Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Pets
It’s warm and sunny out—pawsitively delightful for dogs and humans alike. But if you’re planning to take Fido out for a midday walk, you might need to rethink a danger that’s hidden in plain sight: hot pavement.
High temperatures and direct sunshine can bake both sidewalk pavement and asphalt to an unsafe degree. Today, the team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital will share what dog parents need to know about keeping their pals’ paws safe in the summer.
Why is Hot Asphalt Dangerous to Pets?
On a day when it’s sunny and 95°F outside, blacktop asphalt can get as hot as 140°F, and even pale-colored cement can rise to 125°F. This is hot enough to seriously burn your pet’s paw pads, causing discolored skin, blisters, and sores—not to mention pain that may make it hard for your dog to walk.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t lace up their shoes to keep their feet safe when they go for a walk. It’s up to their owners to protect those sensitive paw pads.
How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws from the Heat
The best way to prevent your dog from getting paw pad burns is to avoid taking him out for a walk during the hottest, sunniest parts of the day. Keep him indoors or in a grassy, shady area between about 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm—the times when the pavement is the most likely to be unbearably hot.
To play it even safer, check the pavement with your own fingertips. Press them down for at least five seconds. If the pavement feels uncomfortably hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
If you need to take your pup out for a potty break during the hottest part of the day, opt for grassy areas where your dog doesn’t have to walk on pavement.
You can also use booties as paw protection to keep your pet’s feet safe from the heat, apply paw wax before a potty break, and keep your pet’s pads strong and healthy with regular cleaning and moisturizing.
Signs of Paw Pad Burns
Sometimes, burns happen despite our best efforts. If your pup shows any of these symptoms of paw discomfort, it’s time for a vet checkup:
- Limping
- Licking the paws and paw pads
- A darkening of the paw pads
- Redness or swelling around the paw pads
- Visible blisters or open sores
If you’re worried about your pet’s paws, the caring and friendly team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital can help. Our team knows how to help dogs and their people navigate hot summers and all the inherent risks that come with the sun. Reach out to us today at (916) 939-1705 to schedule an appointment!