The unconditional companion

It is not uncommon to see people walking with their dogs. Having a workout partner is a very good idea, in the same way, it’s a good practice to regularly exercise your K9 companion. In order to keep your pet safe, it’s important to keep in mind the weather. Extreme weather can be harmful to your dog’s health.

The selective breeding that brought the dogs

The dog is the animal that has been transformed most dramatically from its origin. They are the product of thousands of years of selective breeding and domestication that started with the wolf. Their variety is so extreme that it’s even hard to understand that breeds like the Tibetan Mastiff, the Greyhound, and the Pug are in fact the same animal.
So many extreme modifications come with a “price-tag”. Dogs have been modified for sports, protection, or companionship. No dog so far has been created to endure long walks on asphalt or concrete under direct sunlight, it would actually take several generations (over hundreds of years) to be able to come up with that breed.
If you are considering adding a walk-buddy to your family, go to your local shelter, they have thousands of options to pick from. Heaven after Hell is one of the shelters I have been most deeply connected with, in recent years.

Poorly equipped for extreme heat walks

With short legs, heavy furry coat, and sensitive paws, dogs are not designed to walk for long on the asphalt. The asphalt reacts to the heat, raising the temperature over its surface substantially. The asphalt with direct sunlight will be around 50 degrees hotter than the air temperature. 80-degree weather means the asphalt under direct contact with the sunlight is at almost 130 degrees, which can burn the skin in a minute.
Also, the direct sun can raise their body temperature considerably, making it easier to get a heat-stroke or dehydration. Breeds with short muzzles have a hard time breathing and those with wrinkly skin have a hard time eliminating the heat.

Testing before deciding

There are many differences between breeds, but a common factor is the soft, cushioned paws. The skin of the paws isn’t much different than the skin on an adult human foot. They offer some protection against high and low temperatures, but can’t handle extremes so well. To evaluate if the asphalt will be comfortable for a long walk with your dog, try walking it barefoot for around 100 feet: if it’s comfortable for you, it will be comfortable for them.