The Risk of Paw Pad Burns in the Summer: How to Protect Your Dog

Imagine stepping barefoot onto the sizzling pavement on a scorching summer day. The heat sears your skin, and you quickly hop back onto the cooler grass.

Now, think about your furry friend, who walks on that same hot surface without the luxury of shoes!

The summer heat can turn sidewalks and streets into dangerous terrain for your dog, leading to painful paw pad burns.

Learning the risks and how to protect your pup's paws can make all the difference in keeping them safe and comfortable. Let's explore the steps you can take to ensure your dog enjoys summer adventures without the discomfort and danger of burned paw pads.

Why Summer Heat Is Dangerous to Your Dog's Paws

Unlike humans, dogs can't simply wear shoes to protect their feet from these harsh conditions.

Their paw pads, which provide traction and absorb shock, are sensitive and can be easily damaged by rough terrain and hot sidewalks. Prolonged exposure to these conditions can result in paw pad injuries that may require immediate veterinary care.

5 Risk Factors Leading to Paw Pad Burns

• Extreme Temperatures: The heat can blister and burn the delicate skin, leading to painful injuries that require veterinary care.
• Chemical Burns: During the summer, various chemicals can be present on sidewalks and roads, causing burns on your dog's paw pads.
• Rough Surfaces: Gravel and broken glass can cause abrasions and cuts on your dog's paw pads. These injuries can become infected if not treated properly.
• Overgrown Nails: Overgrown nails alter how dogs walk, causing additional stress on their paw pads. This can lead to cracked and injured paw pads, which are more susceptible to burns and other injuries.
• Foreign Objects: Sharp objects like broken glass and debris can puncture your dog's paw pads, causing bleeding and pain.

7 Signs Your Dog's Paws Are at Risk

• Limping or Favoring a Paw: If your dog is limping or consistently favoring one paw, it could be a sign of a paw pad injury or burn.
• Excessive Licking: Dogs often lick their paws to soothe pain. If your dog licks their paws excessively, it may indicate discomfort or injury.
• Visible Burns or Blisters: Look for visible signs of burns, blisters, or loose skin flaps on your dog's paw pads.
• Redness or Swelling: Redness, swelling, or inflammation around your dog's paw pads can signal an injury or infection that requires treatment.
• Bleeding: Use a clean towel to apply pressure and stop the bleeding before seeking veterinary care.
• Changes in Walking: If your dog's walk or gait changes, such as avoiding certain surfaces or walking gingerly, it may indicate paw pad pain or injury.
• Reluctance to Walk: A sudden reluctance to go on walks or engage in outdoor activities may indicate that your dog's paw pads are hurt.

3 Preventative Measures against Paw Burns

Testing the Pavement: The 30-Second Rule

Test the pavement temperature before taking your dog for a walk to ensure it's safe for their paws.

The 30-second rule is a simple and effective way to do this. Place the back of your hand against the pavement for 30 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads.

Using Natural Paw Balms

Natural paw balms are an excellent way to protect and heal your dog's paw pads. They provide a protective barrier against rough terrain and hot sidewalks, preventing paw pad injuries. They also help moisturize and soothe your dog's paws, reducing the risk of cracks and infections.

Natural paw balms are easily accessible and often made with gentle and safe ingredients for dogs, such as coconut oil.

How to Apply Paw Balm Properly

1. Clean the Paws: Gently wash your dog's paws with mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt and debris.
2. Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean towel to dry the paws completely.
3. Apply Balm: Take a small amount of natural paw balm and rub it onto your dog's paw pads, ensuring an even coating.
4. Allow Absorption: Let the balm absorb into the paw pads for a few minutes before letting your dog walk around. Give your dog a distraction so they do not immediately lick off the balm.

Dog Booties

Dog booties are another effective way to protect your dog's paws from extreme temperatures, sharp objects, and rough surfaces.

Training Your Dog to Wear Booties

Training your dog to wear booties requires patience and consistency:

• Start by introducing the booties indoors and allowing your dog to sniff and explore them.
• Gradually put the booties on for short periods, rewarding your dog with treats and praise.
• Increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.

