Baby, It’s Hot Out Here!

August 14, 2019

Summer’s heat can be extreme, but just imagine how your dog feels wearing a fur coat and no shoes during these high temperatures.

Today we are going to discuss dog paws, which are just as sensitive and likely to burn as human feet. If you’ve ever stepped outside barefoot to experience scorching hot concrete or asphalt, then you understand the importance of this topic.

Regardless of the size of your dog, walking on a hot surface can be detrimental to your pet’s toe beans. As the protector for your beloved pup, it’s important that you are equipped with the knowledge for summer care. You’ll have a happier pet if you follow our six tips to protect their paws from hot surfaces.

1. The Grass is Greener

Dr. Heather O’Bannon of the Medical Lake Veterinary gives this advice, “Avoid the heat and take your dog on a walk when the temperatures are cooler, such as early morning or later evening.” If you have to walk your dog when the temperatures are hot, try and walk them on a grassy surface or in shady locations. You can test the surface and know if it is too hot for your pet by touching it with your hand and hold for 10 seconds.  If you can’t bear the heat, your dog will also be uncomfortable walking on the surface.

2. Protect the paws

Shoes aren’t just a fashion accessory; they are a necessity to protect our feet from harm. The same applies to dogs and their paws. Dog shoes are an ideal way to protect paws from the searing heat. Be sure to get your dog fitted for the right shoes so they’re comfortable for them. 

It may take a while for them to adjust to wearing the shoes, so give it a little time. In the meantime, they may walk funny until they’re adjusted. Not all dogs can adjust to walking with shoes, but it is worth a try to protect your dog’s paws. When you’re shopping, make sure the shoes have rubber or neoprene soles since these are the most protective. 

3. Rough and Tough Method

One method of preparing your dog for the hot days of summer surfaces is to toughen your dog’s paws. Just as ballerinas form hard calluses on their feet to endure uncomfortable shoes, your dog’s paws can become rough and tough to endure hot surfaces. Keep in mind tough paws aren’t ideal for cuddling.

So, how do you toughen up puppy paws? Simply taking them on regular walks on the pavement during the cooler days of the year will help create natural calluses when they walk on the cement surface. These callouses will create a protective and heat resistant barrier for hot days. However, we suggest that you pay attention to your dog’s reaction to hot surfaces even when they have tough paw pads to ensure they aren’t uncomfortable. 

4. Wax on, Wax Off

Paw wax is an easy to apply product and will help protect your dog’s paws from the hot surfaces in the summer heat and also conditions your pup’s feet and makes them soft and cuddle friendly. This great product will leave your dog’s paws in better shape to handle adversely hot conditions (and great for winter, too!), and they will be less likely to suffer from cracking or splitting from calluses. 

Though not exactly designed to be eaten, it’s not harmful if your dog licks his paws.

5. These Boots were Made for Walking

Investing in all-terrain boots for dogs is a great way to protect their paws from extreme heat. These boots are similar to regular dog shoes but are more rugged. 

All-terrain boots are more expensive, but they are definitely worth it. Designed to be custom fitted for your pet, they have wrap-around closures and are perfect for the pooch that has an avid hiking buddy. 

6. Secure it

Dog shoe suspenders are another option for protecting your dog’s feet. If you’ve tried dog socks, shoes, booties or boots and your dog is not adjusting to them, try dog shoe suspenders. As strange as they may look, they can be effective in preventing your dog from removing the shoe. 

The suspenders protect from direct contact with the pavement and they are a more natural feeling option compared to shoes alone. These suspenders are adjustable and may be just what your pet needs to avoid the hot surfaces of summer days.  

Don’t risk your pup’s paws this summer. With asphalt reaching temperatures of 125 degrees and hotter, the safest option is walking your pet early in the morning or later in the evening. Your dog’s paws are just as important as your feet, use these tips to have a burn-free happy summer for your pet.