Is It Safe To Walk My Dog Now?
Live "go / caution / no" verdict using real weather + coat type + the 7-second pavement rule.
Hot pavement burns paws in 7 seconds at 50°C — and asphalt sits 20–25°C above air temperature in direct sun. This forecaster pulls live weather for your town, factors in your dog's coat type and breed shape, and gives a clear verdict: go now, wait, or skip the walk. It also picks the safest walk windows in the next 12 hours so you can plan around heat or cold.
How this calculator works
Pavement temperature is estimated using the air temperature plus a sun-exposure factor based on the live UV index — a rule of thumb cross-checked against published asphalt-temperature studies. Verdict thresholds shift down for double-coated and brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, and shift up for thin-coated breeds in cold weather. Weather data comes from Open-Meteo (free, no tracking). We never store your location.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the pavement temperature?
It's an estimate, not a reading. As a rule of thumb, dark asphalt in full sun sits 20–25°C above air temperature; we scale by UV to model that. When in doubt, do the 7-second test — press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws.
Why is my Husky flagged at 24°C when my Labrador isn't?
Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese) and brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies) overheat much faster than other dogs. We tighten the safe range for them.
Does it work outside Ireland?
Yes — Open-Meteo covers worldwide. Type your city and country.
What's the 7-second rule?
Place the back of your hand on the pavement and hold for 7 full seconds. If you can't, don't walk your dog there. Paw pads burn at the same temperature your skin does.