Wait at least 24 hours after concrete is poured before letting your dog walk on it, and 48 hours or more for large dogs or if you want to avoid scratches, or as long as your contractor recommends. Keep your dog well away from wet concrete entirely: besides leaving paw prints, fresh concrete is strongly alkaline and can cause chemical burns to paws and skin.
Below, we cover the timing, what to do if your dog steps in wet concrete, and other hazards to watch for.
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. Even though people can usually walk on it by then, claws can still scratch the surface. Concrete keeps curing for weeks (it typically reaches full strength after about 28 days), so it stays somewhat vulnerable for a while.
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 concrete that is still wet or soft, they’ll leave paw prints and claw marks in the surface, and the edges can chip.
The more important concern is your dog. Wet cement is highly alkaline and can cause chemical burns to paw pads and skin, which may not show up right away. If your dog steps in wet concrete:
- Rinse their paws (and any other contact areas) right away with plenty of cool, clean water for several minutes. Gently remove any concrete stuck between their toes.
- Don’t let them lick their paws until they’re clean, since swallowing cement can irritate the mouth and stomach.
- Dry their paws and watch them over the next day or two.
- Call your vet if you see redness, swelling, blisters, cracked pads, limping, or licking at the paws, or if your dog swallowed some concrete.
In addition, their paws could pick up bits of cement dust and gravel that could then be deposited on your floors inside, 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. Our tips on how to keep dirt out of the house with dogs can help with this.
By taking this simple precaution, you can help ensure that your new concrete 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. Dog boots can help here; see our dog boots for pets that drag their feet.
- 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.
- Wet or freshly poured concrete is caustic and can burn your dog’s paws and skin, so keep your dog away from it completely until it has set. Rope off the area or keep your dog indoors.
- There may be chemicals present that could be harmful to your dog if they lick or eat the concrete, including curing compounds and sealers. If the concrete is sealed, keep your dog off until the sealer is fully dry, following the product’s instructions.
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 walks on concrete that has set but isn’t fully cured, there’s no need to panic. The concrete may have minor surface scratches or scuffs, but it shouldn’t be seriously damaged. If your dog gets into wet concrete, though, rinse their paws thoroughly with plenty of cool water straight away, remove any residue from between their toes, and call your vet if their paws look red, sore, or blistered. If your dog steps in something sticky, we also explain how to remove tar from dog paws.
