There's a lot to love about the summer season, especially for dogs who love to swim or just bask in the sun. However, summer can also be a time when problems can arise. The heat, dryness, hot pavements and seasonal allergies can all cause serious damage to your dog's paws. So, as a responsible pet owner, it's important to understand how to protect your dog's paws in the summer.
The summer heat is tough on us humans, but it can be even more challenging for dogs. A dog's paw pads are their direct contact with the ground. They not only carry the weight of their body, but also help to dissipate heat and sense the external environment. However, when the temperature is too high, the ground temperature will also be too, especially with heat-absorbing materials like asphalt, whose surface temperature may even exceed the limit of the dog's paw pads, leading to burns, blisters and other serious consequences. On top of that, seasonal allergies, bacterial infections and other issues can pop up from time to time, affecting the dog's paw health.
Hot asphalt is the number one enemy of your dog's paw pads in the summer heat. Experts say that even in temperatures that seem cool, asphalt can reach temperatures as high as 135 degrees Fahrenheit (about 57 degrees Celsius). This is enough to cause serious damage to a dog's paw pads. So, it's a good idea to avoid walking on asphalt roads in the heat if you're taking your dog out. Try to find somewhere grassy, sandy or shady instead. If you have to walk on asphalt, you can test the temperature with your paw first and avoid letting your dog walk if it feels too hot.
This way, you can protect your dog's paws and let them enjoy their walks more. If you have to go out during the day, try to find a shady spot to walk and limit the time you spend outside to avoid being in the heat for too long.
As the pet market continues to grow, there's more and more paw protection gear for dogs to choose from. There are also dog boots, paw pad protection wax and so on, which can really help to reduce the risk of dog paw pad injury. When picking out dog boots, it's important to choose styles that are breathable, lightweight, easy to put on and take off, non-slip and wear-resistant. It's also essential to make sure they're the right size for comfort and safety. If your dog doesn't like wearing boots, you could try using paw pad protection wax instead. It's worth noting that in really hot weather, paw pad wax might not be 100% effective at preventing burns.
It's a good idea for owners to keep an eye on their dog's paw pads after every walk or during bath time. This way, they can spot any problems like redness, swelling, peeling, or breakage early on. It's also worth keeping an eye out for any behavioural changes, such as a reluctance to walk, limping or excessive licking of the paws. These could be signs that something's wrong with your dog's paws. If you spot anything unusual, get it treated quickly or see a doctor to stop it getting worse.
Seasonal allergies are a common cause of paw problems in dogs during the summer. Allergies can cause the paws to become red, itchy and even lose hair. To avoid seasonal allergies, owners can rinse their dog's paws after every walk to get rid of allergens like pollen that can cause allergies. You can also use specialised pet care products to keep your dog's paws clean and dry, which will help to reduce the chance of bacterial growth. If your dog is already suffering from allergies, it's a good idea to get them checked out by a vet and follow their advice.
Long nails can not only affect your dog's gait and walking comfort, but they can also become embedded in the paw pads and cause pain and infection. It's also a good idea for owners to regularly trim their dogs' nails and check whether the paw hair is too long or curly so that it can be cleaned and trimmed in a timely manner. On top of that, regular grooming of long-haired breeds can help stop foreign objects like burrs and grass seeds getting into the paws and causing discomfort and infection.
Summer is a time of joy for dogs, but it can also be challenging. As pet owners, we have a responsibility to look after their paws so they can enjoy the summer sun and fun without worrying. If we follow the six protection strategies above, we can cut the risk of paw injuries and make sure your dog has a healthy and happy summer!
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