Remember, every dog is different, so work at their pace.

Choosing the Right Booties for Your Dog

• Size and Fit: Booties should cover the paw pads and extend up to the wrist joint for maximum protection.
• Material: Opt for booties made from durable yet breathable materials that can withstand rough terrain and hot sidewalks.
• Traction: Look for booties with non-slip soles to provide traction and prevent slips and falls.

Why Avoid Latex Booties?

• Chalky Residue: Latex booties can leave a chalky residue on your dog's paw pads, which can be irritating and uncomfortable.
• Lack of Breathability: Latex does not allow air to circulate, leading to sweaty and overheated paw pads.
• Durability: Latex booties are often less durable and can tear easily, exposing your dog's paws to sharp objects and rough surfaces.

How to Treat Burned Paw Pads

Burned paw pads can be extremely painful for your dog and require immediate attention to prevent further complications. Treating paw pad injuries involves several steps to ensure proper healing and comfort for your furry friend.

7 Immediate Steps to Take after a Paw Pad Burn

• Cool the Burned Area: Avoid using ice or icy water as they can cause further damage to the sensitive tissues.
• Clean the Paw Pads: Use mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt and debris that may have entered the wound.
• Dry the Paws Thoroughly: After cleaning, gently pat the paws dry with a clean towel. Ensure there is no excess moisture, as it can lead to infection.
• Apply Antibacterial Ointment: Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the burned paw pads to prevent infection and promote healing. Avoid using products with alcohol or strong chemicals that can irritate the skin further.
• Bandage the Paw Pads: Use a vet wrap or paper tape to protect the injured area from sharp objects, broken glass, and rough surfaces while providing a barrier against dirt and bacteria.
• Prevent Excessive Licking: Consider using an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent your dog from licking the injured paw.
• Seek Veterinary Care: If the burn is severe or if your dog shows signs of extreme pain, such as whining, limping, or reluctance to walk, seek veterinary care immediately.

How to Prevent Infection and Further Health Complications

• Keep the Wound Dry and Clean: Regularly clean the injured paw pads with mild soap and warm water, and dry them thoroughly before reapplying the antibacterial ointment and bandages.
• Change Bandages Daily: Change the bandages at least once daily or more frequently if they become wet or dirty.
• Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, excessive licking, or a foul odor.
• Limit Physical Activity: Restrict your dog's physical activity to prevent further stress on the injured paw pads.
• Trim Overgrown Nails: Regularly trim your dog's nails to prevent them from altering their gait and putting additional stress on the paw pads.
• Regular Check-Ups: Schedule follow-up visits with your vet to monitor the healing progress of the injured paw pads.

Take Proactive Steps for a Happy, Healthy Pup with Volhard!

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. Fowler, David. "Distal limb and paw injuries." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, vol. 36, no. 4, July 2006, pp. 819–845, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.02.004.
2. Swaim, Steven F., and Donna W. Angarano. "Chronic problem wounds of dog limbs." Clinics in Dermatology, vol. 8, no. 3–4, July 1990, pp. 175–186, https://doi.org/10.1016/0738-081x(90)90056-7.
3. Wohlsein, P., et al. "Thermal injuries in veterinary forensic pathology." Veterinary Pathology, vol. 53, no. 5, 22 Apr. 2016, pp. 1001–1017, https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985816643368.
4. Clark, Amanda. "Burnt Paw Pads: How to Spot, Treat and Prevent Them | The Dog People by Rover.Com." Rover.Com, www.rover.com/uk/blog/burnt-paw-pads-how-to-spot-treat-and-prevent-them/. Accessed 11 July 2024.
5. "Paw Pad Burns on Dogs: What to Do." Edited by Lauren Jones, PetMD, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/paw-pad-burns-dogs-what-do. Accessed 11 July 2024.
6. "Swollen Dog Paw and Pads: Common Causes & Solutions." PawSafe, PawSafe, 4 June 2024, pawsafe.com/blogs/dog-healthcare/swollen-dog-paw-pads. Accessed 11 July 2024.

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