Imagine walking in the streets without shoes in the hot summer. After only a few seconds, you'd be in agonizing pain.

When you take your dog out for a walk in the summer heat at the hottest part of the of the day, your dog could feel pain as well. Unfortunately, pet owners often do not realize how hot the sidewalks and streets could be. They do not realize how much pain it can bring to their dogs. In this article, we will share a few tips to help you protect your dog's paw pads in the summer.

Change the time that you walk your dog

It's best to avoid going on walks in the early or mid-afternoon. This is because the hottest part of the day is usually at this time. Instead, plan walks early in the morning or in the evening. This will allow your dog to be able to handle the heat of the ground.

Walk on cooler surfaces

Prioritize walks in forests, in the dirt, or ideally in the grass rather than on the sidewalk or street. These surfaces are cooler and there are less risks that your dog will burn their paw pads by walking on them.

dog summer paw pads early morning walk

Check to see if the ground is hot

Before taking your dog out on a walk, test the ground to see if it is too hot for your dog's paw pads. Press the back of your hand on the asphalt or sidewalk for seven to ten seconds to see if it is comfortable enough for your dog to walk on. If the surface is too hot for your hand, it is also too hot for your dog's paw pads.

Protect your dog's paw pads

Consider purchasing dog booties or special wax that allows you to create a barrier between your dog's paw pads and the ground. Walking your dog on the asphalt during the "cooler hours" of the day allows your dog to build up calluses on their paw pads, making them more resistant.

Be careful at the beach

Make efforts to protect your dog at the beach as well because the sand can become more hot than asphalt. In addition, paw pads of dogs are even more sensitive when they come out of the water. Therefore, be particularly careful with their paws pads, especially when they go swimming.

dog summer paw pads swim water

What you need to look out for:

If you went on a walk with your dog during a day when the temperatures were particularly high, check to make sure that your dog is not suffering from any problems. Here are the signs of burns on paw pads:

  • Your dog is limping or refusing to walk.
  • They are licking or biting their paws.
  • Their paw pads are darker than usual.
  • They have blisters or redness on their paw pads.
  • A part of their paw pad is missing.

If you think your dog has burned their paw pads, here is what you should do:

  • Carry your dog until you reach a cooler area.
  • Immediately rinse your dog's paw pads with cool water.
  • Carefully apply a cream or gentle antibacterial liquid.
  • Keep them from licking their paw pads.
  • If the burns are superficial, disinfect them with an antibacterial gel, then apply a bandage.
  • If the burns are serious, consult a vet immediately.

Now you know how to go on safe walks with your dog during the summer.

How do you protect your dog from the heat?

1 Comment

You need to have a Yummypets account in order to comment on this article.
Create your Yummypets account in less than a minute.

    Sherry E Caring for pets is essential to ensure their comfort and health just like protecting the challenge chain in geometry dash deadlocked to ensure the challenges are won.