There are various ways to protect dog paws from heat. Hot asphalt is uncomfortable for dog paws and can even be dangerous - especially if the dog paws are exposed to the heat for a longer period of time. Read this article to find out what measures you can take to protect your dog from hot surfaces, especially in summer.
Dog paws: Asphalt heat particularly harmful
Asphalt heat often proves to be particularly dangerous for dog paws. The reason for this is that compared to other surfaces (sand, grass, stone slabs), road surfaces such as asphalt and tar are often darker. This means that they absorb more energy and heat up accordingly - when the air temperature is high and the sun is shining directly, the asphalt temperature on a road can reach up to 70 °C and more.
Protect dog paws, avoid the heat
Dog paws and heat don't mix - in the worst case, too high a surface temperature can even lead to burns. To avoid high asphalt temperatures and heat in general as best as possible, we recommend moving your dog's walk times to the less hot morning and evening hours in summer and doing two short walks a day rather than one long walk to meet your dog's need for exercise. The seven-second test helps to determine whether hot asphalt could put too much strain on your dog's paws. Hold the back of your hand on the road surface for seven seconds. If it gets too hot, the surface is also not suitable for the sensitive pads of your dog's paws.
You can also use dog shoes for additional protection of the dog's paws from the heat of the asphalt. You may be more familiar with these dog paw covers from winter or when it's raining, but they are also excellent in summer as a protective layer between the paw and the ground. This works both when you're out on the street and on a day at the beach with your dog . Dog shoes prevent sand from getting between the pads or getting stuck in existing cracks. Alternatively, a moisturizing balm can be applied to the paws before and after the walk. You should only avoid this on the beach, as the sand can stick there. This is how to have a successful summer vacation with your dog !
Protecting dog paws from heat: what to do if you get burned?
If you have tried to protect the dog's paws from heat and a burn still occurs, the dog will often refuse to put any weight on the affected paw. In this case, it may limp. Excessive licking or blisters, redness and other injuries to the pads on the paws are also signs of a burn. Carry the dog to a cool place, wash its paws carefully with cool water and, ideally, apply an antibacterial ointment. A visit to your trusted veterinarian may also be advisable - if the burn is serious, you should definitely seek advice there.
Would you also like to know how to feed your dog appropriately while on holiday? Then we recommend our article on BARF on holiday .
