Too hot for paws?
See LA’s estimated pavement temperature right now and the best times to walk.
Is it safe to walk right now?
Hourly National Weather Service forecast for West Hollywood or your location. We estimate how hot the pavement is, not just the air.
Why the air temperature lies
On a sunny 77°F day, asphalt can reach about 125°F, hot enough to burn paw pads in a minute. At 86°F air, sunny asphalt can pass 135°F. Dogs can’t tell you their feet hurt until damage is done, and they sweat mainly through their paws and pant to cool off, so hot ground and hot air add up fast. In LA, heat waves and Santa Ana winds can push pavement temperatures dangerously high well into October.
Signs of burned paws and heat stress
Paw burns: limping, licking or chewing the feet, darker or red pads, blisters, or missing pieces of pad. Cool the paws with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water and call us. Heat stress: heavy panting, thick drool, bright red gums, wobbliness, vomiting, or collapse. Move your dog to shade, wet them with cool (not ice) water, offer water, and call us right away, or go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if they collapse. Our Should I bring my pet in? tool can help you decide.
Hot-weather walking tips
- Walk before 9 AM or after sunset in summer and during heat waves.
- Choose grass, dirt trails, and shaded streets over asphalt and concrete.
- Flat-faced breeds (Frenchies, pugs, bulldogs), seniors, and overweight dogs overheat fastest.
- Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked.
- Smoky or hazy day? Check the air before you go with our Smoke Day Walk Check. Heat and smoke together are harder on pets than either alone.
Common questions
How hot is too hot to walk my dog?
If the pavement is 125°F or hotter, paw pads can burn in about 60 seconds. On a sunny day that can happen when the air is only in the high 70s. Use the 7-second test: if you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot.
What time of day is safest to walk my dog in summer?
Early morning before 9 AM, or after the sun goes down. Pavement holds heat for a while after sunset, so later evening is better than right at dusk.
What should I do if my dog’s paws are burned?
Rinse with cool (not ice-cold) water, keep your dog off hot surfaces, and call us. Burned pads are painful and can get infected; most need a vet check.
What are signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heavy panting, thick drool, bright red gums, weakness, wobbling, vomiting, or collapse. Move your dog to shade, cool them with cool (not ice) water, and get veterinary help right away.
Heat stress or burned paws?
Same-day urgent care at Paw Priority, 8020 Melrose Ave. Walk-ins welcome.
Call (310) 776-5544