WARNING: Playground surface too hot for dogs' paws

RealGem

Hi,

I just came back from walking my dog, and as it was so hot, I sat on one of the swings in the park, to cool down.

Shortly after sniffing around on the grass, my dog came up to me as she often does to say hello. After about 20 seconds, all of a sudden she started dancing about quite eratically, and trying to lick one of her front paws.

I suddenly realised the rubber surface on the ground must feel really hot on her paws. It could be as hot as the rubber seat on the swing (ie: very bloody hot!). So I quickly got her back on the grass again, and dipped her paws in her water to cool them down.

Some of these rubber surfaces are for the kids in case they fall. They look like black tar, but are actually made from recycled tyres.

It hadn't dawned on me that the rubber would get so hot in the summer, but if the rubber swing seat was so hot, it makes sense that the rubber ground was also hot.

Hopefully some dog owners will see this post, and not let their dogs on those surfaces.

cheers

I'm ready...

thorsoak

The same rubber surface is in the children's play park on our Green - but it is fenced off and there are signs saying "no dogs" - to keep it safe from dog faeces etc - for the children.

RealGem

thorsoak wrote: »

The same rubber surface is in the children's play park on our Green - but it is fenced off and there are signs saying "no dogs" - to keep it safe from dog faeces etc - for the children.

Yes, I've seen those playgrounds. But this one isn't and doesn't have any No Dogs signs. In fact it has a bin next to the playground that says it's suitable for dog poop. (I have a poopod and always use the bins, NOT just when I think someone's watching - like some people I've seen!)

The rubber ground is only where the swings are; not the rest of the playground.

teddysmum

Normal road/pavement tarmac can be very uncomfortable, too. That is why mine ( if going out in heat is unavoidable) are walked on the grass verge.

GBNI

You need to also remember concrete and tarmac both get very hot as well. I am sick seeing people walking their dogs at the height of the heat. Either walk them first thing or late at night when it is much cooler.

RealGem

GBNI wrote: »

You need to also remember concrete and tarmac both get very hot as well. I am sick seeing people walking their dogs at the height of the heat. Either walk them first thing or late at night when it is much cooler.

1.
The pavement and tarmac is NOT a problem for my dog's paws. The rubber was WAY hotter than the pavement.

2.
Nice theory, but my dog and I would have to levitate from my house to the local park. Nice trick if you can do it.

3.
And the dog is supposed to stay in for 8 hours?

Also, my dog has arthritis and needs several short walks a day. And the heat is good for her arthritis. So even if she was let in the garden for most of the day, she would be stiff and have pain in her legs if she is not walked properly regularly.


Sorry for offering to help other pet owners on a public forum.

And sorry for walking my dog in the park (mostly on the grass - and for taking a tub of water for her).

You're right. I'm evil, and should never be allowed to keep a pet.

Person_one

RealGem wrote: »

1.
The pavement and tarmac is NOT a problem for my dog's paws. The rubber was WAY hotter than the pavement.

2.
Nice theory, but my dog and I would have to levitate from my house to the local park. Nice trick if you can do it.

3.
And the dog is supposed to stay in for 8 hours?

Sorry for offering to help other pet owners on a public forum.

And sorry for walking my dog in the park (mostly on the grass - and for taking a tub of water for her).

You're right. I'm evil, and should never be allowed to keep a pet.

I'm not sure why you're taking offence? Who called you evil?

Its very sensible when its hot outside to walk dogs early or late when its cooler if at all possible. Mine have to go out a few times a day for toileting purposes, but at this time of year their main long walk is at 7-8pm when they feel more comfortable and are able to enjoy it more.

That doesn't mean your warning wasn't relevant or helpful, its just adding to it.

RealGem

Person_one wrote: »

I'm not sure why you're taking offence? Who called you evil?

Its very sensible when its hot outside to walk dogs early or late when its cooler if at all possible. Mine have to go out a few times a day for toileting purposes, but at this time of year their main long walk is at 7-8pm when they feel more comfortable and are able to enjoy it more.

That doesn't your warning wasn't relevant or helpful, its just adding to it.

While you were writing this post, I was adding to my last post, that my dog has to go out for several walks a day, as she has arthritis.

If she had to wait 8 hours without a proper walk, she would be limping around in pain.

I took offence at the:
"I am sick seeing people walking their dogs at the height of the heat." comment by GBNI, implying I was not a responsible dog owner.

(I personally am sick of seeing people who have dogs and NEVER walk them).

Like I said, the rubber surface is a LOT hotter than tarmac or concrete, and I thought it was helpful.

Sorry you don't think it was helpful.

creativemieu

It was helpful... thank you for posting. I don't normally take my dog to parks as I luckily live in an area with plenty of semi wild walks but it is good to know just in case.

RealGem

I just took my OAP dog out for her 3rd (of 5 daily) short walks, and it would have been criminal to keep her at home, because it is quite breezy today and at least 40% of the park was in the shade. Many happy dogs were out in it.

Even in the bright sun, she was happy to walk on the path, even when there a massive field next to the path. So it could not possibly have been too hot for her.

creativemieu wrote: »

It was helpful... thank you for posting. I don't normally take my dog to parks as I luckily live in an area with plenty of semi wild walks but it is good to know just in case.

Thanks creativemieu, at least one person benefitted!

Person_one

RealGem wrote: »

Sorry you don't think it was helpful.

I missed a word in my post, I meant to say it was helpful.