This summer, guard your dog’s paws against hot asphalt and pavement. Use simple safety tips, prevention methods, and treatment advice for burns and injuries.

When sidewalks and asphalt heat up in the sun, summer walks can harm your dog’s feet.  Protecting their paws from hot pavement is essential for preventing burns and blisters. A few simple precautions and quick treatment steps can keep your dog safe, comfortable, and active during the hottest months of the year.

Prevention tactics to keep your dog’s paws safe

1. Time your walks wisely. Schedule walks when the sun is low. Before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m. are ideal times. 
2. Stay on grass and/or in the shade. Natural surfaces like grass and dirt remain significantly cooler than asphalt or concrete. Avoid artificial turf, which can be even hotter than pavement.
3. Condition your dog’s paws. Regular pavement walking during cooler weather helps your dog build natural calluses. This provides a small degree of heat resistance. 
4. Invest in dog boots. These offer maximum protection. If your dog isn’t used to wearing boots, they may try to kick them off. But don’t give up. Be patient and persevere, and your dog will eventually get used to them. 

Look for breathable, heat-resistant dog boots with rubber soles for better insulation. Some feature breathable mesh and rubber soles. Others are perforated for maximum airflow to prevent overheating.

1. Consider paw wax. Specifically designed for dogs, paw wax provides a breathable, protective barrier to protect the pads. 
2. Look into peel-and-stick pads. These adhesive felt or silicone pads stick to a dog’s paws. They provide a lightweight barrier without the bulk of a boot. Both paw wax and peel-and-stick pads may be less of a hassle than boots, though they can be less effective.  
3. Take care of your dog’s feet between walks. Keep your dog’s paw pads supple by applying a soothing, natural, pet-safe balm. Vet Worthy’s Paw & Nose Shield is made with shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax. It hydrates paw pads and protects them from rough surfaces and harsh weather.

Treating burned paw pads

• Look for signs of paw injury after every walk. Among the symptoms of scorched paws are limping, excessive licking, red or discolored pads, and blisters.
• If you suspect a burn, move your dog into a cool place and gently clean the foot with mild soap and water. Flush the paws with cool (not cold) water. Do not use ice, as it can damage the tissue further. 
• Apply pet-safe antiseptic or balm, then lightly bandage with breathable material to prevent infection/licking. An e-collar may be necessary if your dog tries to chew off the bandages. 
• If your dog is limping badly, and the skin on his pads is raw or blistered, seek immediate veterinary care.

Knowing how to protect dog paws from hot pavement can make summer walks safer and more enjoyable for you both. Take these simple preventive steps and recognize signs of injury. That way, you can help keep your dog healthy, comfortable, and ready for outdoor adventures all season long. Keep on walking!

Start with the seven-second rule 

Before taking your dog for a walk on a hot sunny day, apply the “seven-second rule.” Here’s the method: if the pavement feels too hot when you hold the back of your hand against it for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on without damaging their paws. 

To be on the safe side, some dog experts amend the seven-second rule to a five-second rule. Either way, keep in mind that long walks over hot surfaces can still end up hurting your dog’s paws.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Brian Marshall

Brian Marshall has won numerous writing awards during his 30-plus year career in journalism. The Detroit native and Western Michigan University grad has owned two dachshunds and currently works with a mixed hound in need of obedience training.