Walking On Sunshine: How to Protect Your Pet’s Paws This Summer

Understanding temperature differences

When walking your pet outside, you must understand the difference between air and surface temperature and know the temperature differences during various parts of the day. Then, you can better protect your pet’s paws from blistering surfaces.

Air temperature is the measurement of atmospheric heat, which is the temperature you see on your weather app or forecast. While important, it doesn’t fully capture what your pet will experience, especially at ground level.

Surface temperature refers to how hot the ground or other surfaces get under the sun. This temperature can be significantly higher—up to 40 to 60 degrees more—than the air temperature, particularly on materials like asphalt, concrete, sand, and metal. On a sunny day with an air temperature of 86 degrees, asphalt can reach a scorching 135 degrees, which can burn your pet’s paws in 60 seconds.

Identifying paw burns in your pet

If you identify paw burns, you must act quickly to alleviate your pet’s pain and prevent further injury. Watch your pet for:

• Limping or avoiding walking — If your pet is suddenly reluctant to walk or is limping, they may have burned their paws.
• Licking or chewing paws — Excessive licking or chewing can indicate discomfort or injury.
• Paw pad discoloration — Burned paws may appear darker or redder than usual.
• Blisters or redness — Severe burns can cause visible blisters or intense redness.
• Crying or whimpering — Vocal distress signs often accompany paw injuries.

Protecting your pet’s paws

Preventive action can protect your four-legged friend’s paws while out walking and playing. Follow these recommendations:

• Time your walks — Plan your walks during the cooler parts of the day, avoiding mid-day when the sun is at its peak. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal times, because surfaces are not as hot.
• Test the surface — Before heading out, test the ground by placing the back of your hand on the surface for seven seconds. If you cannot keep your hand in place, it’s too hot for your pet.
• Choose shady routes — Walk on paths that offer plenty of shade. Grass and dirt trails are generally cooler than concrete and asphalt.
• Use paw protection — Consider dog booties or paw wax to protect your pet’s paws. Boots create a barrier between your pet’s paws and the hot ground, while paw wax can moisturize and add a layer of protection.
• Avoid hot surfaces — Be mindful of surfaces that can become extremely hot, like metal grates, beach sand, and playground equipment. These can burn your pet’s paws quickly and should be avoided, especially during the hottest parts of day.
• Check your pet’s paws — Inspect your pet’s paws regularly for injury or discomfort signs. Early detection of paw issues can prevent more serious problems.

What if your pet has burned their paws?

If you suspect your pet has burned their paws, take the following steps:

• Move to a cooler area — Get your pet off the hot surface immediately and move to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
• Rinse with cool water — Gently rinse their paws with cool water to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Avoid ice — Don’t use ice or extremely cold water, which can cause further damage.
• Apply a pet-safe ointment — Use a veterinarian-recommended ointment to soothe and protect injured paws.
• Consult your veterinarian — Severe burns require professional medical attention. Contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian for further advice and treatment.

Keeping your four-legged friend safe during the summer months requires awareness and proactive measures. Regular paw checks and immediate action in a burn case will help keep your pet’s paws healthy. Enjoy the sunny days with your furry companion, but always keep their safety a priority—rely on your AAHA-accredited veterinarian to help maintain your pet’s health and well-being.