Dogs' paws can be just as sensitive as humans' feet. That means they're equally as likely to get burnt walking on a hot surface as their owner would be. Vets in the US, where paw burns are common in many areas due to high summer temperatures, came up with a test to check when it's safe to walk dogs on a pavement.
Dogs have a slightly higher temperature than humans, so his ears and paws should only be slightly warmer than your hands. It also helps to know the normal temperature of your dog's ears and paws. If they're warmer than usual, he might be running a fever.
How do I know if the pavement is too hot for my dog? The best way to tell if a pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too painful for your hand, then it's too painful for your dog's paws.
Simply touch the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If you can't hold out for the full seven seconds because the surface is too hot, then it's also too hot for your dog's paws.
Injury - Any injury to a paw or foot can cause the paw pads to feel warm as they heal. Common injuries include bee stings, cuts, scratches, a broken bone, pulled muscle, or ingrown claw.
Use cool (not cold) water to flush the burned area for 10-15 minutes. This will help reduce the heat and pain. After cooling, gently pat the paw dry with a clean towel. If the burn appears severe or swelling or blistering, it's best to take your dog to the veterinarian for treatment.
If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, the best treatment is to immediately flush the injured paw with cool water, get the dog to a grassy area, and carry him/her if possible. It is important to keep the foot area cool and clean.
Unlike humans, dogs can't sweat through their skin and so they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature and keep cool.
Dogs licking their paws can be a warning sign that they are struggling during the heatwave. Pet owners have been urged to keep an eye on their dogs during the coming days as temperatures soar. The tell-tale sign that a dog is not coping well in the heat is by spotting them licking or gnawing at their paws.
The hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog. As the temperature increases, even by just 1C, the risk to your dog increases too. Any temperature over 25C is a definite NO when it comes to walking! Stick to the rule of walking below 20C to be safe.
Overheating. Your dog's paws have sweat glands that allow him to perspire, helping him to cool down and his pads from getting too dry. Likewise, if a dog is stressed or nervous, his paws can perspire, just like you do!
Some dogs get red paw pads because of an injury, and some dogs get red paws because of health conditions like canine food allergies, fleas, contact dermatitis, parasites, secondary infections, and yeast infections. Dogs can even get red paws as a result of boredom and canine anxiety.
A dog's ears and paws have a lot of blood vessels. When he has a fever, these areas get hot because of the migration of immune cells from the blood into the areas of the body where an infection is taking place. The increase in the circulating immune cells in the blood can manifest as heat in the blood vessels.
While some dogs will dive straight in and splash about, other more water-shy pooches will need more encouragement – but even getting them to stand in the water for a short time is a really effective way of cooling them down rapidly as dogs absorb and release heat through their paws.
Dogs and cats have a higher body temperature than people so they often feel warm. You can purchase a rectal digital thermometer (doesn't need to be animal specific) and obtain your pet's rectal temperature. This is the most accurate assessment. Normal temperature for dogs and cats is 99.5—102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequent licking builds up moisture in a dog's paws that can lead to a bacterial or yeast infection, according to the American Kennel Club. These issues only aggravate paw licking and may cause swelling or redness. Work with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat bacterial yeast infections.
Repeatedly licking their paws can be a sign that they are stressed or anxious, or could suggest that they are in pain, feeling nauseous, uncomfortable or itchy."
Is your pet overheating at night? As we mentioned above, summer nights can be just as problematic as summer days for your pet. For example, one sign your dog is too hot at night is heavy panting in a setting where they're otherwise calm and happy.
Put them on top of a cool wet towel, cooling mat or place them in the breeze of a fan. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water. Pour cool water over the dog's feet, ears and head. Never use ice or very cold water as this can cause shock.
Sold in packs with 6 pairs and they last for up to 6 hours!
Before walks, coat the balm on your dog's paws to create a barrier that prevents snow, ice, and salt from getting between your pup's toes. The balm or Vaseline also keeps their paw pads hydrated. Just be sure to have a towel handy when you get back inside to wipe it off!
Is petroleum jelly safe for dog paws? Yes! We recommend a paw balm such as Paw Soother or Musher's Secret, but if you need something in a pinch, petroleum jelly works just fine.