The majority of dog owners enjoy long summer walks and often in the evening after work pet owners will take their dog for that extra spin round the block or down to the park. However they may forget one important detail: hot pavement can burn a dog's paws!
Our pavements are composed of asphalt and cement and the shocking truth is that they can get hot enough to cook an egg during the summer months which can result in truly nasty burns on your canine’s pads. The way to test out if you are safe to walk your canine is to place your hand onto the ground for at least 10 seconds, if it it too hot to leave your hand on the surface comfortably; it is too hot to walk your dog.
Top Tips to Avoid Burning your Dog’s Paw Pads
- Walk Your Dog When It's Cool
This is an obvious tip, but be mindful of the temperature and when and where you walk your dog. The best time to walk your dog is in the morning or late evening, when the pavement is cool.
- Toughen Your Dog's Paws
During cool times of the day, you should walk your dog on pavement, because the hard and rough surfaces will toughen the pads on your dog's paws. This will help to make her pads tougher, providing a natural resistance to damage from hot surfaces.
- Stay On The Grass When It's Hot
If you end up taking your dog out during the warmer times of the day, be sure to stay on the grass and stick to shady areas. Stay away from sidewalks or any paved areas to avoid burning. A shady park can be a great place to take your dog on a warm afternoon.
- Treat your Canine’s Paws Topically
You want your dog to have tough paws, but you don't want them to get too dry or they will be more susceptible to cracking, peeling, and cuts. These dry signs in your dog's paws can also make them more susceptible to burns from hot pavement. Use a dog friendly moisturiser or paw wax to protect them. Finally it might sound silly but if your dog is young or particularly sensitive consider putting dog shoes or paw protecting socks on your four-legged friend!
Stay safe and enjoy the summer!
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