Summer days hide a danger that many owners overlook: the ground. Pavement, pavements, and beach sand absorb heat for hours and can reach temperatures far higher than the surrounding air. What feels like a pleasant walk to us could be burning our dog's paws.
Paw pads are the only part of the dog's body in direct contact with the ground. They are tough, but they have their limits. In summer, those limits are exceeded more often than we think.
How hot does pavement get?
When the ambient temperature is 25°C, pavement can reach 52°C. At 35°C of air temperature, pavement can exceed 65°C. At 60°C, human skin suffers burns within seconds. The damage threshold for dog paw pads is similar.
And it is not just pavement: beach sand, terracotta slabs, and metal surfaces (such as drain covers) heat up just as much or more.
The 5-second test
An easy way to check whether the ground is too hot: place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If you cannot hold it there without pulling away, the ground is too hot for your dog's paws.
Signs that paws are burnt
- The dog lifts its paws while walking or refuses to continue
- Licks or chews the paw pads insistently
- The paw pads are red, blistered, or with peeling skin
- Limping or a change in how weight is distributed
- The paw pads appear darker than usual or have moist patches
How to protect paws in summer
Choose the right time
The simplest solution is to walk when the ground is cool: before 9am or after 8pm on hot days. Pavement retains heat for hours after the temperature peak.
Seek out natural surfaces
Walk on grass, soil, or shaded areas wherever possible. Avoid the centre of sun-exposed pavements and car parks.
Wax or protective balm
There are specific products (such as Musher's Secret or similar waxes) that create a protective barrier on the paw pads. They do not prevent heat transfer, but they protect against abrasion and dryness. Apply them before walks.
Dog boots
Some dogs tolerate them well and others do not. If your dog accepts boots, they offer the most effective protection. Introduce them gradually so your dog can get used to them.
What to do if your dog has burnt paws
- Take them to a cool area immediately and do not force them to keep walking.
- Rinse the paw pads with cool water (not ice).
- Do not apply human creams or antiseptics without consulting your vet.
- If there are blisters, peeling skin, or the dog is not bearing weight on the paw, see the vet.
- At home, cover the paws with a soft, clean bandage until the vet visit.
Healthy paws all year round: the role of nutrition
A balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) helps keep the skin and paw pads well hydrated and resilient. Dogs with nutritional deficiencies have drier and more brittle paw pads, making them more vulnerable to burns and abrasions.
At OnlyFresh you will find options such as Harper and Bone, Amanova, and TrovetPlus, formulated with high-quality ingredients — including salmon oil and animal-source fats — that contribute to the health of the skin and paw pads in a holistic way.
