Sizzling Sidewalks: Protecting Pet Paws from Burns and Injuries

How many times of you seen this scenario: it is 90+ degrees and someone is out walking the family dog on asphalt or concrete. Perhaps you have even made that mistake, thinking the breezy warm day wasn’t too hot, ignoring the ground temperature.

Unfortunately, hard surfaces can soar to scalding temperatures during the afternoon, which is why protecting pet paws from becoming burnt is a matter of awareness.

Protecting Pet Paws from the Heat on the Streets

During the late spring and summer months, many pet guardians naturally opt for morning walks, when the temps are still relatively comfortable.

Cues such as panting and lack of interest in the day’s exercise routine are obvious to most of us that our pets may not be comfortable. And, yet, foot and paw safety are often ignored, since it is easy to assume that those paw pads are much tougher than they are.

To protect your pet’s paws in the city this summer, practice the following paw-safe tips.

• Before heading outdoors, check the ground temperature by placing a palm on the concrete. If it feels hot to the touch, wait until a cooler time of day to walk the dog.
• Grassy parks are perfect for hot summer days. Instead of walking on sidewalks or pavement, load up the pooch in the car and drive to a favorite park or natural area where cool grass awaits.
• City streets are often littered with broken glass, plastic, and other debris. Watch the path as you are strolling to help your pet avoid injury, and steer clear of alleyways, where you’re more likely to encounter this debris.

Sand and Sun

Another fine destination for a summer day is the beach or a natural area where adventure dogs can roam. Being so close to water, sometimes it is easy to assume that the risk of paw burn is diminished. Yet, for anyone who has carelessly plopped down on afternoon sand, you likely found out quickly just how hot sand can get.

Other dangers to those precious paws are sharp rocks, discarded fishing lures, and trash.

Protect your pet’s feet when on the water, by the lake, or on a trail by taking the following precautions.

• Visit the beach during the morning or evening hours, before the sand starts to bake.
• Take extra care when hiking in areas where people fish, since hooks and lures can easily become embedded in a paw.
• Consider purchasing quality dog booties for those intrepid hiking canines, to help protect against cuts and other injuries by sharp rocks and uneven terrain.

As with any great outdoor adventure, check your pet thoroughly for cuts, scrapes, parasites, and so forth upon your return.

It’s also a great idea to keep your pet regularly groomed, since healthy feet require trimmed, neat, and clean fur and nails kept to an appropriate length.

Keep those pet feet happy feet by practicing heat safety awareness!