The summer heat is here, and it’s stronger than ever.
During this hot season, protecting your canine friends from extreme weather is essential, just like you protect yourself.
But giving your dog extra water to prevent dehydration is just the beginning.
You should be aware of one of the most common health threats of paw burns.
These wounds can be painful for your dog and evolve into other problems if you don’t notice or prevent them.
Read on to learn how to keep your dog safe from paw burns and help him have a happy summer with you.
When is the weather too hot for dogs?
The temperature on your thermometer is not the same as on the ground.
When the air temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the pavement temperature can reach 140 degrees or more.
So, what should you do? Always confirm the ground’s temperature before walking your dog barefoot.
Touch the pavement or ground surface before starting the walk session.
If it’s too hot for your hands, it will be too hot for your dog’s paws.
If you are used to walking your dog on the street or sidewalk and the weather is too hot during the summer, it is best to look for alternative places to do this safely.
Let’s discuss the options available.
Take “cool” walks with your dog
Prevention is the best path, so taking “cool” walks with your dog will always be the first option.
While there may be multiple reasons why your dog is constantly licking his paws, it may also be a sign that the ground is getting too hot for him as the summer starts.
The following are some ideas to give your dog pet a safe walking experience during the summer:
Use the fresh moments of the day
Take advantage of the weather and walk your dog early in the morning or after the sun goes down.
This will guarantee you get a fresh environment to walk your doggies.
If you do this, you won’t have to go to another place, and while it may require some effort, you just have to adjust your schedule.
Find alternative places for your walking sessions
Another option to walk your dog without the risk of paw burns during the summer is to change your regular walking place.
You can walk your dog:
- In the park (taking advantage of the grass)
- In the woods (the grass and soil will be gentle with their paws, and the weather is usually colder)
- Indoors (find a dog park, mall, or indoor place where pets are allowed and walk your furry friend there)
Get the right paw protection aids
If the accommodations we explained in the previous section are not always possible, there are multiple products to help you with your dog’s care during the summertime.
You can get some of the following articles to protect your doggy’s paws:
Dog boots and socks
There is no need for a long explanation here. These are just like humans’ boots and socks but designed especially for your dog.
Consider getting dog footwear if your dog is playful, and you think he may be exposed to hot pavement when you are not watching or if you don’t have alternative places to walk him.
It’s important to note that not every dog will be comfortable wearing boots or socks. It will depend on the breed, the type of footwear you get, and your dog’s temperament.
Try to get light and fresh footwear that provides your dog with the necessary protection.
Peel-and-stick pads
Your dog’s paw pads are a natural wonder. They protect your dog’s joints and bones and provide him with traction and stability.
Using peel-and-stick pads, you can reinforce them and protect your dog’s paw pads from hot pavement (which can be very harmful to them).
These protectors go directly on the paw pads, and while they last just a few days, they provide an additional layer of “skin” that can keep your dog safe from paw burns.
Paw wax
A third dog care product that you should consider using is paw wax.
If your dog is too energetic, this may be the best option.
You just need to wax your dog’s paws two or three times a week, and that will create and barrier to protect your dog from hot grounds.
You can even use the same wax to strengthen other parts of your dog’s body, such as its ears or snout.
Check your dog consistently during the summer
Finally, don’t forget to consistently check your dog’s paws and vital signs during the hot seasons.
Some important things to watch out for are:
- Eating, drinking, and sleeping habits
- Any breathing anomalies
- Check their stool
- Make sure they are not vomiting or have a fever
Finally, check their paws before they go out for a walk and when they come back.
By checking and wiping down your dog’s paws after the walking session, you will notice if any of the attentions we described above are necessary and ensure that your dog is in the perfect mood to enjoy a “pawsome” summer.
