Have you ever tried to cross the beach barefoot on a scorching August day? After the first steps, you probably felt like Jacobs at the recent Tokyo Olympics because you might have set a new speed record running toward the sea. This is what our pets experience in summer and therefore we decided to give you some tips on how to protect dogs’ paws from heat and burns.
While, in fact, you normally wear shoes and slippers, your faithful friend experiences the same feeling that you felt barefoot on the scorching beach, during all the summer walks on the sidewalk or on the road. Despite the recurring idea that paw pads provide the maximum natural protection for your furry friend, you should know that asphalt no! is not present in nature and, reaching stellar temperatures, your pet’s paws suffer from it. And it’s not only dogs that suffer from pavement that is too hot but also cats that concentrate on the paw all the receptors that allow them perfect balance during hunting.
The best shoes for your dog: the built-in ones
Your pet’s paw pads protect him just like your shoes protect your feet. By providing the right stimulation and acting as shock absorbers when he jumps and runs, they allow the animal to walk on debris and stones without suffering and without getting injured because the pads distribute the weight very effectively over the entire surface of the ground, minimizing discomfort. However, natural trails, and even somewhat rough terrain, are never as scorching as city asphalt or concrete can become. In addition, even though your pet’s paws are very resistant, they can be injured by sharp objects or by exposure to particularly hot or cold temperatures.
The first advice we feel like giving you, therefore, is to always pay the utmost attention to your faithful friend’s little paws so that you can notice in time any wounds or traumas. In addition, for walks it is always preferable to choose a grassy or shaded ground.
The dog’s paws on hot asphalt
Concrete and asphalt overheat quickly. Usually, these pavements exceed the ambient temperature by up to 40° more. On a day with 34°, the ground temperature can reach as much as 85°. Concrete and asphalt, in fact, tend to retain heat and even when temperatures begin to drop, it could be risky for your animal to walk on it. In particular, the danger is lurking for dogs that, walking on a leash, cannot choose cooler routes. For this reason we suggest that you always check the level of heat of the pavement you have to face. A simple test makes it easy for you to understand if your dog could hurt his paws: place your hand on the pavement for at least 10 seconds, if you feel that it is difficult to keep it on the ground it is better to skip the walk or head to a shaded area and thus avoid that your friend risks his health.
In addition, we suggest that you do not underestimate also other types of surface such as sand or the metal of a bench or other hot surfaces such as the seat of a car left in the sun for hours.
How to understand if the dog has pain in his paws
While cats go around autonomously and it will be enough to avoid letting them go out during the hottest hours, dogs want to please their owners. Therefore they could continue to walk despite the pain and you might not understand that they are suffering. For this reason we advise you to pay attention to these signals that the dog could send you involuntarily when the pavement he is on is too hot:
- Jumping from one paw to the other
- Guiding you toward a grassy or shaded area
- Refusing to continue walking
- Whimpering when the paws are bearing weight
If your dog or cat has a burn, you could also notice:
- White spots or blisters on the paws
- Redness of the pads
- Tendency to lick the paws
- Wounds on the pads
- Limping attitude
What to do if the dog has burned or reddened paws
If your pet shows clear signs of a burn you must first of all go to the veterinarian who will provide the medical care due. Attention! Never delay the visit because in the meantime the wound could get infected with even very serious consequences. Gently clean the burn with water, put a gauze or a bandage on the burns and schedule an appointment with the veterinarian as soon as possible.
If instead you notice an irritation or a redness of the little paws we advise you, first of all, to use fresh water to clean the pads and give relief. Then apply a protective paw cream like our 100% natural Paw Balm, indispensable to hydrate and protect the most delicate areas. With its formula based on Shea butter, Mango butter, Jojoba and Sweet Almond oils, Tea Tree oil and natural Calendula extract, it also carries out a naturally antiseptic action.
As always we want to give you advice that is mainly derived from our experiences as petlovers and petowners, but the best thing you can do is use common sense. Make an effort to put yourself in your pet’s place! Remembering a Depeche Mode song, “try walking in its paws” 😉.
