Summer sunshine, beach trips, long walks – the warmer months bring so much joy for us and our furry companions. We slather on sunscreen, grab our hats, and head out to enjoy the great outdoors. But amidst the fun, there’s a hidden danger lurking right under our feet, or rather, under our dogs’ paws: scorching hot surfaces, especially sand and pavement. While we’re protected by our shoes, our dogs’ paw pads are directly exposed, and they can suffer painful burns surprisingly quickly.
Think about walking barefoot on the beach on a blazing hot day. You hop, skip, and run towards the cooler wet sand or the water, right? Your dog doesn’t have that option, and their instinct might be to follow you, even if it hurts. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect those precious paws is crucial for a happy and pain-free summer for your best friend.
Why Hot Surfaces Are a Serious Problem
Dog paw pads might seem tough, but they are sensitive skin, just like the soles of our feet, albeit thicker. They contain layers of skin and fatty tissue that cushion joints and provide insulation, but they aren’t invincible. Prolonged contact with surfaces heated by the sun can lead to burns ranging from mild redness to severe blistering and tissue damage. Sand, asphalt, concrete, metal grates, and even dark-coloured decking can reach incredibly high temperatures, often much hotter than the ambient air temperature.
Imagine the air temperature is a pleasant 25°C (77°F). In direct sunlight, asphalt can easily reach 52°C (125°F) or even higher. At this temperature, skin destruction can happen in just 60 seconds. Sand, particularly dry, light-coloured sand, reflects sunlight but also retains heat remarkably well, easily reaching temperatures that are unbearable and dangerous for unprotected paws. Darker sand can get even hotter. It’s not just about discomfort; it’s about genuine injury.
Surface Temperature Warning! Remember that surface temperatures can be significantly higher than the air temperature. Asphalt and sand can reach levels capable of causing serious burns within a minute. Always test the surface temperature before allowing your dog to walk on it for extended periods.
Recognizing the Signs of Paw Pad Burns
Sometimes, the signs of a burn aren’t immediately obvious, especially if it’s mild. Your dog might suddenly start limping or favouring a paw during or after a walk. Keep an eye out for these indicators:
- Limping or refusing to walk
- Excessive licking or chewing at the paws
- Darker colouration of the paw pads (sometimes looking black or charred in severe cases)
- Redness and swelling
- Blisters or ulcerations on the pads
- Missing pieces of the pad
- Whimpering or showing signs of pain when paws are touched
Even if you don’t see obvious blisters, persistent licking or limping warrants a closer look and potentially a vet visit. Mild burns can still be very painful and can become infected if not cared for properly.
Prevention: The Best Medicine for Hot Paws
Fortunately, preventing paw burns is entirely possible with a bit of awareness and planning. It’s much easier to avoid the problem than to treat the pain and potential complications of a burn.
Timing is Everything
This is perhaps the simplest and most effective strategy. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are typically the coolest times, when surfaces haven’t had hours to bake in the sun or have had time to cool down. If you absolutely must go out mid-day, keep walks extremely short and stick to grassy or shaded areas whenever possible.
The Five-Second Rule
Before heading out onto sand or pavement, test the surface temperature yourself. Place the back of your hand or your bare foot on the surface for five to seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you to hold it there comfortably, it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws. Find an alternative route or wait until it cools down.
Choose Your Route Wisely
Whenever possible, opt for routes that offer natural protection from the heat. Grass, dirt trails under tree cover, and shaded paths are much kinder to paws than sun-baked concrete or sand. If you’re at the beach, try to stick to the damp, packed sand near the water’s edge, which stays significantly cooler than the dry, loose sand further up.
Paw Protection Products
There are several products designed to shield paws from extreme temperatures:
- Dog Booties: These are like little shoes for your dog. Look for booties made from breathable materials with durable, heat-resistant soles. It might take your dog some time (and amusing high-stepping) to get used to wearing them, so introduce them gradually with positive reinforcement before you actually need them. Ensure a snug but not tight fit to prevent chafing.
- Paw Wax: Paw balms or waxes create a semi-permeable barrier on the paw pads. While primarily used for ice and salt protection in winter, some heavy-duty waxes can offer a degree of protection against hot surfaces for short periods. They won’t provide the same level of insulation as booties but can be a helpful addition, especially for dogs who refuse to wear booties. Reapply as directed, as it wears off.
Build Up Paw Pad Tolerance (Gradually!)
While you can’t make paws heatproof, regular walks on various surfaces (when cool) can help toughen the pads slightly over time. Puppies and dogs that spend most of their time indoors tend to have softer, more sensitive pads. However, this slight increase in toughness offers minimal protection against extreme heat, so don’t rely on it as your primary defence.
Hydration and Cooling
Keep your dog well-hydrated, as this helps regulate body temperature overall. Carry water for both you and your dog on walks. If you’re spending time on the sand, provide access to shade and periodically wet your dog’s paws with cool (not icy) water to help dissipate heat.
What If a Burn Happens Anyway? (First Aid and Vet Care)
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If you suspect your dog has burned their paws:
Immediate Action:
- Get Off the Hot Surface Immediately: Carry your dog if necessary to prevent further damage.
- Cool the Paws: As soon as possible, flush the paws with cool (not ice-cold) water or apply cool compresses. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Avoid ice, as it can cause further tissue damage.
- Gentle Cleaning: If there’s debris but the skin isn’t broken, you can gently clean the area with mild soap and water or an antiseptic wash, but be extremely gentle. Pat dry carefully.
Seek Veterinary Attention:
It is highly recommended to see a veterinarian, especially if you see blisters, peeling skin, or signs of significant pain. Paw burns can be excruciatingly painful and are prone to infection. A vet can properly assess the severity of the burn, provide pain relief, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and bandage the paws correctly to promote healing and prevent infection. Do not apply human burn creams or ointments without veterinary guidance, as some ingredients can be harmful if licked.
Veterinary Care is Key. While immediate cooling helps, proper assessment and treatment by a veterinarian are crucial for paw burns. They can provide appropriate pain management and infection control. Never underestimate a paw burn; prompt professional care leads to better outcomes.
Summer should be a season of fun, not painful injuries. By understanding the dangers of hot sand and pavement and taking simple preventative steps, you can ensure your dog’s paws stay safe and comfortable. Test the ground, time your walks, consider protective gear, and always prioritize your furry friend’s well-being. Happy (and safe) summer adventures!
