As the seasons change and temperatures rise, it is important to protect your pet’s paws. While dogs do build up some tolerance on their paws to withstand hotter and colder temperatures, along with uneven terrain, pavement, like asphalt or artificial grass, can become incredibly hot and cause discomfort, blisters, and burn a pet’s paw pads.
If the air temperature registers 30⁰C, the asphalt temperature will be significantly hotter — close to 60⁰C. If it’s 30⁰C outside or higher, it may be too hot for your dog to safely walk outdoors, particularly if the pavement hasn’t had an opportunity to cool down in between the hotter spells.
Burns to a dog’s pads may appear as red, ulcerated skin or blisters; the skin on the pad may also fall off, leaving a raw and painful open wound. Other signs of paw pad burns include limping, licking the paw or pads that appear darker in colour than usual.
PROTECTION TIPS
- Use the 10-second rule. If you can’t hold your hand on the road or pavement for 10 seconds, then it is too hot for their paws. Winter temperature might differ, but it is always important to check the pavement. Walking with your bare feet is also a simple way to determine if the ground is too hot for your dog. If your feet are burning while walking across your deck, the beach or a sidewalk, your dog’s paws will also be uncomfortable and at risk of injury.
- If you’ll be going for walks outdoors in the summer, do so in the early morning or evening hours when temperatures have cooled, preferably on grass or soil.
- Massaging your dog’s pads with coconut oil is also useful for keeping them moisturised and less prone to cracking and dryness, which increases the risk of burns from hot pavement.
- If your pet tolerates them, pet shoes or boots can be used to protect paws from the heat or cold, but keep in mind that pets feel the ground with their paws, so shoes can interfere with their ability to sense their environment.
- Check and wipe their paws after walks to remove any debris and to dry them if wet!
- In winter (and summer), dry their feet when wet.
Read more on ITCHY PAWS – PAW SOAK Source: Dr Karen Becker
Your dog can’t tell you with words that their feet hurt; it is your duty to protect them!
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