RALEIGH, N.C. — If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

• On a sunny day, asphalt temperatures can be 25 to 50 degrees hotter than the air temperature 

• Hot asphalt can burn a dog’s paw pads and cause damage 

• Pavement temperature can be tested by putting the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds

It may sound like common knowledge, but the SPCA of Wake County says every summer dogs’ lives are lost because heat safety isn’t taken seriously. That's why they are reminding people how to keep their pets safe during the hottest months.

“If it’s uncomfortable for you to be outside for 30 minutes, the same is true for your pets. So, if you leave them out in the yard, you want to make sure they have somewhere to cool off, whether that’s excessive water and some shade or a sprinkler to play in or the ability to come in and out on their own,” Samantha Ranlet, who works at the SPCA of Wake County, said.

When it comes to walking your dog in extreme heat, it’s important to check the temperature of the asphalt. On a sunny day, asphalt temperatures can be 25 to 50 degrees hotter than the air temperature. That means even on a 70-degree day, the pavement can reach up to 120 degrees.

“As a general rule of thumb, you can test the pavement by placing the back of your hand on it for about 7 seconds, if it’s too hot for you to hold your hand there, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on,” Ranlet said.

A dog's paw pads do not have a protective layer to withstand hot temperatures on their feet.

“In the middle of the day they can get home and you’ll find their paw pads are all burned, and it can cause damage and it’s really painful,” Ranlet said.

Ranlet recommends walking your pet in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are the coolest. If possible, try to walk them in grassy, shaded areas.

“Every year lives are lost because heat safety isn’t taken seriously. People underestimate how dangerous the heat can be for dogs and outdoor cats,” Ranlet said.“Every year lives are lost because heat safety isn’t taken seriously. People underestimate how dangerous the heat can be for dogs and outdoor cats,” Ranlet said.

In 2021, there were 59 reported heat-related dog deaths in the U.S, according to People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals. They also reported 145 dog rescues from hot cars. 

“You should pretty much never, ever leave a dog in a hot car, same as children,” Ranlet said.

It’s also important to know the warning signs of heat stress or heat stroke.

“Excessive panting or drooling, if their gums become dark-colored or they collapse, you want to bring them into an air-conditioned home, bring them water,” Ranlet said.

The Wake County Animal Center says if your dog experiences any of these signs the owner should immediately take them to an emergency vet clinic. They also recommend having two clinics on standby in case of overcrowding.

The Wake County Animal Center advises pet owners to follow the HEAT acronym:

H – Hydration: Cool fresh water, ice cubes in it, make sure it stays cold and they can’t tip it over

E – Emergency: Heat stroke or heat stress, dark colored gums, excessive panting, seek emergency care

A – Asphalt: Put your hand on the back of the pavement, if you can’t keep it there, your pet shouldn’t walk on it

T – Transportation: Leave your pet at home if you are not going to take them out of the car