In the South, “fall” is different. The leaves aren’t falling (yet), and the sidewalks are still hot hot. School buses are hitting the road, the sun’s setting an hour earlier than it was mid-summer, and the pavement is still hot enough to cause blisters. 

But we have good news. Dog moms and dads don’t need an entire new routine when September hits. You just need a plan to keep your pup (and you) comfortable. 

Here’s how to keep your next walk on hot pavement safe, comfy, and still interesting, as the South catches up to the cooler weather.

The 7-Second Test (for a Safe Hot Pavement Dog Walk)

Hot pavement = a danger for paws, and in the South, pavement can stay hot even as September rolls around. Here’s how to keep your pups’ paws safe on your next walk. 

7-second test: Lay the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If you can keep it there comfortably, it’s safe for little paws. If you can’t, it’s time for plan B. 

Early or late walks (when the sun stops beating down) are usually the safest bet. But dog booties keep paws safe no matter what time you’re walking. They’re not a requirement, just a nice-to-have backup when the sidewalk isn’t your dog’s best friend.

Avoid the Sun (and School Traffic)

You don’t need a military schedule for September, but you do need a plan so you’re not running from the sun, a long pickup line, and busy streets with schoolchildren running into their parents’ arms. (Even if that sounds really, really cute). 

The two biggest things that can put a wrench in your walking schedule are the sun and the school run. Here’s how you can work around them. 

• You can either beat the school rush by walking before school gets out, or wait until the kids are home and the minivans and buses are off the street. Many schools let out between 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm, but, we recommend looking up local school schedules if you’re unsure of the hours. 
• Time your walk for the tail end of sunset, which usually hits anywhere between 7:30 pm and 8 pm. If you have some wiggle room, it’s often the best way to catch the coolest time of day.

When It’s Too Hot to Care: Enter, The Scent Walk

When the humidity is making your windows sweat, and your pup insists it’s time to go on her mid-afternoon walk, what’s a girl to do? Might we suggest a little pick-me-up? A wander through a pavement-free area (such as a park or walking trail) with a scent walk.  

Scent walks allow dogs to follow their instincts and lead the way for a change. While you can avoid the hot pavement, it may still be the hottest part of the day, so you’ll still be battling the heat. 

Get around this with dog gear like cooling vests or bandanas. They’re a nice alternative to keeping your pooch cool during high temps.

How to take a scent walk: 

1. Ensure the leash is a comfortable length so your dog(s) can lead the way. 
2. Let them lead and follow their nose. Try not to redirect them unless you’re avoiding areas for safety reasons. 
3. Take your time, slow down, and smell the roses. Let your dog show you the pace, even if that means you only make it two blocks in half an hour. Choose a length of time, rather than a distance, for this type of walk. 
4. Opt for a quiet or safe spot where they can sniff to their hearts’ content with few interruptions. This can include parks, nature reserves, or quiet streets. 
5. To make things even more interesting, scatter a few treats along the way to reward your pooch for a job well done!

Plan Routes to Follow the Shade

No one knows your area better than you do. (Except, maybe your neighbors.) As heat lingers through September, plan a few routes that follow the most shade. Look for trees, as they offer the best chance of shade, but if you live in a city with tall buildings (or even a neighborhood with tall houses), you may be able to use them to your advantage and provide cover from the sun. 

How to play your shady walk: Track the best shade at different times of day (i.e., a morning walk versus an evening walk), thus changing your route for morning versus night. 

You can also look for shaded routes using tools like Google Street View to look for tree canopies that may provide your best chance of shade.

Working With the Season 

Your pups’ paws matter to you; that’s why you’re reading this. We know you have their best interest at heart. But it’s not necessarily about you doing more for their paws; it’s about working with the season, instead of against it. 

You can beat the heat (even in late September) and the hot pavement on your dog walk, and still have a stimulating walk if you follow the tips above. Schedule your walks before or after school traffic, plan a shady route, try a scent walk, and use dog gear like booties or a cooling vest/bandana as needed.