The thick pads on your dog’s feet are designed to protect him on rough surfaces, but this doesn’t mean they are made to withstand every situation. Extreme temperatures can cause pain and serious damage.
Sensitivity
Although his paws are not as sensitive as your hands, your dog can feel cold and heat through the pads on his paws. Heat is especially dangerous, since the pads can actually burn if they come in contact with surfaces that are too hot. Asphalt, concrete and sand can reach temperatures that are uncomfortable for your dog to stand on. Frigid temperatures, and snow and ice, can lead to frostbite, even on the paw pads. Some dogs are more sensitive to heat than others. For example, a dog who lives mainly indoors may find a sidewalk too hot on an early summer day, while a dog who has spent a lot of time on rough outdoor surfaces all year may not mind immoderate warmth on his paw pads. You can protect your dog’s paw pads from damage by putting on protective booties made especially for dogs.
Protect the Paws this summer!
Almost everyone has experienced the unpleasant sensation of standing on a very hot road. How
many of us realize the road can be just as dangerous and painful for our dogs? Hot pavement,
debris and grasses can burn and injure a dog’s paws.
Those of us who are dog lovers want to take our dogs along on outings; however, the summer
months can be dangerous for dogs. Walking on HOT pavement, gravel, dirt, blacktop,
driveways, streets and parking lots can get really hot and burn your dog’s paw pads. This also
includes the back of a pick-up truck (which we do not recommend you put your dog in the back
of a truck, ever!), a boat dock, or any metal surface gets hot and the pads of your dog’s feet
need to be protected from burns and blisters.
The pads can also get injured from broken glass and other debris while you’re out on walks.
Also, watch out for foxtails this summer; these dried grasses can penetrate into a dog’s paw and
other areas. There are several great ways to keep your dog’s feet protected from the scorching
summer temperatures and still take your dog with you!
Other Facts about Paws
Paws not only get her from place to place, they also help regulate body temperature. Dogs
breathe through their feet and cool themselves through the middle sections of their pads (and
their tongue).
Extreme elements can cause severe injury on dog paws, such as hot pavement, hot sand,
sharp bits of ice, or chemicals used to melt the frozen water, so it is essential to take care in
protecting dog’s paws. While winter cold and summer heat often mean extra care of dog paws,
it is necessary to protect the animal’s feet year-round. For example, dogs that frequently run
around parks or in your backyard can pick up small pebbles between paw pads or cut their pads
on sharp twigs or rocks.
How to Deal with Injuries
Signs of burned pads include:
• limping or refusing to walk
• licking or chewing at the feet
• pads darker in color
• missing part of pad
• blisters or redness
• whining and or heavy panting may be a sign of pain
Hi there. I’m Grace. I am a very hard working, compassionate and strong willed woman who loves a challenge and never backs down from a hard days work, which is a good mix for working with dogs that are having trouble getting along in the world with us humans! The greatest reward I get in life is when someone tells me I saved the life of their dog so they didn’t have to give it up! I love nothing more then showing people how to be a leader in their own world and all aspects of life! I am a leader, and walk my own path in life and I’ll go where ever it takes me!