Protect Your Dog’s Paws This Summer

Summer is here and that means the entire family wants to enjoy warm sunny days outside. Family includes our four-legged friends. However, while out and about during the summer months we must be mindful that hot pavement can and will burn a dogs paws.  

Below are some tips to help protect your dog's paws from the summer heat.

• Walk Your Dog When It’s Cool - This is probably an obvious tip but one we sometimes don’t consider enough. The best time to walk your dog is in the morning or late evening, when the pavement is cool. Avoid walking your dog in the afternoon when the sun is high in the sky or early evening, because the pavement will be hot.
• Toughen Your Dog’s Paws - When it’s time to walk your dog stick to the pavement during the cool times of the day. While the pavement is cool, it won’t burn your dog’s paws, and it also will help to toughen them up. This may help prevent any potential burns that could come later.
• Stay On The Grass - If you end up taking your dog out during the warmer times of the day, be sure to stay on the grass and stick to shady areas. Stay away from sidewalks or any paved areas to avoid burning. The Landings Dog Park can be a great place to take your dog on a warm afternoon.
• Moisturize Your Dog’s Paws - Consider moisturizing your dog’s feet daily to help prevent injuries like cuts, cracking, or peeling of the paws. Minor injuries like this can make your dog’s paws more susceptible to burns and other serious problems.
• Use Paw Wax - Paw wax easily can be smeared onto your dog’s paw pads to protect them from harmful, hot surfaces
• Peel-And Stick-Pads - Peel and stick felt pads are a quick solution to minimize the dangers of hot pavement. They’re easy to stick onto the pads of your dog’s feet and can help protect against potential burns and injuries. They can even reduce the risks of your dog slipping on slick surfaces. You can find these pads at Amazon. 
• Check You Dog's Paws Regularly - Be sure to check your dog’s paw pads daily for any signs of damage and wash paws frequently. If you do happen to see a problem, or if your dog is acting strangely on his feet, be sure to consult your veterinarian.