Pet Owners Urged to Follow ‘7-Seconds Rule’ During Heat Wave

Meteorologists are urging pet owners to take one simple step to make sure their pets aren't harmed by hot pavement during the ongoing heat wave.

The first heat wave of the season is impacting the Midwest and Northeast this week. As of Wednesday morning, several states were under a heat advisory and an excessive heat warning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Heat index values were expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the heat was forecast to remain in the Northeast until the weekend and slightly longer for the Midwest.

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Amidst the heat wave warnings and the suggestions that people keep cool and stay hydrated, some meteorologists are reminding pet owners that animals also are susceptible to heat-related impacts.

In addition to keeping their pets hydrated, cool and never leaving them in a hot car, pet owners are urged to check pavement temperatures before taking their dog on a walk. Meteorologists said a simple, 7-second test can help owners determine if the asphalt is too hot.

“With the building heat wave, watch out for your pets, even walking them,” WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Use the 7-second rule. If you can't hold your hand against the hot surface, then your pets should not be on it. They can burn their paws.”

“Summer temperatures can be a problem for your pets! Remember the 7 second rule, by placing your hand on the asphalt for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them! Try to avoid walking them during the peak heating of the day,” WNKY meteorologist Darius Mack posted on X.

“I'm probably not walking on pavement in my bare feet today. If you feel the same, maybe think about your pet's paws too. And, “HAND CHECK!” If you can't hold your hand on the ground for 5-7 seconds because of the heat, it's not safe for your pet!” WCVB meteorologist A.J. Burnett urged owners in an X post.

A spokesperson from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) told Newsweek that in addition to pavement and asphalt, dirt, sand and artificial grass can become “dangerously hot” for pets as well.

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The spokesperson suggested walking pets during cooler times of day, such as in the early morning or late evening. Owners could also give their pets shorter walks and should keep a close eye on their pet for any signs of distress.

If a thermometer reads 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather could be too dangerous for walking the dog, even if the air outside doesn't feel hot, the American Kennel Club (AKC) reported.

Artificial grass also can become too hot to walk on, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein said in the report.

In most cases, the asphalt is much hotter than the air outside. For example, if the outdoor temperature reads 86 degrees, the asphalt temperature registers 135 degrees, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

There are several actions pet owners can take to ensure their pets' safety, according to the AKC report.

First, Klein suggested acclimatizing a dogs' paws to asphalt by walking the on pavement in cool weather. Suggestions also include utilizing canine products to moisture a dog's pads to prevent them from cracking.

To ensure protection of their dogs' feet, the AKC also suggests properly fitting dog shoes to protect paws from hot surfaces, although dogs need to adjust to the product before wearing them outside for the first time.