4 Dog Paw Protection Tips for Summer

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. One of the reasons that many pets can suffer in the summer is that their delicate feet become burned by hot surfaces while they are on walks or other outings with their owners.

That’s why implementing paw protection is essential in preventing problems with 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. 

Tips

Follow the 4 tips below to help protect your dog’s paw pads in the summer: 

1. Feel the Ground

This is the first step in deciding if your dog can go with you on a hike, a walk, a run, or even outdoors in general. You can head outside and place the back of your hand on the cement and any other ground surface. If you cannot tolerate the heat on your hand, your pet’s feet should not be exposed to the surface, either. This is a great rule of thumb, and it often is a better determining factor about the safety of the temperature for your pet than looking at the actual temperature gauge.

If it is above the mid-70s, you should make sure you do this test before bringing your pet with you on a trip outside. 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.

2. Consider Alternate Routes

If you have a route that you tend to take to get to a dog park or other location with your pet, but the weather is hot, you might be able to walk in the grass or find a different path to get to this location that avoids hot surfaces like roads and sidewalks. You will also want to avoid your driveway or walkways around your home during the hot part of the year for the same reason.

You should be proactive and help ensure that no burned feet happen on your watch. 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.

3. Leave Your Pet Home

If it is more than eighty degrees out, it’s typically just better to leave them at home. While your pet might be sad about being left behind, there are many risks associated with these kinds of temperatures for dogs. Not only is it possible for them to burn their feet, but your pet will also be exposed to the chance of getting overheated and experiencing heatstroke. Heatstroke can be deadly in pets, and you will want to avoid this health problem at all costs.

Many pet owners believe that hot temperatures are not a problem if their pet has access to lots of water to drink and some shade. However, pets in the shade can also get heatstroke because 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. 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 when you are away from home while the temperature is this high. You might 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

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 devices. You will still need to leave your pets at home when the weather is over eighty degrees, but if you are 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.

These little devices come in many types and can be made for many kinds of terrains as well. You should have no trouble finding the right dog booties for your pet and using them to prevent burned and hot feet on days when the sun is out. For those with patios and other cement areas where their dog spends a lot of time at home, this can be an ideal solution.

Contact a Veterinarian for More Dog Paw Protection Tips 

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 eight degrees.

Not only can your pet end up with burned feet, they can also get heatstroke 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 want more information or advice, contact VEG by calling one of our locations. The emergency vets at all of our VEG locations are available every day, including weekends and holidays, to provide the best care for your pets.