What do sidewalks, driveways, pavement, asphalt, concrete, sand, tennis courts, and even artificial turf all have in common? These surfaces can absorb and retain more heat, which can, in turn, cause pain and physical harm (including burns and blisters) to your pooch’s tender paw/foot pads!

This is due to their “solar reflectance” (SR) compared to natural grass. This includes ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared sunlight that is either absorbed or reflected off the surface.

· A value of 0.0 means all the heat is absorbed;

· While 1.0 means all the heat has been reflected off and not absorbed. When heat is reflected off the surface (as with natural grass), it remains cooler.

It’s easy to forget our dogs after we put on our own protective footwear, but they are counting on us to protect them from the risks of summer heat.

The Facts

Even temperatures we often consider “mild” can pose unwanted risks to an unprotected dog’s paws when pressed against surfaces that retain heat from the sun, surrounding air, and humidity.

Don’t believe it? Take off one of your shoes and see how long you can keep your foot against the pavement. That’s what your dog’s bare paws feel like!

So, keep in mind that:

• Even a mild 75º F air temperature can heat asphalt to 125º F!
• At just 87º F, asphalt can heat to a whopping 143º F!
• Also, humidity can intensify trapped heat.
• Experts consider temperatures up to 68º F safe for dogs, but anything over 77º F is considered very risky.

Signs of Damaged Paws

• Limping
• Excessive licking or chewing of paws
• Paw pads appear darker than normal or visibly damaged
• Blisters or redness

If you notice any of these signs, immediately take your pet to your regular vet for medical attention. Burned or blistered paws can easily become infected if not treated immediately and properly.

How to Protect Sensitive Paws!

Remember, dogs don’t always let us know when they are uncomfortable or even in pain.

Use the 3 tips below to protect their paws from injury or burns. Your furry best friend is counting on you.

• Walk them in the early morning (before or around sunrise) or late evening, after 6 pm
• Only walk on grass and shaded paths
• Use breathable booties to protect sensitive paws

Consider your dog’s paws the next time you put on that leash, and make sure their sensitive paws are protected first!

NOTE: Overheating and Dog Paws

Regardless of what you’re doing this summer, always watch for signs that your dog is getting too hot and immediately take them inside to cool down. Damaged paws can also hinder a dog’s ability to cool down through evaporation from the dog’s merocrine glands on its paws (similar to human sweat glands).

Warning signs include:

• Excessive panting
• Extreme salivation
• Anxiety
• Labored breathing
• The dog refuses to keep walking and lies down

Again, dogs don’t always let us know when they are uncomfortable or even in pain. So be your dog’s advocate to keep him safe this summer.