Summer is the season when most people want to spend their free time outdoors. Whether you enjoy taking your dog to the dog park or extending your walking time, as the temperatures rise, so does the risk of burns and injuries to your dog’s. Although it’s important to spend time with your dog and ensure they are getting plenty of exercise, it’s also important to be cautious when it comes to walking on asphalt, sand, and concrete. In Columbus, these surfaces can get as much as 50 degrees hotter than the temperature outside, which means if your dog happens to walk on these surfaces, they can end up with burned paws. Here are some signs that your dog may have heat damage on their paws and tips to prevent heat-damaged paws.
Identifying Heat Damaged Paws
It is important to check your dog’s paws frequently. If you notice any redness, blisters or missing parts of their pad, you should contact your veterinarian in Columbus right away. Not only is this painful for your dog, but these types of injuries can quickly turn into an infection. Puppies are especially sensitive because their paws haven’t developed calluses, so they are extra soft and sensitive. For recommendations on the best way to handle heat damage on your puppy’s paws, seek veterinary care immediately. Even though there are no visible blisters, your dog may still have heat damage on the paws, so be on alert for the following signs:
- Licking one or more paws
- Chewing on paws
- Whining
- Limping
- Reluctant to walk (indoors or outdoors)
- Paw pads are darker than normal
Taking your dog outside is unavoidable, but there are some things you can do to protect their paws against heat damage. Try to avoid walking on the sidewalk or street during the hottest time of the day, instead walk on the grass or wait until the sun goes down to go for walks. If you must walk on the sidewalk, put booties on your dog to protect their paws from the heat while walking.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you suspect your dog has heat damage to their paws, bring them to the Hamilton Road Animal Hospital in Columbus to have them checked. You can call us at 614-239-0027 to schedule an appointment today!