5 Safety Tips for Preventing Dog Paws From Burning on Hot Pavement.
It is important to take your dog for walks throughout the year to maintain its overall health and happiness, but during the warmer months, the pavement may be too hot for your dog to walk on safely.
The delicate tissue that makes up a pet’s paw pads is quickly damaged by exposure to high temperatures and may cause serious burns.
When exactly is it dangerous to take your dog for a stroll on the sidewalk? If the surrounding air temperature is higher than 77 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a considerable likelihood that the ground temperature is too high to be safe.
When the air temperature is as high as it is right now, the temperature of the pavement may rise beyond 125 degrees and produce burns of the first degree on your dog’s paws in a matter of minutes.
Always check the temperature of the ground before taking your dog for a walk, and in the summertime, you should protect your dog’s pads from the heat of the pavement by using booties, protective balms, or some other approach.
When does it become unsafe to walk a dog on a paved surface?
Even if the air temperature isn’t very high on a hot summer day, there is still a significant risk that your dog’s paw pads will be burned by the hot pavement. This risk exists even if heat stroke isn’t the only risk you should be aware of.
Pavement, asphalt, and concrete are examples of surfaces that rapidly absorb heat; as a result, the temperature of the ground may often be as much as sixty degrees higher than the temperature of the surrounding air.
Asphalt has a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit, according to reports from specialists, while the surrounding air temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. When the air temperature increases by just 10 degrees, to 87, the temperature of the asphalt skyrockets to an alarming 143 degrees.
These temperatures cause tissue damage in less than two minutes, which means that if your dog stays still for even a few seconds, he or she might develop burns that go through the whole thickness of the skin.
Check the Condition of the Pavement Before You Step Out.
The “seven-second test” is one of the most common methods recommended by veterinarians for detecting whether or not the temperature of the ground is unsafe for a canine companion.
To do this, put the back of your hand, which is more sensitive to heat than the palm, on the concrete for seven seconds.
The palm of your hand will feel much cooler. Within that short period of time, if it is too hot for your hand, then it is also too hot for the paw pads of your dog. Nevertheless, this does not imply that you have to completely forego your stroll; rather, you should take steps to preserve your dog’s sensitive pads.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Safe from the Harsh Heat of Pavement
Even on the hottest days of summer, your dog still needs to get some exercise, so be sure to follow these preventative steps to keep your furry companion safe.
Maintain Your Cool on Cooler Surfaces
If you want to keep your dog’s feet cool, you should steer clear of any scorching ground at all costs. When the temperature is over 77 degrees, you should avoid walking on concrete, pavement, and asphalt and instead stick to terrain that is cooler.
Because it does not hold heat, the grass is the most comfortable surface for your dog’s paws to walk on. In addition to this, it offers a comfortable cushion that might lessen the effect that running and playing have on their joints.
Other types of living ground coverings, such as moss and clover, are just as risk-free. If you do not have access to a grassy area, bare ground, mulch, or wet sand may be safe possibilities; however, since these surfaces absorb heat, you should do the seven-second test on the surface before you begin.
Avoid Midday Walks
The temperature of the ground gradually increases during the day along with the sun’s ascent. It is advisable to keep your dog inside during the summer months, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
It is best to go for any extended walks with your dog first thing in the morning when the temperature is at its lowest.
If they do this, there is a lower chance that they may become sunburned or suffer from heat stroke.
If you’re not a morning person, you may be better off going out later in the evening. Despite this, you should still use extreme care since the earth may still be quite hot from the sun.
Use Dog Booties
Shoes and socks designed specifically for dogs do more than simply create a stylish statement; they may also efficiently prevent your dog’s paw pad burns.
To be sure the material won’t melt when exposed to extreme temperatures, use booties that are made specifically for walking on hot concrete. The greatest option for a dog shoe is one that is comfy, breathable, and long-lasting.
It might take some time for your dog to become acclimated to the idea of wearing shoes. They should start getting used to the feeling of wearing booties while they are still inside before venturing out onto the scorching concrete.
You may choose from a variety of designs, but it’s possible that your dog won’t be comfortable in any of them unless you experiment with a couple of them first.
Because certain items provide defense against both extreme heat and cold, such as these boots, purchasing them might be a worthwhile investment for usage throughout the year.
Make use of protective wax and balms.
Protective balms that you massage into your dog’s paw pads, such as Musher’s Secret, might be an alternative for dogs who are unable to handle having booties placed on their paws.
The use of these chemicals results in the formation of a protective layer that protects the pad tissue from high temperatures while yet enabling the skin to breathe normally.
However, there are some professionals who caution that due to the fact that waxy balms might melt, they might not be safe to use in very hot temperatures. Use only items that are specifically developed for use in heat.
Because there is always the chance that your dog may attempt to lick the balm off their feet, you should go with a product that is designed specifically for canines.
How to Treat Paw Pads That Have Been Burned
Visit your dog’s primary care veterinarian if you are concerned that he or she may have suffered burns as a result of exposure to hot pavement. Because burns may cause excruciating agony, it is often necessary to take pain medicine for them.
Additionally, because burns leave the skin exposed, they can readily get infected. A more intensive therapy, including the use of specialty bandages, is required for severe burns.
You may make your dog more comfortable while you wait for your appointment by washing the pads with lukewarm water to remove any dirt that may have accumulated on them.
After patting the paw down gently with a dry towel, cover the injured pads by slipping a breathable sock or a loose wrap over the foot. Make use of a dog cone to keep them from licking or chewing the region, since this may cause the tissues to become even more irritated.
Carry your dog outdoors for bathroom breaks in order to keep them off their feet until your veterinarian offers you more advice in this regard.
Pavement and concrete that is too hot pose a risk.
The risk posed by hot pavement during the summer is one that is often disregarded, despite the fact that it poses a serious threat to the quality of life of both you and your dog. Paw pads that have been burned are painful and may lead to potentially dangerous skin diseases.
You may protect your dog’s paws from sunburn by taking them out for walks in the early morning, dressing them in protective dog booties, or limiting their walking territory to grassy areas only. Your dog’s paws will be grateful to you.
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