Dogs are marvels of nature. Their coats insulate them against the elements, their powerful noses detect scents far and wide, and their acute hearing picks up sounds at stunningly high frequencies.
On the other hand, they don't have shoes.
Just as you wouldn’t walk barefoot on scorching concrete, your dog's paws can suffer burns on sun-infused surfaces. Their thick paw pads may offer some protection against rough surfaces, but they’re absolutely vulnerable to high temperatures.
So if you’re looking to take your canine companion along for some summer adventures, it’s wise to take some preventive steps to keep their paws safe.
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Hot pavement can pose a serious threat to your dog's paws, leading to burns and discomfort.
How hot pavement affects dog paws
Pavement materials, like asphalt and concrete, are dark and dense, which makes them excellent absorbers of solar radiation. As a result, pavement can reach extremely high temperatures under the sun—sometimes much hotter than the surrounding air.
Such heat can cause serious damage to the sensitive pads of a dog’s feet within just a few minutes of contact, including burns and blisters.
Signs that pavement is too hot for dogs
One simple test to determine if the pavement is too hot is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog’s paws. Here are a couple of potential signs that the pavement might be hazardous:
Lack of shade or cooling: Areas without shade or a cooling breeze are likely to have hotter pavement.
It feels uncomfortably hot: If the air temperature is uncomfortably hot for you, it's likely that the pavement is even hotter.
Visible heat waves: If you can see heat waves or a shimmering effect rising from the pavement, it indicates that the surface is extremely hot.
Look up the temperature: When the outdoor temperature is over 29 Celsius, that may mean the pavement is unsafe for your pup’s paws. 30-degree weather can translate to 57-degree asphalt.
Veterinarians and pet experts suggest that pet parents avoid walking dogs on pavement when the temperature exceeds 29°C (85°F). In fact, taking your dog out at all in these sorts of temperatures is not recommended, as there's a risk of heatstroke. Leave your pet at home or give them exercise during the cooler parts of the day.
Symptoms of burned dog paws
Burned paws can cause significant pain and discomfort for your dog. Learning to spot the symptoms early can help you provide immediate care.
Identifying signs of paw burns
Common signs of paw burns include:
Redness and blisters: The paw pads may appear red, inflamed, or have visible blisters.
Limping or refusal to walk: Your dog may limp or show reluctance to walk on certain surfaces.
Behavioural changes
In addition to physical symptoms, burned paw pads can lead to noticeable behavioural changes. Your dog might become more anxious, restless, or show signs of distress when walking on hot surfaces. During hot weather, it's important to monitor these behaviours and inspect your dog's paws regularly.
Preventing paw burns in the first place
It's much better to prevent burns than treat them. Here are some practical tips to help you protect your dog's paws from hot pavement.
Checking pavement temperature
Before heading out for a walk, always check the pavement temperature to make sure it's safe for your dog. As we already mentioned, a simple way to do this is the "seven-second test," which involves placing the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Best times for walks
To avoid the hottest parts of the day, plan your walks during the cooler hours. Early mornings or late evenings are ideal times to walk your dog since pavement temperatures are significantly lower.
Using protective gear
If you have to go out in hot weather, consider using protective gear to safeguard your dog’s paws. In particular, dog boots provide a barrier between your dog's paws and the hot pavement. They come in various sizes and materials to ensure a comfortable fit.
Still, these should be a last resort. To avoid burns (and other heat-related issues like heatstroke), it's far better to keep your dog indoors or exercise them during the cooler parts of the day.
First aid for burned paws
Accidents happen. If your dog's paws get burned, you can lessen the damage by taking immediate action.
Immediate care for burned dog paws
If your dog's paws get burned, follow these immediate steps:
Rinse with cool water: Gently rinse the affected paws with cool (not cold) water to soothe the burns and clean any dirt or debris.
Apply antiseptic or paw balm: Use a pet-safe antiseptic or paw balm to prevent infection and promote healing. To steer clear of harmful ingredients, be sure to use products specifically designed for dogs.
When to seek veterinary care
While very minor burns can often be treated at home, more severe cases may require professional attention. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
Persistent redness or swelling
Blisters or open wounds
Signs of infection, such as pus or an unpleasant odour
Your dog continues to show signs of pain or discomfort
Long-term paw care
Consistent paw pad care can work wonders for your dog's long-term health.
Paw pad care: The practice of regularly inspecting, cleaning, moisturising, and trimming your dog's paws and nails to prevent injury and maintain overall paw health.
Maintaining healthy paws year-round
Caring for your dog’s paws should be a year-round effort, not just during the summer months. Regular maintenance can help prevent injuries and keep your dog's paws in tip-top shape.
Regular paw inspections
Make it a habit to inspect your dog’s paws regularly. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cuts and scrapes, cracks, or foreign objects lodged between the toes. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Moisturising paw pads
Dry, cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for your dog and more susceptible to injuries, including burns. Use a pet-safe paw moisturizer to keep their pads soft and supple. Avoid human lotions, as they can contain ingredients harmful to dogs.
Keeping nails trimmed
Long nails can cause additional stress on your dog's paws and alter their gait, leading to discomfort or injury. Regularly trim your dog’s nails to an appropriate length to support healthy paws.
Alternative walking surfaces
On hot days, finding cooler walking surfaces for your dog can make a world of difference.
Safe surfaces for dog walks during hot weather
When the pavement is too hot, consider walking surfaces that are cooler and gentler on your dog's paws. Here are some options to keep in mind:
Grass: Natural grass is much cooler than pavement and provides a soft, comfortable surface for your dog to walk on. (Just be careful about grass seeds.)
Dirt trails: Dirt paths remain cooler than asphalt and concrete and can be a great alternative for your dog’s walks.
Shaded paths: Walking in shaded areas, such as under trees or along wooded trails, can significantly reduce the heat exposure on your dog's paws.
But remember, if it's hot, then it is best to walk your dog early in the morning or in the evening. Avoid the heat of the day.
Indoor exercise alternatives
On days when it's too hot to go outside, keep your dog active with indoor exercises and activities. You can't go wrong with these:
Interactive toys: Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games can provide mental enrichment and physical activity indoors.
Tug-of-war and fetch: Play games like tug-of-war or fetch inside your home to help your dog burn off energy.
Training sessions: Use hot days as an opportunity to work on training commands and tricks, which can be both mentally and physically rewarding for your dog.
By choosing these alternative walking surfaces and activities, you can keep your dog safe and active, even on the hottest days of the year.
Keeping your dog's paws safe all summer
Keeping your dog's paws healthy requires year-round care. Regular inspections, moisturising, and nail trimming can all make a big difference. On hot days, indoor activities and shaded walks can provide safe alternatives to pavement walks.
These steps can help keep your dog's paws safe and sound. And if you're looking for extra protection, you should think about getting dog insurance. Pet insurance is designed to reimburse you for the costs of accidents and illnesses, so you're never one major ailment away from a financial emergency.
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