Tricks for Keeping Your Pups Paws Safe on Hot Pavement
Taking your pet for a walk is part of many people's daily routines. This routine however can be dangerous on hotter days. Did you know that when it's sunny out the ground is even hotter? It can get hot enough to burn your dog's paws! This guide will help you protect your dog's paws on hot pavement during the warm seasons.
Many people don't realize the difference between the air temperature and the asphalt temperature. Here is a chart to help put it into paw-spective:
How Do I Tell If The Pavement Is Too Hot For My Dogs Paws?
A good rule of thumb is to put the back of your hand to the pavement and see if you can hold it there for five seconds. If you can't, then it's too hot for your dog's paws! If you're still worried for your dog's feet, walking on the grass can be a good option during those necessary potty breaks.
If you really want to go on your daily walk, plan your route for either early in the morning or at night. But remember, the pavement takes longer to release the heat than the air, so always check the ground to ensure your pet's safety!
How To Condition Your Dogs Paws for Hot Pavement
Acclimating your dog to the summer heat is not something that can happen over night. If they are not used to hot pavement, the sudden shock of the first hot day can cause blistering and cracking on the pads of their feet (also known as toe beans). Luckily there are many moisturizing products and protective boots on the market that help condition their paws for hot weather, but you can also transition them slowly. You can do this by letting them walk on the grass, by taking frequent breaks, or taking them on regular walks on the pavement prior to the summer heat.
Dogs Showing These Symptoms May Have Burned Paws:
- Limping or avoiding walking
- Licking or chewing feet
- Paw pads are darker in color than usual
- Pads are visibly damaged
- Blisters or redness
FurHaven recommends treating burned paws by taking them into your preferred veterinarian. Immediate treatment involves bringing them inside, running their paws under cold water, and preventing them from obsessively licking them. Burned paws can become infected, and antibiotics are often needed to fight infection and aid recovery.
Keep these tips in mind and you can help your pup stay safe and away from pavement that could otherwise hurt them this coming summer!
