30.07.2026 This photo went viral after critics questioned why the father was carrying his dog instead of his young son. The father explained that he carried the companion animals because the pavement was too hot, defending his decision by stating, “My child has shoes. My dog doesn’t”. While some viewers were initially critical, many later defended the man, noting that scorching pavement can severely burn a dog’s paw pads in less than a minute.

After being criticized for carrying the dog in his arms instead of the son, the father defended himself: "The ground was hot and my dog was barefoot." pic.twitter.com/VSJwW0T0db

— Puppies & Positivity (@Puppieslover) July 28, 2026

Sidewalk pavement on a hot day can heat up to between 50C and 80C degree, which is hot enough to seriously burn bare feet—and paws. Dogs can experience serious, painful burns from walking on hot pavement, and their shoe-wearing guardians may have no idea. From dog boots to later-in-the-day walks, learn how to help keep your canine companion safe and comfortable in hot weather.

To determine whether the pavement is too hot for your dog, simply put your palm on it. If you can’t rest your palm on it comfortably for several seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. If you live in a city where pavement is hard to avoid, stick to lightly colored sidewalks, which reflect sunlight, and avoid crossing darker asphalt streets, which absorb heat.

Although dogs need several breaks during the day, you can protect them from paw burns by going on longer walks early in the morning or late in the evening on hot days, keeping midday walks as short as possible.