Safety
Hot Pavement Paw Safety: The 7-Second Rule Every Texas Owner Should Know
By Missy Zipperer • May 22, 2025 • 5 min read
A working Texas pet sitter’s guide to summer paw pad protection — pavement temps, symptoms, and the 7-second test.
By July in Houston, pavement can hit 145°F while the air is only 90°F. That’s hot enough to burn paw pads in under a minute.
The 7-second rule
Press the back of your hand against the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Signs of paw pad burns
- Limping or refusing to walk
- Licking or chewing paws
- Visible redness or blisters
- Missing chunks of pad
Prevention
- Walk before 8am or after 8pm
- Stick to grass and shade
- Booties for long walks
- Paw wax as a barrier
Recommendation
Paw wax, booties & cooling gear
Benefits
- Non-toxic paw balms
- Breathable summer booties
- Cooling vests for high-heat days
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Written by Missy Zipperer, a working Texas pet sitter. This article is informational only and is not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.