Paw Care in Hot Weather: How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws in Summer
Meta description: Learn how to protect your dog’s paws in hot weather. Summer paw care tips to help prevent burns, cracks, and pain during heatwaves.
Hot weather can be tough on dogs, especially their paws. During summer, footpaths, roads, sand, and artificial grass can heat up quickly and cause painful burns, cracks, and blisters. Many owners focus on hydration and shade, but paw care in hot weather is just as important.
Below are simple, practical tips to help protect your dog’s paws in summer, including how to tell if the ground is too hot and what to do if your dog’s paws look sore.
Why hot weather is dangerous for dog paws
Dogs’ paw pads are tougher than human skin, but they are not heatproof. In summer, surfaces can reach extreme temperatures and cause burns in seconds.
- Concrete and asphalt can become dangerously hot during the day
- Sand heats quickly and can burn paws fast
- Artificial turf often holds heat longer than natural grass
Hot surfaces can lead to:
- Burnt paw pads
- Blisters and sores
- Cracked, dry skin
- Limping or reluctance to walk
Rule of thumb: If you would not walk barefoot on it, your dog should not either.
How to test if the ground is too hot for dogs
A quick way to check is the 7-second test.
- Place the back of your hand on the footpath, road, or sand
- Hold it there for 7 seconds
- If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws
If you are unsure, choose grass or shade, shorten the walk, or skip it altogether.
Best times to walk your dog in summer
To reduce the risk of burnt paws in hot weather, aim for cooler parts of the day:
- Early morning walks
- Later evening walks
- Avoid midday and early afternoon walks where possible
- Choose shaded routes and grassy areas
On very hot days, shorter and slower walks are often safer, especially for puppies, senior dogs, and flat-faced breeds.
Signs your dog’s paws are burnt or damaged
Check your dog’s paws regularly in summer. Common warning signs include:
- Red or darkened paw pads
- Blisters, peeling skin, or raw patches
- Excessive licking or chewing at paws
- Limping or refusing to walk
- Pulling away when paws are touched
If your dog is limping or the pads look badly burnt, contact your vet for advice.