The sun is out and a nice summer breeze makes you want to spend the whole day outside. Your dog seems to wish for the same. Before you take your favorite pet out on a long walk, think about its safety.
No, we aren’t talking about vaccination or leashes. Hot asphalt can become hazardous for your dog’s paws. While you are walking around in shoes, the dog steps on the asphalt with its bare “feet”.
As a result, dogs often burn their delicate skin. In the best case, your pet will need a bandage. In the worst-case scenario, the wound can be infected and keep the dog from walking for a long time.
Experts from ABC Paving & Sealcoating notice that in the summer, the asphalt can get hot enough to fry an egg on it. Imagine what it can do to your pet’s paws. Here are a few smart ways to prevent burns on a hot summer day while enjoying the quality time with your dog.
1. Don’t Go Out When It’s Hot
Walking around when it’s smoldering hot outside is not just bad for your dog’s paws, it can undermine your health as well. Consider walking your pet in the early morning and late evening, when the sun isn’t high.
The pavement is hottest in the afternoon. Postpone the walk when you feel as if you need to turn on the air conditioning.
2. Toughen The Dog’s Paw Pads
When it’s not sunny or hot outside, consider walking your dog on the asphalt pavement as often as possible. Such walks make the skin on the pads tougher thus making it less sensitive to the heat in the summer.
Growing extra thick skin layers can keep your dog from damaging its paws on hot, rough, and sharp surfaces.
3. Find Shade And Grass
If it’s hot in the early mornings when the walk is necessary, you may want to consider the following. Find shady places to walk your dog. Green parks are an excellent place for your pet to enjoy the fresh air.
Find as many grass surfaces as possible when planning the dog-walking routes. If it’s impossible to find a route without asphalt, consider carrying the pet over the hot surface.
4. Consider Paw Wax
Some dog product manufacturers produce paw wax. This wax can help protect the dog’s paws from hot surfaces while moisturizing the skin. Such wax has a similar consistency to hair wax.
However, this product won’t protect the dog’s pads when it’s sizzling hot outside. Consider relying on it only when the sun is warm. Look for paw wax made out of natural ingredients in order not to cause allergies.
5. Buy Dog Shoes
Just like dog’s clothing, there are many different types of shoes in pet stores. You can find a pair to suit your dog perfectly. Shoes protect your pet’s paws from numerous hazards, including heat, ice, salt, and abrasive surfaces.
The only downside of such shoes is that a dog may not want to wear them. The majority of dogs try to take them off. If you are keen on making your dog wear shoes, start putting them on when it’s still a puppy.
6. Check The Pavement
The pavement heats up gradually. The dog may be running around happily for an hour and then get burned. It’s up to you as an owner to check the pavement on a regular basis in order to switch to grass or go home on time. Touch the pavement with your fingertips slightly to evaluate its temperature.
