Precious Puppy Paw Pads & Scalding Hot Pavement

Despite not actually breaking eighty degrees yet this summer, I’ve noticed on multiple occasions that the cement we walk on can seem to be like a stovetop. The science behind the heat retention is one thing and what that excessive heat is doing to your pup’s paws is quite another. We may be able to throw on a pair of shoes to protect our sensitive skin, all the while our poor pups are suffering! Cement, asphalt, dirt roads, whatever you might be walking can really be hurting your little one. Much like a car can heat up to about thirty degrees hotter than it is outside, the ground soaks in that sun and it gets transmitted to those walking on it. Most of us might not even realize the temperature because we are so focused on getting out to enjoy the sunlight. Before you do, be sure to take some precautionary measures to help save your pup from being burnt from the ground up.

The most susceptible creatures are the youngest. The more puppy the dog, the more sensitive the paw pads. Similar to a person having just gotten a pedicure, these puppies have baby soft skin and the heat doesn’t have to go through layers of calloused or roughened paws. Animals are amazing in that they will hide being in pain, so be on the lookout if your pup begins to walk in an odd fashion, picks his or her feet up quickly, or tends to stay off in the grass rather than the road.

Rather than fighting hot pavement the best thing we can do is avoid it altogether. Walk early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun isn’t beating down, avoid areas of blacktop, walk shaded paths, and be cautious of your surroundings. If you do have a young puppy it helps to roughen up those pads by taking them on more walks when it’s cool out. That way they can get some practice in and really alter the baby skin consistency. Another option is to invest in doggy boots or shoes, though I’ve yet to find many that will tolerate them being on for longer periods of time.

All you can do is be aware of what you are asking of your dog. Even if the ground was scalding hot, these animals aim to please and most likely would burn their paws to a crisp if it meant pleasing their owners. Respect your fur baby by protecting them from themselves!

Photo Credits:

e019And2more_tonemapped via photopin (license)
Paw via photopin (license)