The sun was shining over the port of La Ciotat in France. For Silvia, it was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a short break on a café terrace, accompanied by her faithful Shar-Pei, Roro. She chose a table well in the shade, believing she was protecting her companion from the scorching heat. The dog settled down peacefully at her feet, and the moment seemed idyllic.
But when it was time to leave, everything changed, as reported by the French newspaper Nice Matin. As he stood up, Roro let out a whimper of pain. To her horror, Silvia discovered that her dog was severely injured. Panicked, she realised the situation was critical and rushed him immediately to the nearest vet.
A silent and overlooked danger
The vet's diagnosis was clear: Roro was suffering from severe burns. Even in the shade, the pavement had absorbed intense heat, turning the ground into a trap. "I misjudged the heat of the pavement, even though we weren't in direct sunlight," Silvia confided, still in shock.
This traumatic experience highlights a risk that pet owners often ignore. During a heatwave, the temperature of asphalt can exceed 60°C, causing deep burns to their paw pads and other sensitive areas in just a few seconds.
Silvia's warning to other owners
After receiving emergency treatment, Roro is slowly recovering, but he will be left with lasting effects from the accident. For his owner, the trauma has turned into a mission: to raise awareness among as many people as possible. "When you see your pet suffering, it really makes you learn your lesson," she explained, hoping her story will prevent others from going through the same ordeal.
As heatwaves become more frequent, caution is essential. Before heading out, it's vital to test the temperature of the ground with the back of your hand. If you can't hold it there for more than five seconds, it's too hot for your dog. Stick to walks early in the morning or late in the evening, and choose cool, grassy areas.