How do I do the 7 second pavement test for my dog?

The back of the hand is more sensitive to heat than fingertips or palms, closer to how a paw pad responds, which makes it a more honest test than a quick touch with one finger. Hold contact firmly for the full count rather than tapping the surface, since a brief touch can feel bearable even when sustained contact would not be.

Dark asphalt can reach 50 to 60°C (122 to 140°F) when the air temperature is only around 25°C (77°F), because pavement absorbs and radiates heat far more than grass or soil does. At that surface temperature, paw pad burns can start within about 60 seconds of contact, which is quick enough to happen over the length of a normal walk without the dog visibly reacting until damage is already done.

Check the pavement at the exact spot and time you are about to walk, since a shaded path near a building can be 15 to 20°C cooler than open asphalt a few meters away. On days that fail the test, stick to grass verges, walk in early morning or after sunset, or fit well-fitted dog boots for the crossing points that cannot be avoided.

Make the test a habit rather than a one-off check, since surface temperature shifts through the day as the sun moves and shade patterns change. Testing at three or four points along a familiar route, not just at the front door, gives a more accurate picture before you commit your dog to the full walk.