Hot Surfaces Burn Paws!

Pavement may look harmless to you in your comfy shoes, but for your dog’s paws, it can be a hidden hazard—especially on warm days. Pet parents are often surprised to learn just how quickly surfaces like asphalt, concrete, metal, sand, artificial turf, and even dry grass or wood can become dangerously hot for dogs.
Unlike us, our pups walk “barefoot,” making them highly vulnerable to burns and injuries from heated surfaces. Even when the air feels comfortable, sidewalk and road temperatures can soar:
🖤At just 77°F (25°C) outside, asphalt can reach 125°F (51°C)
🖤At 86°F (30°C), it can hit an astonishing 135°F (57°C)—hot enough to burn skin in under ONE minute!
🖤Burns can occur at pavement temperatures as low as 120°F (49°C)—and some surfaces, like metal or artificial grass, can get even hotter!
Prolonged exposure may leave your dog temporarily unable to walk, causing pain, frustration, and a lengthy healing process.
Dog paw pads may look tough but are just as sensitive as your own skin. Signs of paw pad burns include limping, refusing to walk, excessive licking, blisters, discoloration, or even missing skin. Protecting those precious paws is essential to their safety and happiness.

SAFETY TIPS!
Always test the walking surface: Place the back of your hand on the ground for 5–10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your dog. When in doubt, opt for early morning or late evening walks, stick to shaded or grassy areas, and apply paw wax like Musher's for extra protection.
Your dog depends on you to protect them—let’s keep those tails wagging and paws happy! xoAmy

KNOW THE SIGNS OF BURNED PAWS: limping, aversion to walking, licking and chewing paws, blisters and redness on paw pads, darkened paw pads, and parts of pads peeled off/missing.

WALKING TIPS: Choose grassy areas and shady zones. Walk on natural grass. Walk in shade. Walk during the coolest hours of the day (usually early morning and late evening). Limit exercise on hot days. Avoid surfaces that absorb heat (mentioned above): asphalt, pavement/concrete, metal, sand, artificial grass, wood, etc.

You can put your pup in booties, BUT keep in mind dogs sweat and cool down through their paw pads, so do not keep them on for extended periods of time and if you use booties use breathable booties. Always carry water with you when you walk.

One of my favorite go to items is paw wax like Musher’s which helps protect paws from heat (it also protects against the cold, salted roads, and is moisturizing!). It is a bit messy, so applying it outside and wiping paws before heading back inside (which we should do anyway) is a good idea.

DO YOU SUSPECT BURNED PAWS?

  • Rinse feet with cold water or use a cold compress.
  • Do not let your dog lick the injured pad(s).
  • See your vet as soon as possible.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE: 

  1. Always perform the 5-Second asphalt test before walking.
  2. Check your dog’s paws after each walk.
  3. Consider investing in breathable, mesh booties.
  4. Apply paw wax like  Musher’s on pads before walking.
  5. Moisturize pads all year round, so they stay healthy and strong.

A great idea: cooling bandanas, collars, and vests when you have to be in the heat for whatever crazy reason: This cooling collar has a lot of good reviews and it is cute!

July 20, 2025 — Amy Luwis
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Comments

Red and Howling said:

Hi Tonya, You can download some of my posters right here on my blog. Just go to the post and you’ll see the poster right in the post. You can also download most of them on my old blog: RedandHowling.com and go to the “Compassion and Education” tab :).

Tonya said:

Hello
I wanted to ask how I can get your posters and print them out? I own a pet food pantry and would love to post this info on social media and when we go to events. Of course we would give you credit and tag you in the posts as well.
Thanks so much!
Tonya

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