Summer is a fantastic time for outdoor activities with your furry friends. As the mercury rises and summer sets in, pet owners must take extra precautions to ensure that their pets are comfortable and safe. While we all know the importance of keeping our dogs hydrated and cool during these hot months, it’s equally crucial to protect them from another potential danger: burns and injuries to their paws.

Hot pavement, concrete, and sand can quickly heat up to scorching temperatures during summer days, which can be extremely painful for dogs to walk on. When the outside temperature is 100° F, asphalt can heat up to a staggering 143° F, and concrete can reach up to 125° F. At such temperatures, dogs’ paw pads can easily burn, blister, crack, and bleed – also increasing the chances for heatstroke and other complications.

Here are some ways to help protect your dog’s paw pads during hot days:

Walk Your Dog During Cooler Times of the Day

Try to walk your dog during the cooler hours of the day, such as early in the morning or late in the evening. During the hottest parts of the day, surfaces such as concrete, pavement, and even some grass can become scorching hot and can cause injury to your dog’s paw pads.

Check the Pavement or Other Surfaces with Your Hand

Before you start your walk, feel the pavement or sand with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Generally, when it’s over 85° F is going to be too hot for walks on surfaces such as pavement, sand, or concrete. Walk on cooler surfaces such as shaded grassy areas, or invest in some dog booties designed to protect your dog’s paws. It may take some time for your dog to get used to wearing booties, but the added protection is worth it.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Make sure your dog stays hydrated by bringing water on your walks. You can also provide your furry friend with shade and keep them in a cool environment. This will help prevent heatstroke and keep their paw pads from becoming dry and dehydrated and more susceptible to injury.

Here’s a great Portable Water Dispenser

Keep Your Dog’s Paw Pads Moisturized

Moisturizing your dog’s paw pads will help keep them supple and less likely to crack and bleed. You can do this by applying a paw balm or petroleum jelly before and after each walk. By applying moisturizer after walks, it doubles as a chance to check for any injuries to your pup’s paws after spending time outside.

Highly rated Moisturizing Paw Balm

By following these tips, you can help keep your furry friend’s paw pads safe during the scorching summer months. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. A little bit of care and consideration goes a long way when it comes to protecting your best friend.

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