How To Protect Your Dog’s 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.  Cooling toys and clothing are a great way to keep your pet cool in the warmer months.

The ground can become very hot; some surfaces absorb the heat while others stay nice and cool. We often walk dogs on pavements in the UK, which keeps their nails nice and trimmed. During the summer, pavements 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 – hot paws  are a hazard! 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 the amount of 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 for a walk on the pavement and stay in the shade.

As much fun as a beach day can be for your canine companion, it’s best to avoid the beaches during peak summer time with the higher temperatures and scorching sun. If you’re worried it’s too hot for dogs paws, always check the weather before you venture out, and temperatures higher than 20 degrees are most likely a no-go for your dog.

Similarly to protecting your pooch from burnt paws, there are similar methods you can pick up to protect their paws whilst they’re hiking. From dog booties to paw wax, these are universal preventative methods to keep their paws in paw-fect shape! It’s also worth noting that keeping your canine’s claws short and trimmed helps prevent them from getting hurt. They can cross plenty of hazards on their hike like roots and rocks which can catch their claws and result in injuries! Keeping their nails short prevents them from catching on anything.

Paw-some tip: it’s worth inspecting your pet’s paws after every hike, including between their toes and paw pads, to make sure there are no cuts or injuries.

There are lots of different ways to protect dogs and their paws 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 burnt paw pads in the heat.

Walking your pup in the middle of the day can be hazardous even if they don’t damage their paws! They can become susceptible to 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 to avoid peak heat at midday.

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.

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 walking 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 from the ground, which is why we’re able to walk on hot surfaces without a care in the world.

Dog booties means your pooch can benefit from the same perk with their own shoes – dog paw protection can be stylish too! 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.

It’s important to note that if your dog does not take to wearing their booties and seems to dislike it, it’s best to discontinue your attempts – some dogs like wearing items of clothing and some simply do not!

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 pup’s 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.

Paw wax is ideal for keeping your pooch’s paws moisturised and protected from rough terrain, harsh weather and hot pavements. It’s easy to apply thanks to its balm-like consistency and if you’re unsure whether your pooch needs it, it depends on their lifestyle and activity level. If you notice signs your dog is struggling with their paws, whether they’re licking them or limping, it may be worth picking up a paw balm! Consider keeping one in your furry friend first aid kit so you have one at all times.

Pink paws on dogs aren’t always an indicator of burns; paw pads can stain from excessive licking, or some pooch’s paws are naturally pink! If the pink paws are a recent occurrence, it’s definitely worth speaking to your vet.

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 for peace of mind you’re protecting paws!

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 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.

Speak to your vet about your dog’s burnt paw; taking them to the vet should be the next thing you do as they might need treating if the burns are severe.

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. Avoiding any minor injuries developing or getting worse could save your pooch a trip to the vet and any potential recovery time.

It’s worth noting that if you suspect your pet’s paws are burnt, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible to be treated. In the meantime, cold compresses with clean, sterile water will soothe the area and keep it clean, whilst opting for a dog-safe ointment will help prevent infection. Your new dog booties will come in handy here, and help protect their paws from further irritation or infection whilst they’re walking around the house (keeping them inside and resting is super important to promote healing).

Whilst there are a few tricks you can pick up to help treat your pooch’s poorly paws, it’s always best practice to consult your local veterinarian.

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