This article discusses whether artificial grass can get too hot for dogs’ paws in the summer months. It looks at the risks of burns and other injuries to pets from artificial lawns on hot days. The piece explores common misconceptions around artificial grass temperature and compares it to natural grass, pavement and other outdoor surfaces. Credit: Trulawn Artificial grass can get hot enough to pose a risk of burns to dog paws in the summer heat, but high-quality pet turf installed properly will not get dangerously hot. Take precautions and artificial grass can be safe for dogs. While artificial grass does heat up, a quality pet-friendly product installed properly with precautions like shade and watering can provide a safe, comfortable outdoor space for dogs. The risks of burns are low if you take steps to keep your artificial lawn cool. It’s a common mistake to assume artificial grass is always a cool surface for pets. While artificial lawns don’t get as scorching hot as asphalt or concrete on sunny days, they can still reach temperatures that are too high for dogs’ paw pads. Plastic turf heats up faster and retains more heat than living grass with moisture running through it. So on a hot summer day, an artificial lawn can definitely become uncomfortably or even dangerously hot for your pup to walk on. Vets caution that prolonged contact with artificial grass over 85°F can burn your dog’s paws. At 120°-130°F and above, it only takes seconds for injuries to occur. A dog’s paws are sensitive and have no protection from heat like booties would provide. If the turf feels uncomfortably hot under your bare feet or hand, it’s too hot for unprotected paws. Signs of mild burns include limping, licking or chewing at the feet. More severe burns lead to blistering, peeling and open wounds. It’s important to check the temperature of your artificial grass regularly and avoid letting your dog out when it’s too hot. Provide ample shade and water access. Upgrade to a high-end, cooler artificial turf designed for pets if needed. While artificial grass carries risks on scorching days, a quality product is engineered to absorb less heat than concrete or asphalt. With proper precautions, dogs can enjoy the benefits of artificial lawns in summer. But their comfort and safety should always come first. Credit: NeoGrass On a hot, sunny summer day, the temperature of an artificial lawn can climb to levels that are unsafe for dogs. Plastic grass heats up rapidly, often reaching temperatures over 120°F when air temperatures exceed 85°F. In comparison, living grass rarely exceeds 85°F, even on the hottest days. The moisture and evaporation in natural lawns create a cooling effect. Artificial turf has no such temperature regulation. The blades easily absorb and trap heat from sunlight. Darker-coloured artificial grass gets hotter than lighter shades. The infill material inside also impacts temperature. Rubber crumb absorbs more heat than sand or other infills. More expensive, premium turf products are engineered with temperature regulation in mind. The outdoor temperature, amount of sun exposure, colour and materials make every artificial lawn system unique. Check the forecast before letting your dog out and monitor the turf’s temperature regularly when it’s hot. Provide ample water, shade and breaks from the heat. There is no definitive “too hot” temperature for dogs on artificial grass, as tolerance varies by breed and dog. However, once the lawn exceeds 85°F, it’s time to take precautions. Small dogs, puppies, senior dogs, breeds with flat faces, and dogs with dark coats are more susceptible to heat. Temperatures over 90°F can quickly lead to burned paws and heat exhaustion. Monitor the lawn’s temperature with a probe thermometer. Place it at ground level in direct sunlight to get the most accurate reading. If the artificial turf exceeds 90°F, provide ample shade, water and indoor breaks. Avoid prolonged direct contact with the hot plastic blades. Look for signs of overheating like heavy panting, lethargy, or excessively red gums. If you cannot safely keep paws off the hot turf, it’s best to keep dogs inside with the air conditioning on hot days. With proper precautions, most healthy adult dogs can tolerate short potty breaks on 85-90°F artificial grass. However, direct sun exposure should be minimised. Prevention is key to keeping dogs safe from heat stroke. Here are some tips to help keep your dog comfortable and safe on hot artificial turf: With a few simple precautions, dogs can stay comfortable and safe even on the hottest artificial grass. Prevention is essential to avoid heat stroke and burned paws. Artificial grass can get extremely hot in the summer sun, posing risks to pets. Thankfully, there are solutions to help cool down artificial lawns and keep your dog safe and comfortable. One option is to install a misting system. Misting nozzles mounted along the edge of the lawn can spray a fine mist of water to instantly cool the blades of grass. The key is using just enough moisture to lower the temperature without soaking the lawn. You can also opt for a grass coating like HydroChill to reflect more sunlight. These UV-protective coatings are designed to prevent heat absorption and reduce surface temperatures on synthetic turfs. Adding a shade structure is another solution, whether it’s a permanent awning or canopy, or a temporary shade cloth. Shading even just part of the lawn can give dogs relief from the harsh overhead sun. Finally, switch to a lighter-coloured or more heat-tolerant artificial grass variety. There are products designed with protection from extreme heat and sunlight in mind. With the right solutions, artificial grass can be made safe and comfortable for pets to enjoy all summer long. It’s important to take steps to prevent it from getting dangerously hot for dogs. Yes, dogs can burn their paws on artificial grass if it gets too hot, especially darker-coloured artificial grass which absorbs more heat. The paws are very sensitive and prolonged contact with surfaces over 125°F can cause burns. Artificial grass can get uncomfortably hot for dogs in the summer if it is poorly installed or a low-quality product. Proper installation and irrigation help keep artificial grass cool. Higher-quality grass blades also stay cooler. Yes, even pet-friendly artificial grass will get hot in the sun and ambient heat. However, high-quality pet turf is designed to remain cooler than concrete or asphalt. Proper installation and irrigation help regulate temperatures. Tips to cool artificial grass for dogs: add a misting system, shade covers, avoid excessive sun exposure, water it before dogs use it, and use light colours like green that absorb less heat. Proper base prep and infill help too. Artificial grass does get hot, especially in direct sunlight and summer heat, and can potentially burn sensitive dog paws. However, high-quality pet-friendly turf installed properly is designed to remain cooler than concrete or asphalt. With precautions like misting, watering, shade covers, and proper base prep, artificial grass can be made safe and comfortable for dogs.
Is Artificial Grass Too Hot for Dogs?
Key Points
Our Opinion
Is Artificial Grass Too Hot for Dogs’ Paws?
How Hot Does Artificial Grass Get in Summer?
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Dogs on Artificial Grass?
Tips to Keep Dogs Cool on Artificial Grass
Solutions for Hot Artificial Grass in Summer
FAQ
Can dogs burn their paws on artificial grass?
Is artificial grass bad for dogs in the summer?
Does pet-friendly artificial grass get hot?
How do you cool artificial grass for dogs?
Conclusion
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