Paws on the Pavement: How Hot is Too Hot?

Hey Fellow Texan or Oklahoman!

It’s starting to get hot out there, isn’t it? As May brought rain and storms, flowers long to bloom, which often requires some sunshine! Sunshine means things are heating up! If you frequently walk your dog outside in the Texoma area, you’ve already learned and experienced how varied the weather in the surrounding area can be. If you’ve lived through a Texas summer, you’ve learned that you can start sweating as soon as 9 a.m. If you’re sweating it out, your pup is heating up too! Maybe you’ve heard that dogs do not sweat and cool down in the same ways humans do. They sweat through their paw pads and pant through their mouths to cool down. If you have a super fluffy pup, they will heat up quicker and stay hot longer than a short-haired, sparse-haired fur friend. Other dogs to be mindful of in hot temperatures are brachycephalic dogs like pugs, English bulldogs, and Frenchies. Also, keep an eye on older dogs, puppies, and sickly dogs. Imagine being a pup that has to live outside during a Texas summer. Sounds quite terrible, right? You’d be begging for that A/C in 2 minutes!

According to weatherspark.com, Wichita Falls, TX’s hot season lasts from June to September! The average low temperature during those months is 61°F to 71°F. The average high temperature gets as high as 97°F in July and then 88°F in September. The average temperature throughout those months is 81°F in June, 85°F in July, and then 76°F in September. Even with shade and access to fresh water, these temperatures are dangerous for your dog! Veterinary experts say that heatstroke can happen quickly for a dog in temperatures above 70°F if the humidity is high and especially when temperatures get above 80°F. Essentially, during the summer months in Texas, dogs should be kept inside a cool, climate-controlled environment with outside time limited to potty breaks. This includes the purse princes and princesses that you want to take to the outdoor patio brunch, but it’s already 85°F outside! Leave pupper in the A/C and give a good cuddle after the mimosas.

Did you know that a dog’s average, healthy body temperature ranges from 100.5°F–102.5°F? Heat stress starts around 104°F, and then heatstroke at 106°F. It’s important for pet owners in Texas and other southern areas to recognize the signs of heat stress and heatstroke in their dogs (and other animals, but we’ll focus on the puppies for this article). Heat stress can look like heavy panting, weakness, restlessness, drooling, and confusion. Heatstroke signs include rectal temperatures of 104°F and above. Other signs include collapse and not being able to move, foaming at the mouth, and dark red, tacky gums. Research says that 1 in 7 dogs that experience heatstroke pass away. If you see the signs of heat stress happening to your dog, it’s advised to get them inside to a cool area and use cool (not cold) wet clothes to help cool your pup down. It’s always best to call your veterinarian and seek their advice during such a situation as well. Especially if the heat stress is getting worse and nearing heatstroke symptoms.

A big reason Texans are encouraged to keep their dogs inside cool, air-conditioned environments during the hot season is because even 5 minutes in the heat can greatly affect your dog. It’s also crucial to remember how much concrete and asphalt are part of your dog’s walking routes. Did you know that if it’s 85°F outside that the asphalt temperature can already be as high as 125°F? If it’s 95°F outside, then that means the asphalt is near 150°F! Would you want to walk barefoot on that? I highly doubt it! Have you ever been to a waterpark and walked out of the pool barefoot to get on the slide and realized how quickly your feet heat up in the walk? I bet you’re anxious to get right back into the water to cool those toes off! Now think of your dog’s paws and how often they are walking on concrete or asphalt in their daily routines. Other factors to consider on temperature exposure for your pup are coat length, coat color, and weight. Your overweight black lab does not need to spend longer than a potty break outside in the hot season. Also, remember that vets and experts advise the pre walk tip of placing the back of your hand on the concrete or asphalt for 7–10 seconds to see how hot it truly is. I bet after those 7–10 seconds your hand is feeling a little ouchie, huh? Your judgment on what is best for your dog greatly affects their daily quality of life. Don’t overwork your pup in the heat, and consider their precious paws. I would guess they don’t have a closet (unless they’re bougie like that) full of shoes to pick from on their walks. Remember that they don’t sweat like you do either! Dogs are also pretty good at hiding their stress and pain.

Down below is a graphic showing how hot the asphalt is during various temperatures during the hot summer days. When in doubt, potty break is the limit. If your active pup is longing for a cool, fun escape from the indoors, consider The Run Wagon! We would love to meet your pup and give them a run or walk in our climate-controlled van.

Sources:

“Animal Care Tech Note: Temperature Requirements for Dogs.” Www.Aphis.Usda.Gov, July 2022, www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ac-tech-note-temp-req-dogs.pdf. 

“Heatstroke in Dogs.” The Kennel Club, www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/heatstroke-in-dogs/. Accessed 10 June 2025. 

Gewirtz, Elaine Waldorf. “How to Protect Dog Paws from Hot Pavement, Sidewalks.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 26 Mar. 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-paws-hot-pavement/.

Kendra Gray, CPDT-KA. “Keeping Your Pet Cool through the Dog Days of Summer Part 3: Too Hot to Trot: Hot Asphalt Awareness for Your Dog.” Daily Leash, Daily Leash, 11 June 2024, www.dailyleash.com/post/keeping-your-pet-cool-in-summer-asphalt.

Morrison, Barri J. “How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?” PetMD, 30 Jan. 2024, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs.

“Weatherspark.Com.” Wichita Falls Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Texas, United States) – Weather Spark, weatherspark.com/y/7193/Average-Weather-in-Wichita-Falls-Texas-United-States-Year-Round#google_vignette. Accessed 10 June 2025.