How To Protect Your Dogs Paws in Summer

Summer can be enjoyable for our pups, or it can be uncomfortable if the right protection isn’t put in place. They should be kept nice and cool to avoid overheating so they can stay safe in the higher temperatures.

The ground can become very hot, some surfaces soak up heat while others stay nice and cool. We often walk dogs on pavements in the UK, which keeps their nails nice and trimmed. During summer they reflect all the heat from the sun, so prolonged contact can burn their paws. Being mindful about when you’re walking and putting in place some paw protection will help avoid any injuries, so you don’t have to pause your summer fun to tend to a poorly pup.  

While it might not feel too hot for you on a warm summer day, the pavement can be substantially hotter for your pup. It can be over 50% warmer on the ground than it is everywhere else. On a day when it’s 25 °C, the pavement can absorb the heat and become as hot as 52 °C. It may not even feel like a sweltering hot day, but time walking on the pavement should still be limited at this heat.

If it gets as hot as 31 - 35 °C, then the pavement can be a scorching 62 - 65 °C which is when you really need to avoid taking your pup on a walk on the pavement and stay in the shade.

There are lots of different ways to make sure your dog stays protected over the summer months by keeping them cool and out of danger. You don’t have to postpone having fun just to keep them safe, there are still lots of things out can do to help keep them from getting sore feet in the heat.

Walking your pup in the middle of the day can be tough, even if they don’t damage their paws, they can get heat stroke and dehydration. Dogs still need their daily walks, even during the hottest months, but you can make sure it’s comfortable and enjoyable for them by taking them out earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

The sun is at its highest point at midday, so the hours around that time are the hottest. The day is cooler just as the sun comes up or after it starts to go down so walking at dawn or dusk are great options to get out and burn off some energy while avoiding high temperatures.

If your dog isn’t used to walking on tarmac or concrete and you usually take them on more rural walks, taking them on a local street walk when it’s too hot to take their usual route might do more harm than good.

Dogs who are used to walking on grass will have soft pads that are more prone to burning. The pads on their paws are similar to our fingers, the more physical work we do, the harder they get. Their paws can become calloused in a very similar way. If they’re used to talking on pavements in the colder months, their paws will have an extra layer of hardened skin which will toughen them against an acceptable amount of heat. Tougher paw pads are less likely to burn.

You wouldn’t go out for a walk at the height of summer without your shoes. Shoes protect our feet the ground, which is why we’re able to walk on hot surfaces without a care in the world.

Dog booties mean your pooch can benefit from the same perk with their own shoes! You won’t have to worry about burns if you’re covering their feet to protect them. There is a learning curve to wearing boots, you can’t just put them on and hope for the best otherwise you might end up with a dog who refuses to walk altogether.

You must desensitise them to their boots, so you can start while the weather is cooler and get them used to wearing them in the house for short periods before they can venture out. Make sure you’re fully stocked with treats to reward the behaviour and make it enjoyable for them.

While the pavement and concrete surfaces will soak up heat and retain it, grass tends to stay cooler. Grass is not as reflective as concrete, so it doesn’t bounce as much heat into the environment. It also helps that the soil absorbs water deep within, so when you’re pups paws are trotting around on the grass, their paws will remain cool. It also makes it perfect to continue their favourite game of fetch without any potential burn injuries.

Instead of trying to guess how hot the ground is and risking having to provide first aid to their burnt paws, there is a quick and easy test you can do yourself to see if it’s too hot for your pup.

If you place your hand on the ground and hold it there for ten seconds without any issue, it should be safe to walk on. If your hand becomes uncomfortable and hot or starts to burn, this is exactly how your beloved pet will feel walking on it so it’s best to avoid it altogether!

Signs your pup may have burnt their paws include limping and refusing to walk. You might notice they’re licking their paws quite frequently and if you look at their feet you might even see redness, missing skin or blisters. Initially, their pads may turn darker following a burn with more severe burns leading to missing skin, so the pink flesh of their paws becomes exposed.

If you notice any of these signs, taking them to the vet should be the next thing you do as they might need treating if the burns are severe enough.

When you get home from a walk in any extreme weather condition, be it rain, snow or a hot day, the first thing you should do is check your pup’s feet. If their paws become injured, they can be hard to heal considering, how often they need to be used to checking them regularly. Avoiding any minor injuries developing or getting worse could save your pooch a trip to the vet and any potential recovery time.

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