Table of Contents
Summary ✍️
When the weather heats up, so does the pavement—and that can spell danger for your pup’s paws. In this guide, we’ll show you how to recognize the signs of paw pad burns, the science behind hot pavement, and expert-backed ways to protect dog paws all summer long.
Key Takeaways 🔑
Pavement can be significantly hotter than the air temperature and may burn your dog’s paw pads.
Always test the ground with your hand or foot before walking your dog.
Protective gear, moisturizing paw balms, proper scheduling, and shade can help avoid injuries.
Beef Joint Booster
$15.00 CAD
Help ease stiffness & support smooth, pain-free movement with every bite. These soft, beef-based chews are packed with natural anti-inflammatories to boost mobility & joint comfort. Perfect for aging pups or active dogs who need a little extra support.… read more
Summer Safety Starts Here 🏖️
We love sunny walks with our dogs—but the blazing pavement? Not so much. If you’ve ever walked barefoot across a sun-scorched driveway, you know how painful it can be. For dogs, whose paw pads are sensitive and not heatproof, walking on hot asphalt can lead to burns, blisters, and long-term paw damage.
The good news? With a little planning and the right tools, you can safely enjoy outdoor time with your pup—even on hot days.
In this blog, we’re covering everything you need to know about hot pavement safety for dogs, including warning signs, protective gear, and natural ways to protect dog paws and support your dog’s paw health.
How Hot Is Too Hot? 🔥
Dogs’ paw pads are tough, but not invincible. Pavement, asphalt, and even sand can get dangerously hot in the summer—much hotter than the air around you. Here’s a breakdown of how pavement temperatures can escalate:
Air Temperature | Approximate Pavement Temperature |
25°C (77°F) | 52°C (125°F) |
30°C (86°F) | 57°C (135°F) |
35°C (95°F) | 65°C (149°F) |
At 52°C (125°F), skin destruction can happen in under 60 seconds.
How to Tell if the Ground Is Too Hot 🧐
A good rule of thumb (or paw!): use the 7-second test. Press the back of your hand or bare foot to the ground. If you can’t hold it there comfortably for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.
You can also:
Check the weather app for the feels-like or UV index.
Avoid blacktop (asphalt concrete), which absorbs more heat.
Stick to shaded, grassy areas when possible.
Risks of Paw Burns 🥵
Walking on hot pavement can lead to:
Blisters or burns,
Cracking or bleeding paw pads,
Limping or reluctance to walk,
Long-term sensitivity or infections.
Once damaged, paw pads take time to heal—so prevention is key.
When to Walk Your Dog in Summer 🦮
Timing is everything when it comes to beating the heat. Aim to walk your dog during the coolest parts of the day: early in the morning (before 9 AM) or later in the evening (after 7 PM)
Avoid peak sun hours, typically between 11 AM and 4 PM, when pavement temps are at their highest.
Paw Protection Tips 😎
Just like our feet need protection in the heat, your dog’s paws deserve some extra TLC when temps soar. With a few simple precautions, you can help your dog stay comfortable and protected during hot-weather walks.
🐕🦺 Keep Walks Short: Even during cooler hours, don’t overdo it. Keep walks short and sweet on particularly hot days, and provide plenty of breaks.
🌳 Stick to Grass and Shade: Grass, dirt trails, and shaded sidewalks stay cooler than concrete or asphalt. Plan your routes accordingly.
🐶 Carry Your Dog: If you’ve got a small pup, consider carrying them over hot or questionable surfaces, like parking lots or sandy paths.
💧Hydration Matters: Make sure your dog is drinking enough water before, during, and after your walk. Dehydration can worsen heat sensitivity.
Water Bottle & Dog Bowl
$35.00 CAD
Stay hydrated on the go, together. 🩵 This 2-in-1 water bottle features a detachable silicone bowl so you and your pup can share water (or food!) wherever the adventure takes you. Lightweight, durable, and made with 100% BPA-free materials—perfect for walks, hikes,… read more
🥾 Use Dog Booties: Durable, heat-resistant dog booties are a great option for summer walks. Make sure to look for non-slip soles, breathable mesh fabric, lightweight design and a snug but comfortable fit. Not all dogs love wearing them at first, so try short sessions and positive reinforcement (such as high-value treats) to help them adjust.
🍯 Apply Paw Balms and Waxes: If your dog doesn’t tolerate booties, a protective paw balm can be the next best thing. Look for natural, dog-safe products that form a barrier between the paw pad and the ground. Apply before walks to help prevent damage, and after walks to soothe and moisturize.
DIY Paw Balm Recipe for Dogs 🐾
It's easy to whip up a homemade Paw Balm for Dogs to keep your pup’s paws protected and moisturized during the warmer months. Here's a simple, all-natural DIY Paw Balm recipe* you can make at home, using just a few ingredients that are safe and soothing for your bud.
*Reminder: This is a recipe for topical ointment and is NOT edible.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil (moisturizing + soothing)
2 tbsp shea butter (healing for cracked skin)
1 tbsp beeswax (helps form a protective barrier)
1 tbsp olive oil (hydrating + nourishing)
5-10 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil (optional, for calming scent — make sure it's dog-safe!)
