Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, and you may want to bring your pet along with you on these trips. However, even though the sunny weather can be quite pleasant for humans, it can also be tough on dogs for a variety of reasons. We see paw problems at VEG ER for Pets frequently, but many times, damage to paws can be prevented.

One of the ways pets suffer in the summer is that their delicate paw pads, made from soft tissue, can become burned, cracked, and blistered by hot surfaces while they are on walks or other outings with their owners.

That’s why having a paw protection plan is essential for your dog’s health during the summer months. Be sure that you implement paw protection measures if you are going to take your dog with you on any kind of outing when the weather is hot. 

At VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospitals, our expert vets handle veterinary emergencies for dogs and all species.

Dog paw protection tips:

Here are 5 easy tips you can follow to protect your pup’s paws this summer.

1. Feel the ground for heat before dog walking

   The 5-second test is the first step in deciding if your dog should go with you on a hike, a walk, a run, or even outdoors in general.

   
   

   Perform the 5-second test:

   Place the back of your hand on the cement and any other outdoor ground surface.

   If you cannot tolerate the heat on your hand for five seconds, your pet’s feet should not be exposed to the surface, either.

   
   

   This is a great rule of thumb and is often a better determining factor of how safe the temperature is for your pet than looking at the actual temperature gauge.

   
   

   Depending on the time of day, and especially in urban environments, the temperature of surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even sand can be up to 60 degrees hotter than the outdoor air temperature. If you know it’s going to be a hot one, plan to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening at the coolest parts of the day to beat the heat and avoid an emergency.

2. Consider alternate routes for your dog's walk to protect paws

   Always be sure that you think about the surfaces that your pet will be exposed to before you bring them with you on any kind of outdoor adventure in the hot months of the year. If you have a route you tend to take to get to a dog park or other location with your pet, but the weather is hot, walk in the grass, or take a different route that avoids hot surfaces like roads and sidewalks. You will also want to avoid your driveway or walkways around your home when it is hot out for the same reason.

   
   

   Similarly, if you have a backyard that is mostly covered with cement or gravel, summer weather can make it hard for your pet to go outside for their bathroom break during the peak part of the day. You may need to create a walkway to your grass lawn that is safe for pet feet to avoid burned paws.

Protecting your dog's paws isn't difficult but it does require some preparation before going outdoors, like fitting your dog with paw booties.

3. Leave your pet home during hot summer weather

   If you’re planning an outdoor excursion and it is more than 80ºF out, it’s typically just better to leave your dog at home. While your pet might be sad about being left behind, there are many risks associated with high temperatures for dogs. Not only is it possible for them to burn their paws, but your pup may also become overheated and experience heat stroke. Heatstroke can be deadly in pets, and you will want to avoid this health problem at all costs.

   
   

   Hot temperatures may be an issue for dogs even if they have access to drinking water  and adequate shade. A dog in the shade can still get heat stroke if they are not able to adequately cool off after exertion. Dogs are also not aware of their own limits and can play too hard or too long, making it more difficult for them to cool down.

   
   

   Temperatures that are too high indicate that your pet needs to stay at home while you go enjoy time outdoors. Make sure that your dog is not left outdoors in high temperatures when you are away from home. You may need to create a space in your home that is safe for your pet to hang out in when it’s really hot outdoors.

4. Get dog booties to protect paws

   Dog booties can be a great solution for both hot and cold weather. Dogs with booties on will not get sunburned feet and will be far more comfortable in the summer months than dogs who are not wearing these fashion statements! You should still leave your pets at home when the weather is over 80ºF, but if you’re looking for a solution that will allow your dog to avoid burned feet due to the sun warming the ground too much, booties can be a great solution.

   
   

   For those with patios and other cement areas where their dog spends a lot of time at home, this can be an ideal solution. But it's important to keep in mind that booties are not typically heat safe and may be uncomfortable for your dog to wear for long periods of time.

5. Know the signs of paw problems and how to handle a summer paw emergency

   If your dog has been outside in high temperatures, they are at risk for burned paw pads. These burns can seem like no big deal at the moment but can worsen hours later, similar to a sunburn. Be sure to check their paws and monitor them afterward for the following behavioral and physical symptoms.

   
   

   Signs of dog paw problems

• Limping or reluctance to walk

• Sudden stopping during walks

• Holding one paw up

• Excessive licking after walks

• Cracked, bleeding, or swollen paw pads

• Blisters, raw or missing paw pad tissue

• Darker-than-normal coloration of paw pads

• Signs of infection like odor or pus

Here are some steps you can take immediately to help a dog with burned paws.

Steps to take for paw burns  

• Move your dog off of the hot surface

• Rinse paws with cool (not ice) water; no harsh soaps

• Prevent licking to minimize infection risk

• Cover lightly if bleeding

If symptoms are severe or if moderate to severe symptoms persist, go to your nearest VEG animal hospital to get your pup checked out by our emergency veterinarians.

Contact VEG animal hospital if dog's paws are damaged 

The pads of your pet’s feet are very delicate and can burn very easily. You should be sure that you do not expose your dog to hot surfaces and extended periods in the sun. Always be sure that you have a plan to protect your pet’s feet when the weather is really hot, and make sure that you leave your pet home if the temperature is over 80ºF.

Not only can your pet end up with burned feet, they can also get heat stroke when they have been outside for too long in the hot weather. You should avoid this health issue at all costs, as it can be deadly. Having a plan to protect your dog’s feet when they go outside is key to maintaining their health and well-being when the sun is shining.

If you believe your dog's paws are hurting, contact VEG 24-hour animal hospital. The emergency vets at all of our emergency vet hospitals are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, to provide the best care for your pets.