Skip to main content

Protecting Your Dog's Paw Pads In The Summer Heat

Most dogs love going for walks all year round. With warm weather finally here and summertime approaching, many people like taking their dogs for walks to enjoy the nice weather. As nice as the weather may feel to us, hot pavement will burn a dog's paws. It may be tempting to want to take your dog everywhere you go, but it can cause serious harm to your dog if you aren't careful. Burned paw pads can also lead to infections if not treated properly. Your dog might need antibiotics or pain medication depending on the severity of the burn. Asphalt, cement, and metal can get hot enough to cook an egg, so just imagine what it will do to your dog's paws. If you can't comfortably leave your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, then the pavement is too hot. Here are some tips for protecting your dog's paws in the summer:


  • Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperatures are lower and the pavement has cooled down (test it with your hands first)
  • Stay on the grass or shady areas when you walk your pet to avoid burning. 
  • Moisturize your dog's paws - dry paws are more susceptible to cracking, peeling, and cuts. Dry signs in your dog's paws can make them more likely to get burned as well. Paw Nectar is a good tool to use regularly on your dog's paws and can also be used on dry or cracking noses.
  • Use paw wax - spread the wax on your dog's paw pads prior to walking to protect them. The wax is designed to protect your dog's feet from potentially harmful surfaces and chemicals.
  • Try dog shoes/boots - if your dog tolerates them, dog shoes are a good way to protect your dog's paws from harmful surfaces and potential injuries. Make sure that the shoes fit your dog properly and that the shoes have rubber or neoprene soles. Not all dogs can get used to shoes, and some might have a hard time walking in them
  • If they aren't a fan of shoes/boots, you can always try dog socks (ensure that the socks have rubber or neoprene soles, otherwise their feet will still get burned)
  • Check and clean your dog's paw pads frequently - Be sure to check daily for any signs of damage and check between paw pads for any stones or other debris.
** Keep in mind that if your dog goes for a swim, his paw pads will be softened so he will be more susceptible to burns immediately after a swim or bath 


Signs of Burned Pads:

  • Limping or refusing to walk
  • Licking or chewing at the feet
  • Pads darker in color
  • Missing part of pd
  • Blisters or redness

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What To Consider Before Gifting A Dog For The Holidays

With Christmas being right around the corner, it's not uncommon for families to get puppies as a gift for their family member or themselves over the holidays. As wonderful as a gift dogs and puppies are, unfortunately, often times they are soon surrendered for adoption because not enough research was done to ensure the dog you are getting is a good fit for you and your family. Often times, important things to consider prior such as dog's breed, dog's energy levels, dog's temperament, dog's grooming and health needs, the time, attention, and training required, etc. are overlooked before bringing a dog home. For example, if you are interested in a low maintenance dog, a golden doodle, though adorable, may not be the best choice because they require daily brushing and regular grooming every 6-8 weeks to avoid matted hair (see blog post on matting ). Dogs are not objects, dogs are living, breathing creatures and most importantly, they are family. We encourage everyone ...
2 comments
Read more

Tips for Treating Your Dog's Allergies

With allergy season for humans starting to kick into overdrive, lots of people don't realize their dog can also have allergies. If your dog is an obsessive licker or he frequently scratches or scoots across the floor, he may have allergies. Just like humans, dogs can overreact to harmless allergens in the air, sneezing and itching as a result. There are four main types of allergies in dogs: atopy, flea, food, and contact. Atopy refers to enviornmental allergies; a dog's body releases excess histamine when exposed to a higher concentration of pollen in the air. The most common symptoms of atopic allergies are itching, scratching, biting, and chewing. Here are some tips to help prevent or minimize the symptoms of atoptic allergies in dogs: Wipe down your dog to remove allergens after walks Try a hypoallergenic shampoo (or if your dog is allergic to wheat/gluten, then try a wheat and gluten free shampoo) Use appropriate, dog supplements such as biotin or omega-3s (Vet...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dog Friendly Events in 2018

Everyone loves to bring their dog out with them, in fact, most people, including us, wish we could take our pups everywhere! Here is a list of some of the dog friendly events coming up in Richmond in 2018. ●  Pups and Pints  – Beginning in April, Pups and Pints takes place at Ellwood Thompson’s the 2nd Thursday of every month from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This spring, Ellwood Thompson is proud to partner with local breweries to support a different animal-loving, non-profit neighbor each month. $1 from every drink sold goes to the non-profit partner. For more information, click  here . ●  Fido’s After Five  – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden partners with the Richmond SPCA allowing leashed dogs during “Flower’s After 5”. Known as “Fido’s After Five”, this fun event takes place on the following on the nights: June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23, September 13 , 2018. Live music, food and fun! Bring a blanket! In addition to the regular admission fee,...
Post a Comment
Read more