Protect Your Dog's Feet From The Summer Heat

NJ is currently experiencing a heat wave, with temperatures predicted to be in the mid to high 90's everyday this week. Numerous articles about the importance of never leaving pets inside cars during the hot weather have been circulating the internet, but fewer owners may be aware of the dangers that hot surfaces can present for pet's paws.

You may have noticed, especially if you’ve walked outside barefoot lately, that surfaces such as pavement and sand can get really hot in the summer sun. Now think about how our poor pets must feel, having to walk on hot surfaces without any type of protection from the heat. Did you know that walking on hot pavement can actually burn pet’s feet?

Signs of burned paw pads in a dog include the following:

• Paw pads that look darker than usual
• Redness
• Limping
• Unwillingness to continue walking
• Blisters
• Missing sections or loose flaps on the paw pad
• Ulcerated patches
• Excessive licking or chewing of the foot

If your dog experiences any of those symptoms, the first step should be cooling his/her paws down. Get your pet away from hot surfaces (grass is usually much cooler than pavement) and, if possible, rinse his/her paws with cool water. Burns are very painful, so the best course of action if you think your pet may have burned paws, is a trip to the veterinarian. Depending on how severe the burns are, your vet may prescribe antibiotics and/or pain medication.

The best option, however, is to prevent burns in the first place! Here are a few tips for keeping your pet's paws safe and cool this summer:

• Try to avoid surfaces that commonly get excessively hot in the summer, such as metal, sand, and asphalt.
• If possibly, walk your dog early in the morning or at night after the sun goes down – times when the outdoor temperatures are cooler.
• If you’re not sure whether or not the pavement is too hot for your pet, try testing the temperate with a bare foot or your hand. If the pavement is too hot for you to comfortably stand on it, than chances are it’s too hot for your pet as well.
• Practice good paw maintenance. It’s easier to spot problems on a paw that is normally clean and well kept.
• If, for some reason, you have to take your dog out during the hottest parts of the day, consider using doggy shoes or boots to protect your dog’s feet. You may get some strange looks from the neighbors, but at least your pup won’t have to deal with painful paws!