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🐕 GoodBoy

Safe walks for happy paws!

Is It Safe to Walk?

Your dog's safety companion!

Check pavement temperature, weather conditions, and get breed-specific safety advice in seconds. Because every paw deserves a safe walk.

🐕 What breed is your dog?

Standard: Typical exercise tolerance

❓ Dog Walking Safety Questions

What is the 7-second rule for dog paws?

The 7-second rule is a safety test for hot pavement: place the back of your hand on the asphalt or concrete. If you can't comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. GoodBoy automatically calculates pavement temperature using solar radiation data, so you don't need to manually test every time.

At what temperature does pavement burn dog paws?

Pavement at 125°F can cause severe paw pad burns in just 60 seconds. At 140°F, burns can occur in 15 seconds or less. The danger is that air temperature can be a comfortable 77°F while asphalt reaches 125°F in direct sunlight. This is why GoodBoy calculates actual pavement temperature, not just air temperature.

How hot is too hot to walk my dog on pavement?

Pavement above 120°F is dangerous for all dogs. Between 100-120°F requires caution - stick to grass or shaded areas. Below 100°F is generally safe, but breed-specific factors matter. Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs) need extra caution even at lower temperatures due to breathing difficulties.

Can I walk my dog on hot asphalt in summer?

Only if the asphalt temperature is below 100°F. In summer, asphalt can reach 140-160°F even when air temperature is just 85°F. Always check pavement temperature first. GoodBoy shows you the exact pavement temp and tells you when it's safe. Consider early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 7 PM) walks in summer.

Is it safe to walk my French Bulldog in 80 degree weather?

No, 80°F is at the danger threshold for French Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds. These short-nosed dogs struggle to cool themselves through panting and are at high risk of heatstroke above 80°F. Walk early morning or late evening only. Watch for excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy - signs of overheating.

What temperature is too hot to walk my Husky?

Huskies and other double-coated breeds overheat easily above 75°F. Their thick fur, designed for Arctic temperatures, makes them vulnerable to heat exhaustion even in moderate weather. At 75°F with sun exposure, keep walks short (15 minutes max). Above 80°F, skip the walk or find an air-conditioned indoor facility.

When is it too cold to walk my Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas and small, lean breeds get cold below 50°F and need a sweater or coat. Below 40°F, limit outdoor time to bathroom breaks only. Their small body mass and low body fat mean they lose heat quickly. Watch for shivering, reluctance to walk, or lifting paws - signs they're too cold.

Should I walk my dog in the rain?

Light rain is generally safe for most dogs, though some may dislike getting wet. Heavy rain (>5mm/hour) reduces visibility and creates slippery conditions - wait for it to pass. Avoid walking during thunderstorms due to lightning danger. After rain, be prepared for muddy paws and consider paved trails instead of dirt paths.

Is it safe to walk my dog in snow?

Light snow (1-2cm) is safe for most breeds, but watch for ice underneath. Heavy snow (>5cm) can hide hazards and be difficult for small or short-legged dogs. Snow often contains road salt which can burn paw pads - rinse paws after walks. Consider dog booties for protection. Northern breeds love snow, but even they need paw care.

Can I walk my dog in foggy weather?

Light fog is safe, but heavy fog (visibility under 100 meters) is dangerous near roads - drivers can't see you. Use a reflective vest or LED collar. Keep your dog on a short leash. Avoid off-leash areas in fog as you may lose sight of your dog. Early morning fog usually clears by 9-10 AM.

How windy is too windy to walk my dog?

Wind above 25 mph is dangerous - flying debris can injure you or your dog. Wind 15-25 mph requires caution, especially for small dogs who can be blown off balance. Wind also increases wind chill - a 40°F day with 20 mph wind feels like 30°F to your dog. Keep small breeds close and avoid open areas in high wind.

How do I know if the dog park will be muddy?

GoodBoy's Mud Meter checks the last 24 hours of rainfall. Under 2mm rain = damp grass. 2-10mm = muddy patches. Over 10mm = swamp conditions, bring towels! Unpaved dog parks stay muddy for 24-48 hours after heavy rain. Consider paved walking trails instead when it's muddy.

What should I do if my dog's paws get burned on hot pavement?

Immediately move to grass or shade. Rinse paws with cool (not ice cold) water for 5-10 minutes. Check for blisters, redness, or limping. Apply a cool compress. Contact your vet if you see blistering, excessive licking, or limping - paw pad burns can become infected. Prevention is key: always check pavement temperature first.

What is the best time of day to walk my dog in summer?

Early morning (6-9 AM) before pavement heats up, or evening (after 7 PM) once it cools down. Pavement reaches peak temperature 2-4 PM in summer - avoid this window. GoodBoy's "Golden Window" feature tells you exactly when pavement will be safe based on current weather and forecast.

How long can I walk my dog on hot pavement?

On pavement 100-110°F: maximum 10 minutes. Above 110°F: avoid completely or stick to grass/shaded areas. Below 100°F: normal walk duration is safe. Remember that paw pads heat up cumulatively - even "short" exposure to very hot pavement can cause burns. Watch for limping or paw licking during walks.

Do dog boots really help on hot pavement?

Yes! Dog boots or booties provide a barrier between paws and hot surfaces, allowing safe walks when pavement is 110-125°F. Look for boots with thick, heat-resistant soles. Acclimate your dog to wearing them gradually. However, boots don't solve breed-specific heat issues - Bulldogs still can't breathe well in 85°F heat even with boots.

Why does my dog lift their paws on hot pavement?

Paw lifting, limping, or refusing to walk are signs the pavement is burning your dog's paws. This is a pain response - their pads are literally being burned. Pick them up immediately if possible, or guide them to grass/shade. Don't force them to continue walking. This behavior means you need to change your walking schedule to cooler times.