If you’re like most dog lovers, you can’t wait to take your pup for a walk on the brand-new concrete driveway or sidewalk. But is it safe for them to walk on? When can you let them explore their new walking surface? Check out this blog post to learn more about when your dog can start walking on new concrete.
When is it safe for dogs to walk on new concrete?
As a general rule of thumb, you should wait at least 24 hours after the concrete has been poured before allowing your dog to walk on it. This will give the concrete time to start curing and hardening. Although you can walk on the concrete, your dog can still damage it after 24 hours.
If you have a large dog or one with particularly sharp nails, you may want to wait even longer – 48 hours or more. This will give the concrete extra time to harden and cure, making it more resistant to damage.
Can I let my dog walk on new concrete sooner if it’s dry?
It’s not a good idea to let your dog walk on new concrete that is still drying, even if it appears to be dry on the surface. The concrete can still be soft and vulnerable underneath, and your dog’s nails can damage it.
What if my dog walks on new concrete before it’s fully cured?
While concrete is a durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, it’s important to give it time to cure properly before subjecting it to heavy use. If your dog walks on new concrete before it’s fully cured, the weight of their body could cause the concrete to crack or crumble.
In addition, their paws could pick up bits of dirt and gravel that could then be deposited on your floor, leading to stains and scratches. To avoid these problems, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours after the concrete has been laid before letting your dog walk on it.
By taking this simple precaution, you can help ensure that your new floor will stay looking great for years to come.
Additional things your dog should watch out for with new concrete.
In addition to the risk of damaging new concrete, there are a few other things your dog should watch out for when walking on new cement:
- The surface may be slippery, so take it slow at first.
- The concrete may be hot if it's been in the sun - test it yourself before letting your pup walk on it.
- There may be sharp edges where the concrete is not yet fully cured. Inspect the surface for any potential hazards before allowing your dog to walk on it.
- If the concrete was poured recently, there may still be a risk of drowning if your dog walks on it before it's fully dry.
- There may be chemicals present that could be harmful to your dog if they lick or eat the concrete.
Conclusion
Overall, you should wait at least 24 hours after the concrete has been poured before allowing your dog to walk on it. If you have a large dog or one with particularly sharp nails, you may want to wait even longer – 48 hours or more.
If your dog does walk on new concrete before it’s fully cured, there’s no need to panic. The concrete may have minor surface scratches or scuffs, but it shouldn’t be damaged. Just be sure the cement doesn’t get stuck under your dog’s paws, as this can irritate. If this happens, wash your dog’s paws with olive oil or soap to remove any residue.
