walking your pup, including walking your pup early in the morning or later in the evening, bringing water and a portable bowl, giving your dog a shorter haircut for the hotter months if they have a longer coat, buying dog booties for hot weather, and sticking to short walks when the temperatures rise.