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Protecting Your Dog’s Paws in the Summer Heat
Summer is a brilliant time to get outdoors with your dog, but soaring temperatures can bring hidden dangers—especially for your dog’s paws. Hot pavements, sand, and even artificial grass can become scorching under the sun, leading to discomfort or even painful burns. Here’s how you can keep your dog’s paws safe and comfortable all summer long.
Why Are Hot Surfaces a Problem?
Dog paw pads are tough, but they’re not invincible. Surfaces like tarmac, concrete, and sand can heat up rapidly, sometimes becoming much hotter than the air temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws. Burns, blisters, and cracks are all risks during a heatwave.
Top Tips for Protecting Your Dog’s Paws
1. Walk Early or Late
Stick to early morning or late evening walks, when surfaces are cooler and the sun is less intense.
Stick to early morning or late evening walks, when surfaces are cooler and the sun is less intense.
2. Test the Pavement
Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
3. Choose Grass and Shaded Routes
Opt for grassy paths, woodland trails, or shaded areas wherever possible. Avoid long stretches on pavements or sand during the hottest part of the day.
Opt for grassy paths, woodland trails, or shaded areas wherever possible. Avoid long stretches on pavements or sand during the hottest part of the day.
4. Use Cooling Products
When you get home, help your dog cool down and rest their paws with a cooling mat or pop on a cooling coat for extra comfort. These products can help lower your dog’s body temperature and make recovery after walks much more pleasant.
When you get home, help your dog cool down and rest their paws with a cooling mat or pop on a cooling coat for extra comfort. These products can help lower your dog’s body temperature and make recovery after walks much more pleasant.
5. Keep to Short Walks
On very hot days, keep walks brief and make up for it with enrichment games or training indoors.
On very hot days, keep walks brief and make up for it with enrichment games or training indoors.
6. Check Paws After Walks
After every outing, inspect your dog’s paws for redness, cracks, or foreign objects. Rinse with cool water if needed and dry thoroughly.
After every outing, inspect your dog’s paws for redness, cracks, or foreign objects. Rinse with cool water if needed and dry thoroughly.
Signs of Paw Pad Burns
Look out for:
- Limping or reluctance to walk
- Licking or chewing at paws
- Redness, blisters, or peeling pads
If you notice any of these signs, get your dog to a cool area, rinse their paws with cool (not cold) water, and contact your vet for advice.
Extra Summer Care
Don’t forget, dogs can overheat quickly in warm weather. Always bring water for both you and your dog, and never leave them in a parked car, even for a moment.
Final Thoughts
A little planning goes a long way in keeping your dog safe and comfortable during the summer months. By taking a few precautions and using cooling products like our cooling mat and cooling coat, you can enjoy the sunshine together without worry.
Want to see our full range of dog cooling essentials? Or have a question about summer dog care? Contact us—we’re always happy to help!