We wait seven long months for the cold, dark and dreary days of winter to move on and the hints of spring and summer to finally arrive. We have had had many 80- and even 90-degree days so far this summer.
One thing that you may not even consider is just how hot the pavement can get on these days.
Be careful walking your dogs. Dogs’ paws can be just as sensitive as humans’ feet.
It’s not just the air temperatures you have to worry about; it’s also the ground temperatures. If the temperature is 85 degrees, concrete is 105 and asphalt/blacktop is 130. So that pavement turns into a stovetop during the middle of the day.
If the ground is too hot to hold the back of your hand against it, it’s too hot for your dog’s bare paws.
Try and limit those dog walks to early in the morning or later in the evening. This will be a lot more comfortable, and safer, for your pooch.
Some dogs can get burns on their paw pads. Treatment depends on the extent of the burn on the dog. If a burn is severe, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for care.
“Many times, we will bandage the feet and start antibiotics,” said Dr. M. Duffy Jones of Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, on petmed.com. “Paw pad burns can get infected quickly and make things much worse. Sometimes we can suture the pad back on if there is some left.”
Dogs need to rest and avoid hot pavements as they heal, and pet parents must keep an eye on their dogs and not allow them to lick the injured area, which will make it much worse over time, according to Jones.
If your dog is healing from burned paw pads, it’ll just take some time and patience to get them back up and moving. Try to keep them inside as much as possible. If they do go outside, limit their walking and try to keep them on grassy surfaces.
Some veterinarians may prescribe ointments or antibiotics, too. While your dog is recovering, you might consider putting soft booties or children’s socks on its paws. The fabric will help protect any damaged tissue and make them more comfortable.
The length of time a paw pad burn will last depends on the dog and the extent of their injuries. The most severe cases can see the effects of a burn for a few weeks. Fortunately, as long as you give your dog the time he needs to heal, there are no long-term side effects of paw pad burns.
Check out the Central Aroostook Humane Society Facebook page for pets that are available for adoption.
Please be responsible pet owners: spay and neuter.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary for the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
