06/11/2025
During warm weather, it's crucial to protect your dog's paws from hot pavement. Here's a breakdown of methods to "beat the heat" and shield your dog's paw pads:
1. Timing of Walks:
Walk during cooler times: Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day, typically the afternoon and early evening when the pavement is at its peak temperature.
Opt for early morning or late evening walks: Plan walks for cooler periods, such as the early morning or late evening, when surfaces have had time to cool down.
2. Surface Selection:
Stick to grass and shaded areas: When walking during warmer periods, try to stay on grass or shady paths, as these surfaces remain cooler than asphalt or concrete.
Avoid hot surfaces: Steer clear of extremely hot surfaces like pavement, asphalt, metal, or sand, as they can quickly cause burns.
3. Paw Protection Products:
Dog shoes or booties: These offer excellent protection against hot surfaces, though some dogs may need time to adjust to wearing them.
Paw wax: Applied to the paw pads, paw wax creates a protective barrier against hot surfaces and harsh elements like road salts and ice in the winter. We use Baely's, but there are several good products on the market.
Peel and stick felt pads: These offer a quick solution to minimize the dangers of hot pavement, being easier to apply and less noticeable than booties for some dogs.
4. Additional Tips:
The Seven-Second Test: A simple way to check pavement temperature is to place the back of your hand on the surface for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Keep your dog hydrated: Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water, as dehydration can increase their susceptibility to heat-related issues.
Conditioning: Gradually expose your dog's paws to various surfaces to help them build calluses and natural resistance.
Moisturize paw pads: Regularly moisturizing paw pads can help prevent dryness and cracking, reducing the risk of burns and injuries.
Check paws regularly: Inspect your dog's paws regularly, especially after walks, for any signs of burns, blisters, or other injuries.
Know the signs of heatstroke: Be aware of signs of heatstroke in dogs, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting, and seek veterinary care immediately if you notice them.
By taking precautions like walking during cooler times, choosing appropriate surfaces, and utilizing protective gear, you can help ensure your dog's paws stay safe and healthy during warm weather.
Treat • Walk • Play ... but safely!
