How to Protect Your Dog's Paws from Hot Pavement
An outing at the wrong time of the day during the summer months can be damaging to your pup, especially to their sensitive paws. Hot asphalt can cause serious harm to your dog if you’re not careful. Check out our tips and tricks below to help you protect your dog's paws from hot pavements during the dog days of summer!
Understanding Dog Paw Anatomy
Although dog paws are covered with fur, the paw pads underneath lack this fuzzy protection. Paw pads protect the feet from rough surfaces, provide shock absorption and traction, but they aren't immune to getting cut or burns. Dogs have six paw pads on each foot and each paw pad is composed of thick skin, fat, and connective tissue. Over time, your dog can build callouses to help make the pads resilient, but no pad is safe from scorching temperatures.
Why is the Pavement So Hot in the Summer?
Pavement is known to heat up quickly and become hotter than the temperature surrounding it. So when it’s hot outside, the pavement is substantially hotter than it may appear. Although the weather might seem perfect for a stroll, it’s essential to know when it’s too hot for your pup.
Air Temperature vs. Pavement Temperature
Most street surfaces can be considered pavement. Black asphalt pavement is especially concerning, but even “cooler” concrete surfaces can get too hot for a dog. Despite popular belief, the air temperature is not the same as the pavement temperature. Asphalt temperatures can range up to 60 degrees hotter than the air temperature (when in direct sunlight with no wind and low humidity).
Having your pup endure the pain of walking on surfaces that are too hot can result in severe burns on their paw pads. This is especially true if you have a puppy with tender young paws. Therefore, it's important to know how to protect your dog's paws from hot pavement.
How to Protect Your Dog's Paws
1. Walk During Cooler Times
The easiest and most effective way to protect your dog's paws during hot weather is to change your walk schedule. Walk your pup earlier in the day before the pavement has had a chance to heat up or later in the day after the pavement cools off. This minimizes the risk of exposing your dog's paws to hot surfaces.
2. Test the Pavement
Before heading out, test the pavement temperature with the back of your hand. If the pavement feels too hot for you to leave the back of your hand comfortably on the ground for at least 10 seconds, then it’s too hot for your pup.
3. Use Dog Booties
Dog booties are a great way to protect your dog's paws from hot pavement. They provide a barrier between your dog's paws and the hot surface. It might take some time for your pup to get used to wearing them, so make sure to choose booties that are breathable, comfortable, and the right size for your dog.
4. Apply Paw Wax
Paw wax can create a protective barrier on your dog's paw pads. It helps reduce the risk of burns and can also provide some grip on slippery surfaces. Apply the wax before your walks, and make sure to reapply as needed.
5. Stay on Grass or Dirt Paths
Try to take your dog on hikes or trail walks where they can be on grass, dirt, or soil. These surfaces do not heat up like pavement and are typically safe to walk on. If you live in a city and a hike is out of the question, consider going to a grassy dog park.
6. Keep Walks Short
On particularly hot days, keep your walks short to minimize the time your dog spends on hot surfaces. In addition to burning their paws, you also don't want to risk them developing heatstroke and getting sunburned.
7. Moisturize Paw Pads
Regularly moisturizing your dog's paw pads can keep them soft and less prone to cracking and burns. Use a pet-safe moisturizer or paw balm to maintain healthy paw pads.
8. Use Cooling Mats or Pads
Cooling mats or pads are a great way to give your dog a cool place to rest their paws after a walk. They can help reduce the risk of overheating and provide relief for hot, tired paws.
Protecting your dog's paws from hot pavement is crucial for their health and well-being during the summer months. By following these tips and being proactive, you can ensure your furry friend stays comfortable and safe. Remember to always be mindful of the pavement temperature and take preventive measures to keep those paws happy and healthy. Happy walking!
