If you’ve ever walked outside during a Texas summer and immediately regretted wearing sandals, imagine what that heat feels like on your dog’s bare paws.

During the summer months, hot pavement can quickly become dangerous for pets. While many people think about heat stroke this time of year, paw pad burns are another warm-weather injury veterinarians commonly see, especially after walking on asphalt, concrete, or artificial turf during the hottest parts of the day.

At Emergency Pet Care of Texas, our team treats summer paw injuries regularly. Many of these injuries are preventable once pet owners know what to look for.

Why Hot Pavement Is a Problem

One thing many pet owners don’t realize is that pavement temperatures can rise much faster than the air temperature. Even if the weather feels manageable, surfaces like asphalt and concrete may still become hot enough to injure your pet’s paws within minutes.

Surfaces like sidewalks, asphalt, pool decks, and artificial turf can get surprisingly hot during the summer, even if the air temperature does not seem unbearable. A simple way to test the ground before taking your dog out for a walk is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for about seven seconds. If it feels too hot for you to comfortably keep your hand there, it is probably too hot for your pet’s paws, too.

Signs Your Dog May Have Burned Their Paws

Some pets react immediately by refusing to walk or suddenly sitting down during a walk. Others may not show signs until they get home.

Common symptoms can include:

• Limping or slowing down during walks

• Frequently licking or chewing at the feet

• Red or unusually dark paw pads

• Blistering or peeling skin

• Sensitivity when the paws are touched

• Hesitation to walk outside

In more serious cases, the paw pads may crack or bleed.

What to Do if You Suspect a Burn

If you think your pet may have burned their paws, move them onto a cool surface as soon as possible. You can gently rinse the feet with cool water but avoid using ice directly on the area.

Try to prevent licking by utilizing an e-collar, and contact our team if your pet is limping, uncomfortable, or showing signs of blistering or open wounds. It is also best to avoid applying human products unless directed by a veterinarian, as some products can worsen irritation.

Tips to Help Prevent Paw Pad Burns

During the summer, even a quick walk around the block can be tough on your dog’s paws. Whenever possible, try taking walks earlier in the morning or after the sun starts to go down, when the pavement has had a chance to cool off a bit. Grass and shaded trails are usually much easier on their feet than asphalt or concrete parking lots.

On especially hot days, it may help to keep walks shorter and give your dog plenty of chances to cool down and rest. Some pets, especially those with more sensitive feet, may benefit from wearing booties if they are outside frequently during the summer.

It is also worth keeping in mind that puppies, senior pets, and flat-faced breeds often have a harder time handling hot weather and may need extra breaks or shorter outdoor outings.

When Should You Seek Veterinary Care?

Minor irritation may improve with rest, but deeper burns will be painful and may require medical treatment, bandaging, or medications to help with healing and comfort.

You should contact our team if your pet:

• Is unable or unwilling to walk normally

• Has blisters, bleeding, or peeling paw pads

• Appears painful or distressed

• Continues licking at the feet excessively

• Is also showing signs of overheating or dehydration

Summer in Texas can be tough on pets, but paying attention to ground temperatures before heading outside can help prevent painful injuries and keep your pet safer during the hottest months of the year.

If your pet experiences a paw injury or another summer-related emergency, Emergency Pet Care of Texas is available 24/7 to provide emergency care when you need it most.

Save our number: 832-376-3728