How to Protect Your Dog’s Feet from Hot Pavement

Southern Nevada regularly sees summertime temperatures in the triple digits. That’s unpleasant enough for humans, but it’s downright painful for dogs. Not only are they coated in fur, but their exposed skin (nose and paws, primarily) can be sun damaged, too. Your dog’s paws might be tough, but they’re still sensitive to boiling-hot pavement and asphalt. Here are some summer dog safety tips to keep your pets safe in Henderson, NV.

How hot is too hot?

Did you know asphalt and other dark pavement can get as hot as 140 degrees Fahrenheit? In the peak hours (around 2 to 4 p.m. in the summertime), the sun is directly overhead. That direct heat makes the pavement hot enough to fry an egg—so naturally, you don’t want your dog burning their paws by walking on it.

If you’re not sure whether it’s too hot to walk your dog, put your hand on the pavement. If you can’t hold it there comfortably for seven to 10 seconds, it’s too hot to take your dog for a walk.

How to keep your dog safe

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to protect your dog’s feet from the heat in Henderson, NV, while still making sure they get plenty of exercise:

• Walk when it’s cooler out: This is the easiest solution if your schedule permits. Walk your dog in the early morning and after the sun goes down—the pavement will be significantly cooler. Letting your dog walk on the pavement will help toughen up their paws without a burn risk. Remember to bring water and watch them carefully to monitor how they’re feeling.
• Walk on the grass: If you can’t avoid walks at peak temperatures, try to stay on the grass instead. (If you have a yard, playing there is a good alternative.) The grass won’t be nearly as hot as the pavement.
• Try paw wax: Paw wax can be applied to the bottoms of your dog’s paws, which will help protect them from the heat. In the wintertime, it will keep your dog’s paws free of harmful chemicals like road salt. Petroleum jelly can work in a pinch, but it’s not as effective.
• Get some dog shoes or socks: Yes, they make shoes for dogs—and although some dogs would rather dramatically die on the spot than be forced to wear them, it’s worth seeing if they’re amenable. Test it with socks (another good interim solution): use a couple pairs of your old socks or some baby socks.
• Look for peel-and-stick paw pads: Finally, you can always pick up some peel-and-stick felt paw pads. Your dog will probably hate these less than shoes and socks, and they’re quite effective in all types of weather.

Keeping your dog safe and cool is easy when you follow these tips. Now that you know how to protect your dog’s feet from the heat in Henderson, NV, stop by The Soggy Dog for a grooming session. We offer self-service dog washing stations as well as full-service appointments to meet the needs of any pet.

Categorised in: Dog Safety

This post was written by Writer