Paw pads are tough, but they are not heat-proof. Dark asphalt, concrete sidewalks, metal surfaces, sand and some artificial turf soak up sunlight and can become much hotter than the air around them. A dog walking across those surfaces at midday can suffer painful burns, sometimes without much warning.
Why surfaces get so hot
Air temperature tells you how warm it feels to stand in the shade. It does not tell you how hot the ground is. Surfaces in direct sun absorb energy all day and release it slowly, which is why a parking lot can still radiate heat after sunset. Dark materials heat up more than light ones, and smooth hard surfaces hold heat more than grass or soil. Even on days that feel only pleasantly warm, the pavement under your dog’s feet may be uncomfortably hot.
The back-of-the-hand test
A simple rule many owners use is to press the back of your hand flat against the ground for about seven seconds. If you cannot comfortably hold it there, the surface is too hot for your dog to walk on. It is not a precise measurement, but it is a quick reality check that takes no equipment. Test the spots your dog will actually walk on, including crosswalks, bridges and the strip of sidewalk that gets afternoon sun.
Plan routes around the heat
- Walk early in the morning, before the ground has absorbed much heat.
- Wait until well after sunset for evening walks, and test the pavement before heading out.
- Favor grass, dirt trails and shaded paths over open asphalt.
- Avoid parking lots, metal grates, truck beds and boat decks in the sun.
- At the beach, remember that dry sand away from the water can be very hot.
Booties can help some dogs, especially in urban areas where avoiding pavement is difficult. Introduce them gradually indoors with treats and praise, and make sure they fit well so they do not rub. Paw balms are sometimes used to keep pads conditioned, but they do not make pads heat-resistant. Ask your veterinarian before relying on any product for protection.
What a burned paw looks like
Dogs with sore pads may limp, refuse to walk, lick or chew their feet, or hold up a paw. When you look closely, you may see pads that are darker or redder than usual, blisters, missing pieces of pad, or raw areas. Burns can be very painful and can become infected.
If you suspect a burn, get your dog off the hot surface immediately. Cool the paw gently with cool, not icy, water and keep your dog from licking it. Then call your veterinarian. Burned pads often need professional cleaning, pain relief and protection while they heal, and your vet can tell you how serious the injury is.
Building a summer paw routine
A quick look at your dog’s feet after walks is a good habit in any season. Check for cuts, splinters, burrs, cracked pads and anything stuck between the toes. Keep the fur between the pads neatly trimmed if your groomer recommends it, and keep nails at a comfortable length so your dog walks naturally. A minute of attention each day helps you spot problems early, and it gets your dog comfortable with having its feet handled, which makes vet visits easier too.
