Treating Paw Pad Burns in Dogs
If a burn is severe, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian immediately for care. Often, the paws require a bandage. Because paws are dirty—they are the first point of contact with the ground—most veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics. Paw pad burns can become infected quickly.
SAVING ORPHAN SOULS RESCUE - RULE OF THUMB FOR ASPHALT DOG SAFETY
As we humans escape into our homes that are air-conditioned or cooled with fans we wonder why our dogs might be acting sluggish or begging to get back inside. Have you ever noticed dogs who refuse to walk at an event and just plops himself down? Paws scorching on the Asphalt could be the problem… not your dog being stubborn.
The pads of a dogs feet are not any thicker than our feet so if it feels hot to your bare feet then it’s just as hot to your dog.
Asphalt temperature and the outdoor temperature are two very different things. When the outside air temperature is 77 degrees the asphalt in the sun is 125 degrees. You can fry an egg at 131 degrees just imagine how your dog feels as you drag him along to the farmers market or outdoor festival being held on asphalt.
As a basic ‘rule of paw’-If the pavement feels too hot for your barefoot, it is too hot for Fido’s.
Pressing your own bare hands and feet on the pavement for at least 7-8 seconds is a recommended strategy to assess heat level.
If the 7-8 second test yields a comfortable temperature, it is still critical to consider other factors to assess safety accurately.
The air temperature is NOT an accurate reflection of ground temperature at all!
Asphalt and other ground surfaces retain heat and this temperature rises exponentially as heat and sun exposure continues. (See chart above).
Furthermore, the time of day is very relevant!
Asphalt soaks up the heat all day and can only cool down at a certain rate and only when the sun retreats- so pavement that was deemed safe for a walk at 9 am may differ greatly at high noon and into the early evening.
If you want to take an outing with your dog in the summer think water! Even non-water dogs still like to run along the edge and get their doggie tootsies wet and your feet will like it better too.
What Temperature Is Too Hot To Walk My Dog? There is not a hard and fast temperature that makes it too hot, but a good rule of thumb is 90 degrees and higher is too hot. On days with very high temperatures, the best idea is to modify your walk times to be early in the morning or late in the evening.
