Central PA's Summer Heat: A Growing Challenge for Dog Owners
Living here in the Harrisburg area, I've watched our summers get progressively hotter and longer. Between the 1960s and 1990s, the Harrisburg region averaged 10 days per year when the temperature crossed 90 degrees, but now we're seeing 23 days with a high of 90 plus degrees already this summer - that's more than double what our grandparents experienced. The highest temperature ever recorded in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was 107 °F which occurred on July 3, 1966, and we're getting dangerously close to those extremes more frequently.
This isn't just uncomfortable weather - it's creating real danger for our four-legged family members. What many dog owners don't realize is that when the air temperature is 86 degrees, the asphalt temperature registers 135 degrees. That's hot enough to cause serious burns in under a minute.
The Hidden Danger: Hot Pavement Burns
Here's what shocked me when I first learned about pavement temperatures: When the air is 77°F (25°C), asphalt that is in the sun can get as hot as 125°F (51°C). When the air is 86°F (30°C), the asphalt can get as hot as 135°F (57°C). Even more alarming, it only takes 60 seconds on 125℉ pavement for a dog's pads to burn.
Think about that the next time you're walking down Market Street or through Midtown Harrisburg on a warm summer day. A study by Frostburg University has shown that when concrete reaches a temperature of 104 °F / 40 °C, under similar conditions brick can get as hot as 109.4°F / 43 °C and asphalt 124 °F/ 51 °C.
The Seven-Second Test
Before you and your dog step outside, always do the seven-second test. Place your hand comfortably on the pavement for ten seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Some experts recommend an even shorter test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for at least seven seconds, the surface is too warm for your dog.
I've tested this on the sidewalks around Italian Lake and along Front Street - the results are eye-opening. Even on days that feel pleasantly warm to us, those concrete and asphalt surfaces can be scorching.
When NOT to Walk Your Dog in Central PA
Based on my experience living here and the latest research, avoid walks entirely when:
- Air temperature reaches 85°F or higher - it's best not to walk your dog on the sidewalk if the temperature is 85°F (29°C) or higher, especially when the sun is shining the brightest
- Between 10 AM and 7 PM during heat waves - asphalt and concrete absorb heat and hold it for hours, which means the ground can still be dangerously hot on cloudy afternoons or warm summer evenings
- When humidity is extremely high - Our Central PA summers can be brutally humid, making it harder for dogs to cool themselves through panting
- If your dog shows any signs of distress - Heavy panting, drooling, or reluctance to walk
Safe Walking Times and Places in the Harrisburg Area
Early Morning Adventures
Try to walk your dog early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or later at night (after 7 p.m.) when the pavement may be cooler. I've found the best times locally are between 6-9 AM and after 8 PM during summer months.
Shaded Trails Around Harrisburg
The Capital Area Greenbelt is a 20-mile loop around Pennsylvania's capital city that offers excellent shaded sections. The park features shaded seating areas to relax in, it's a perfect spot to take a break while your dog enjoys the fresh air. The riverfront sections along the Susquehanna provide some of the coolest walking in the area.
Other great shaded options include:
- Wildwood Park - Wildwood Park is conveniently located on the edge of Harrisburg, PA. The lake trails offer numerous opportunities for visitors to stop and check out natural elements
- Italian Lake Park - Italian Lake Park Loop offers a scenic, easygoing walk around the park's centerpiece lake, combining open grassy areas, shaded paths, and water views. The well-maintained trail is ideal for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a peaceful outdoor escape
- Reservoir Park - Offers tree-covered paths that stay cooler during hot days
- Boyd Big Tree Preserve - The old-growth forest provides excellent natural air conditioning
Dog Parks with Shade
Happy Tails Dog Park has tons of shade and a really cool water fountain for dogs on both the large and small dog areas. Located in Kohl Memorial Park in Lower Paxton, it's one of the better-equipped parks for hot weather.
The Lower Allen Community Park Dog Park also offers big open areas for large and small dog breeds with enrichment for animals and humans (trees, gazebos, benches, etc.).
Emergency Signs: When Your Dog Is Overheating
Know these warning signs of heat exhaustion in dogs:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Bright red or pale gums and tongue
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or collapse
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion or disorientation
If you notice any of these signs, get your dog to shade immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
Local Emergency Veterinary Care
Keep these numbers handy for heat-related emergencies:
- Shores Veterinary Emergency Center - 717-798-8500, 835 Sir Thomas Court, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Open 24/7, 365 days a year
- Hershey Animal Emergency Center - 717-298-7883, 1251 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033. Hours: 24-7
Protecting Your Dog's Paws
Even with careful timing, your dog's paws need protection during Central PA's hot summers:
Dog Booties
Dog shoes or all-terrain boots offer protection from hot surfaces, but many dogs need time to adjust to wearing them before the first outing. Getting the right size—fitting snugly, but not too tight and not too loose—helps your dog acclimate to wearing shoes.
Paw Conditioning
Dog's pads need to become acclimated to weather and stress. The first long walk or jog of a warm season can often cause blisters on feet. To help condition your dog's paws, walk on the pavement during cool weather.
Paw Care Products
Many canine products help moisturize dog's pads to prevent cracking from heat. When pads are dry, they're more susceptible to burns from hot pavement.
Indoor and Water Activities
When it's simply too hot to walk outside safely, consider these alternatives:
- Swimming - City Island offers water access, though always supervise your dog closely
- Indoor training sessions - Perfect time to work on commands in your air-conditioned home
- Mall walking - Some local malls allow leashed, well-behaved dogs during specific hours
- Doggy daycare - If you're looking for daycare nearby during extreme heat days, we've had great experiences with Greenlin in Camp Hill
Legal Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law has specific requirements for dogs kept outside during hot weather. Dogs that are tethered outside and unattended can only be so for up to nine hours in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and only for 30 minutes above 90 degrees. The dog must have access to an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun, as well as clean water.
Planning Ahead for Hot Weather
Check the weather forecast daily during summer months. Remember that pavement in full sun can reach dangerously high temperatures even in the late morning, long before the peak heat of the day. Plan your dog's exercise routine around the coolest parts of the day.
Keep a thermometer handy to test pavement temperatures, always carry water for both you and your dog, and know the locations of shaded rest areas along your regular walking routes.
Living in Central PA means adapting to increasingly hot summers, but with proper planning and awareness, we can keep our dogs safe and comfortable. The key is respecting the heat, understanding the real dangers it poses, and having backup plans for exercise and enrichment when outdoor activities just aren't safe.