Keep Your Dog’s Paws Safe From The Heat!

Sun’s out, bun’s out! Now that the sun is out and we can resume our daily fun and walks in the park! Singapore’s weather can get quite intense sometimes, especially our warm weather. As pawrents, we love taking our dogs on walks and wherever we can to soak up the sun and enjoy the great weather. But, sometimes, we might get a little excited and forget one important detail: hot pavements can and will burn a dog’s paw!

Living in a concrete jungle, surfaces such as metal, concrete, asphalt, salt and cement can get hot enough to cook an egg during a hot day. If it feels way too hot for you to leave your hands comfortably on the ground for at least 10 seconds, it can result in nasty burns on your dog’s paw pads. This is especially true if you have a new puppy with tender young paws. Here are a few ways you can protect your dog’s paws from hot pavements:

Walk your dog when it’s cool

This is probably an obvious tip but sometimes when we get too excited we don’t consider this factor enough. It’s a great idea to take your dog out on daily walks, but be mindful of when and where you walk him. 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.

Stay on the grass as much as possible

If you do 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. Try to avoid walking on hot surfaces, such as concretes and pavements to prevent burning. Be on the lookout for a shady park your dog can enjoy on a warm afternoon and consider packing some water for your pet in case they get thirsty or seem dehydrated.

Put on doggy shoes

Doggy shoes are one of the best ways to protect your dog’s paws from heat and potential injuries if your dog will wear them. It can also double up as a protection against sharp objects on the floor during your walks! Do note that not all dogs can get used to dog shoes, and some might have a hard time walking in them. It definitely takes some time for your dog to get used to them so you might want to try this out at home first. If you can get your dog used to using them, nothing else offers better protection. Dog booties can provide good protection from the heat, and are a great temporary solution if you need to take your dog out on a hot day and your dog is willing to wear them.

Moisturise their 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. Drop by your nearby pet store to pick up a moisturizing paw rub for your dog. You can apply the paw rub on your dog’s feet before taking them out for a walk outside or use it to massage their paws for additional benefits.

Keep an eye on your dog

If you’re out and about with your furry friend, you should always keep a close eye on your dog and identify any signs of discomfort. If your dog starts hopping around from foot to foot, it can be because they find the surface too hot. Additionally, your dog may pull you away from the hot surface and refuse to walk any further.

If this happens, pull your dog away from the hot surface or carry them away to a more comfortable spot. Remember to always check the surface before allowing your pet to walk on it. If it’s too hot your fingers, it is definitely too hot for your furbuddy as well. We want to make sure both of you can enjoy your time outdoors as much as possible.

Some symptoms you can keep a lookout for to see if your dog may have burned paws:
● Limping or avoiding walking
● Licking or chewing feet
● Paw pads are darker in color than usual
● Pads are visibly damaged
● Blisters or redness

If you suspect your dog has burned paw pads:
● Bring your dog inside right away. Carry your pet if necessary
● Flush the foot with cold water or use a cold compress
● Try not to let your dog lick the injured pad
Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible because burns can become infected. Your dog might need antibiotics or pain medication depending on the severity of the burn. The vet can also rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Paw licking can also be a sign of other problems, such as allergies.

We hope these tips will help your dog stay safe and uninjured in our warm weather from the dangers of hot pavement. Happy walking!