Instructions:
Melt the ingredients: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, combine the coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. Stir occasionally until everything is fully melted and combined.
Add olive oil: Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the olive oil. If you’re using essential oils, add them now. Just a few drops will do — remember, dogs are sensitive to strong scents, so keep it subtle.
Cool and set: Pour the mixture into small tins or jars. Let the balm cool and solidify at room temperature, which should take about 1-2 hours.
Store: Once your paw balm has set, it’s ready to use! Store it in a cool, dry place, and it should last for several months.
Expert Advice on Paw Care 🎓
Dr. Sarah-Jane Molier, a veterinarian and animal surgeon writing for Vet Help Direct, explains that while paw balm can help keep your dog’s paws healthy, it shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for routine paw care or regular vet check-ups.
“Paw balm won’t protect your dog’s pads from extreme temperatures or if they have a wound,” Molier says. “In those cases, dog boots are a better option. And if you notice any changes to your dog’s paw pads, have your vet take a look—paw balms aren’t meant to treat injuries or medical conditions.”
To support healthy paws all year, Molier recommends checking them often for any changes or signs of damage, which can include blisters, cuts, foreign bodies (thorns, splinters etc.), itchy feet, dry or cracked paw pads and hyperkeratosis (thick or crusty paw pads).
She also advises steering clear of hot pavement that can burn your dog’s pads—if you can’t comfortably press your hand to the ground for seven seconds, it’s too hot for a walk.
What to Do If Your Dog Burns Their Paws ❤️🩹
If you notice signs of a burn—like limping, licking their paws, or visible blisters—here’s what to do:
Rinse paws with cool water (not ice water).
Gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Avoid touching or peeling the skin.
Apply a dog-safe antiseptic or paw balm.
Call your vet for further advice.
Prompt care is essential to prevent infection or further damage.
Support Paw Health from the Inside Out 🦴
While nutrition alone won’t protect dog paws from burns, a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help support healthy paws and aid in the healing process. Omega-3s, calcium, and minerals like manganese, copper, and selenium are great for keeping those paw pads strong and healthy.
Good nutrition is essential for all parts of your dog’s body, including their paws and skin. When dogs are missing key nutrients, whether from a health issue or poor diet, they can end up with dry, cracked, or scaly paw pads—making them more prone to injury and burns.
All Healthybud products are made to support your dog’s whole-body health, but if those paws are logging serious mileage, here are our top picks for skin and paw support:
Beef Joint Booster Chews: With collagen, turmeric and green-lipped mussel, these treats—which make for perfect summer meal toppers—support joint health, mobility and connective tissue to reduce pain and inflammation using 100% natural ingredients.
Turkey Meal Bites / Patties: Complete and balanced meals, made from 85% real meat, organ & bones and 15% fruits, veggies & superfoods, guarantee your pup is getting the nutrients they need to flourish, while nourishing their paws, skin and coat.
Cod Skin Cubes: This crunchy, single-ingredient treat is packed with natural omega-3s to help keep those paw pads soft, boost skin & coat health and reduce inflammation.
Turkey Meal Bites
$48.00 CAD
New & Improved Formula!A complete & balanced freeze-dried raw meal made with butcher-quality turkey, superfoods and pre & postbiotics. These crunchy bites are perfect for picky dogs with sensitive stomachs, and make a great training food too! … read more
FAQs 🤔
🔎 Can I put sunscreen on my dog’s paws?
👉 It’s better to use a paw balm or wax specifically made for dogs. Avoid human sunscreens—they often contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.
🔎 Are booties safe in summer?
👉 Yes, they’re a great idea on hot days—as long as they’re breathable and heat-resistant so your dog doesn’t overheat. It’s also important to make sure that the booties fit properly.
🔎 How can I toughen my dog’s paws naturally?
👉 Regular walks on different terrains (in mild weather) can help, but always introduce surfaces gradually and monitor for wear. Paw balms and good nutrition also help strengthen the skin.
🔎 Can diet help support my dog’s paws?
👉 While nutrition alone won’t prevent or heal paw burns, a balanced diet with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and trace minerals supports paw health. Healthybud's Cod Skin Cubes are an excellent, natural source of omega-3s, helping to keep paw pads supple and reduce inflammation. Proper nutrition can also prevent dryness and cracks that make paws more prone to injury.
Cod Skin Cubes
$15.00 CAD
Support a shiny coat & healthy skin with these crunchy, single-ingredient treats.Made from 100% wild cod skins, they’re packed with Omega-3s and irresistible flavor. Perfect for high-reward training or pups with allergies.… read more
Conclusion 🌟
Your dog’s paws are their connection to the world—and they deserve to be protected. As summer temperatures rise, it’s up to us to make smart choices and keep our pups safe, happy, and pain-free. From booties to balms to better walk timing, there are plenty of simple ways to protect dog paws, beat the heat and enjoy the season together.
🚨 Special Promo Alert
As a thank you for reading our blog, enjoy a 15% discount on all Healthybud products! Use code BLOG15 at checkout.
Author Bio:
