It’s one of the most enjoyable and simple pleasures in life to take your dog for a summer stroll. It can be painful for dogs to trot along hot asphalt and sidewalks.
You’ll know how hot some surfaces can get if you’ve ever walked barefoot down the street during summer. It’s possible that your dog can feel the heat on your paws if it can be felt in your feet.
Walking on hot surfaces can cause heat to dogs’ paws, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and injury. You can protect your pet’s feet from the heat by simply following these safety tips.
Signs the Pavement is Too Hot for Pooch Paws
You’re surrounded by your furry friend, the sun is shining, and birds are singing. Although you don’t care about your pet, it’s important to keep an eye on them for signs that they are struggling with the heat of the sidewalk or asphalt.
Dogs can be very clever at hiding the fact they are in pain. However, keen-eyed owners will know when to look out for these signs. Are they walking happily and free? Or are they cautiously taking each step as though it is painful?
Sometimes, this might turn into a refusal or reluctance to do so in certain situations. Some pets may even whimper or whine to let you know that they are in pain.
You might not be aware of how hot the ground is if your shoes are on. It’s best to place your hand or foot on the ground for no more than 10 seconds.
The Science of Dog Paws on Hot Surfaces
While canine paws aren’t as sensitive as your own hands, they’re definitely not immune to feeling heat and cold. And if you’re taking a walk on asphalt, concrete, metal or sandy surfaces in the hot summer sun, you could be exposing your pet’s paws to temperatures of up to 145 degrees.
Dogs can experience intense pain and discomfort from contact with hot surfaces. It can also cause blistering in their feet. This can cause extreme discomfort and pain for your dog, making it difficult for them to move until their paws heal.
It is possible that dogs are more sensitive to heat than others. Dogs who spend most of their time indoors might have difficulty walking on hot surfaces that dogs who spend more time outdoors can handle.
Some dogs are capable of walking and standing on snow and ice for extended periods of time without feeling any discomfort. Researchers at Tokyo’s Yamazaki Gakuen University used an electron microscope to see if canine paws have specialized circulation systems.
The paws have unusually close vein and artery connections that allow heat to transfer. This ensures that blood is heated before it passes through the rest of your body. It also ensures that temperatures within acceptable limits.
Protecting your pet’s furry friends
There’s plenty you can do to help protect your dog’s paws from the hot surface, so keep these tips in mind whenever the temperature starts to rise:
- Do not walk during the hottest parts of the day. This is a simple but important point. Avoid hot surfaces by walking your dog in the morning and in the afternoon. Keep in mind that surfaces can retain heat for hours on hot days, especially if they are not breathable.
- First, make sure you check the surface. If the ground is too hot for your pet’s comfort, use your hands or your feet to inspect it. Don’t let your pet walk on the surface if your skin isn’t bare for 10 seconds.
- Go for the grass: You don’t want your dog to heat up on asphalt and concrete surfaces.
- You might consider canine footwear. There are special booties and socks designed to protect your dog’s paw pads from the heat. They can be a welcome addition to your dog’s wardrobe if your pet is comfortable wearing them.
- Inbuilt protection: When your dog walks on concrete or asphalt in cooler temperatures, calluses will form on his paws. This makes the skin more thicker and less susceptible to injury.
- You should immediately take your dog to the emergency room if you think that they have sustained an injury. If necessary, carry them and apply cold water. Get veterinary attention as soon as possible.
It can be easy to forget how hot it can get in summer when you are wearing shoes. You can ensure your pet’s safety by thinking about their four paws and making sure they are protected from the pain of burned paw pads.