Taking a leisurely walk with your dog during the summer is a simple pleasure that can be rewarding. However, hot surfaces like asphalt and sidewalks can cause pain and discomfort for your furry companion. By following some safety tips, you can protect your pet’s paws when the temperature rises.
Signs the Pavement is Too Hot for Pooch Paws
Watch for signs that your dog is struggling with the temperature of the ground, such as walking gingerly or refusing to walk. Other signs include whimpering, raised paws, and signs of pain or distress. If you can’t keep your hand or foot on the ground for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Body Language
Pay attention to your dog’s body language for clues that the heat is too much for their paws, such as whining, dropped ears, and whimpering. Other signs to look out for include lethargy, refusal to walk, and licking or chewing their feet.
The Science of Dog Paws on Hot Surfaces
While dog paws are not as sensitive as human hands, they can still feel heat and cold. Walking on hot surfaces can cause intense discomfort, pain, and burns to your dog’s footpads. Different dogs have different levels of tolerance to hot surfaces, and some breeds have specialized circulation systems in their paws to regulate temperature.
Protecting Your Pet’s Paws
To protect your dog’s paws, avoid walking in the hottest part of the day and check the ground with your own hands or feet. Walking on grass can be cooler than man-made surfaces, and canine footwear can provide extra protection. Regular walks on asphalt and concrete can help build calluses on the paws, making them less likely to burn. If you suspect your dog’s paws have been burned, seek immediate veterinary attention.
By being mindful of the heat and taking steps to protect your dog’s paws, you can ensure they stay comfortable and pain-free during summer walks.
“Protect your pet’s paws from the scorching summer heat.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day to protect their paws from hot surfaces. Opt for early mornings or late afternoons instead.
2️⃣ Check the surface with your own hands or feet before letting your dog walk on it. If you can’t hold your bare skin on the surface for at least 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet.
3️⃣ Consider using canine footwear, such as booties or socks, to provide a layer of protection for your dog’s paw pads. Additionally, walking your dog on asphalt and concrete in cooler weather can help build up calluses and make the skin thicker.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What signs should I look for to determine if the pavement is too hot for my dog’s paws?
– Some signs to look for include a reluctance to walk, raised paws, whimpering or whining, and licking or chewing of the feet.
2. How can I protect my dog’s paws from hot surfaces?
– You can protect your dog’s paws by avoiding walking in the hottest part of the day, checking the surface temperature before walking, walking on grass instead of concrete or asphalt, considering canine footwear like booties or socks, and allowing your dog to build up calluses on their paws by walking on cooler surfaces.
3. How hot can surfaces get in the summer sun?
– Surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, metal, or sand can reach temperatures of up to 145 degrees, which can cause intense discomfort and burns on your dog’s paws.
4. Are all dogs equally sensitive to hot surfaces?
– No, different dogs have different levels of tolerance to hot surfaces. Dogs who spend most of their time indoors may struggle more with walking on hot pavements compared to dogs who are used to it.
5. What should I do if I suspect my dog’s paws have been burned?
– If you suspect your dog’s paws have been burned, get them inside immediately, apply cold water or a cold compress, and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
