Dogs are not only at risk of overheating in summer. High temperatures might also burn their paws, if we let them walk on hot surfaces.
The summer is slowly coming and before we realize it, the sun will warm the asphalt so much that we wouldn’t be able to stand on it for even a short while. However, we mainly walk in shoes, so we don’t really think about it. And we don’t realize that our dogs have no shoes. And it doesn’t have to be asphalt only. Pavements might also get really hot. The temperature of these artificial surfaces can reach to 50 and sometimes even 70 degrees.
Imagine what such a surface would do to your feet. And it’s not different for dogs. Their paws are at risk of burning and subsequent blisters. Remember that in summer. Simply test the temperature – you don’t have to put your shoes off, you can only put your hand on the surface. If you can keep it there, it is safe for your four-legged companion.
The simplest solution is to reduce the risk by going for a walk at the time when the sun is not at its full force. It means in the morning and later in the evening. It is not recommended to go out with a dog some time around the noon. After all, it also applies to people. Even though you go out at less risky time, avoid direct sunlight, go in the shadows and choose the path where the grass is, in a perfect case.
There are several options for protecting dogs’ paws. One of them is getting dogs’ shoes. It protects them from frozen surfaces and salt in winter and from hot asphalt in summer. Some shoes are waterproof, so dogs shouldn’t have them for long when it’s hot. Dogs have most of their sweat glands on the bottom side of their paws. There are also protective and regeneration products. They can come in the form of spray, emulsion or cream and create a thick protective layer on paws.
Other products help with regeneration and healing if burning and displease occurs. However, if burning is more severe, the skin peels away from your dog’s paws or blisters occur, don’t wait and go to a vet.
Another situation which might happen is also the case when a dog gets dirty from the melted asphalt. In such case, it is necessary to react fast. You might be surprised to find out that basic butter is enough to remove it. It only takes to put the melted butter on the spot and then wipe it away. The butter will release asphalt from skin and fur and you can see it when it changes colour. It is recommended to wash the dog in dog shampoo then.
I hope you’ll enjoy summer fully and you won’t have to deal with burned paws.
When one says a mini breed, most of you will immediately think of a Chihuahua. And it’s not surprising, its the smallest dog breed in the world. They are popular abroad as well as in the Czech Republic and they are often picked by people whose desire...
The Ragdoll, a cat which reminds you of a dog with its behaviour, was in the top three favourite breeds among keepers in 2017. At the worldwide scale, it is on the second place, right after the Maine Coon. The Ragdoll is a very cuddly pet which is into...
Cats have always been regarded as mystical animals with many mysteries. One of them might be the question why these creatures like sitting in a circle so much.
You might be asking why should a cat learn to walk on a leash in the first place? It doesn’t mean you should go hiking with your cat. However, a short walk might be a great adventure for your cat. And you can’t do that without a leash, especially in a...
Keeping an eye on the weight no longer concerns only us, the two-legged creatures. Vets deal with overweight and obese pets more and more often. Most often, it applies to dogs and cats, but even rodents can easily suffer from obesity. How to prevent...
Toxins are accumulated in body during winter and spring is therefore the best season for detoxification. Everything awakens and people purify their bodies so why shouldn’t we involve our closest companions to it?
The fact that it’s no problem to go for a journey across the whole continent (or even the whole world) together with your pet is well-known to the owners of three cat travellers – Bengal cat Suki, courageous cat Wilow and fearless tom cat Simon. They...
One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to be more active. A dog is a great companion for an active life. What is a healthy level of exercising with a dog?
These portions seem so small, shouldn’t I give my dog more? And should the dry food be dipped or not? And how many times a day should I feed my dog? And should I supplement the food by something? When should we switch to adult dog food? This is only a...
Do you know how to properly behave with your furry friends in national parks and protected nature areas? Are you sick of all the trash in city parks? And are you considering what you should do to be a more eco-friendly dog owner? You can also...
Siberian Husky is an amazing dog breed. It is a very active dog. Agile, strong and distinctive. That’s why many mushers use them to pull their sledges. It is said that all dogs who like pulling are suitable for a dog sled, but a Siberian Husky really...
Domestic cats don’t go outside as often as dogs and you have to prepare them for travelling. However, they won’t avoid visiting a vet or travelling to a cottage from time to time.
