SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/dog-hot-pavement-test

Cornell's vet school says to test pavement for a dog by holding what on it for about 10 seconds?

Your own bare hand.

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  1. Your own bare hand ✔
  2. A dog treat
  3. A pair of gloves

Why: Blacktop holds heat and can be much hotter than the air. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paw pads.

Huh, didn't know that: Dogs on hot asphalt should not linger when temperatures are very high, says the ASPCA.

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References

Answer: Your own bare hand. Blacktop holds heat and can be much hotter than the air. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paw pads.

  1. Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, Summer heat safety tips for dogs www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/summer-heat-safety-tips-dogs
    If you cannot put your own hand or stand barefoot on the pavement for about 10 seconds
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. ASPCA, Hot Weather Safety Tips www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
    Don't let dogs linger on hot asphalt when the temperature is very high.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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