petsdogsweathersafety
Should I bring my dog to a splash pad on a hot day?
Quick answer
Only to a designated dog splash pad — never to a kid splash pad. On hot days bring water, a bowl, shade, and check pavement temperatures with your hand. If pavement is too hot for your palm after seven seconds, it will burn your dog's paws.
Hot days are exactly when dogs are tempted by water — and exactly when they're at highest risk for paw burns and heat stroke. If you go to a dog-friendly splash pad, do the seven-second pavement test: press the back of your hand to the concrete. If you cannot hold it there comfortably for seven seconds, your dog cannot walk on it. Visit during early morning or after 6pm in summer. Bring twice as much drinking water as you think you need, a collapsible bowl, and a shaded blanket or umbrella. Watch closely for heat stroke signs: heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting. Brachycephalic breeds like pugs and bulldogs are especially vulnerable. If your dog seems uncomfortable, leave immediately.