{"id":610,"date":"2025-08-05T17:26:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T00:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/?p=610"},"modified":"2025-09-04T12:34:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T19:34:21","slug":"protecting-your-dogs-paws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/protecting-your-dogs-paws\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Your Dog’s Paws"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It’s warm and sunny out\u2014pawsitively 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High temperatures and direct sunshine can bake both sidewalk pavement and asphalt to an unsafe degree. Today, the team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital<\/a> will share what dog parents need to know about keeping their pals’ paws safe in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why is Hot Asphalt Dangerous to Pets?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On a day when it’s sunny and 95\u00b0F outside, blacktop asphalt can get as hot as<\/a> 140\u00b0F, and even pale-colored cement can rise to 125\u00b0F. This is hot enough to seriously burn your pet\u2019s paw pads, causing discolored skin, blisters, and sores\u2014not to mention pain that may make it hard for your dog to walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike humans, dogs can\u2019t lace up their shoes to keep their feet safe when they go for a walk. It\u2019s up to their owners to protect those sensitive paw pads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Dog\u2019s Paws from the Heat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> of the day. Keep him indoors or in a grassy, shady area between about 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm\u2014the times when the pavement is the most likely to be unbearably hot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s too hot for your dog\u2019s paws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t have to walk on pavement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use booties as paw protection to keep your pet\u2019s feet safe from the heat, apply paw wax before a potty break, and keep your pet\u2019s pads strong and healthy with regular cleaning and moisturizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Paw Pad Burns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, burns happen despite our best efforts<\/a>. If your pup shows any of these symptoms of paw discomfort, it\u2019s time for a vet checkup: <\/p>\n\n\n\n