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One of the most enjoyable aspects of dog ownership is walking together on a warm summer’s day. There’s something lovely about the sun shining, the fresh air, and being out in nature with your dog. However, while we might welcome the warmth, it’s essential to remember that summer conditions can pose serious risks to dogs, particularly their paws.
Dogs’ paw pads are tough and durable, having evolved over centuries to withstand rough terrain. They’re made of a thick layer of keratinised skin – often called “leathery” – which offers some protection. But while they may seem resilient, paw pads are not invincible. High temperatures can cause significant damage to this sensitive area, leading to pain, discomfort, and in more severe cases, lasting health issues.
To put it into perspective, imagine stubbing your toe or stepping on a sharp stone – it’s painful, right? Now think about walking barefoot on sun-scorched pavement. We instinctively wear shoes, sandals, or flip-flops to protect our feet, but it’s easy to forget that dogs don’t have that luxury. We clip on their lead and head out without constantly checking how hot the ground might be.
Why Summer Pavements Can Be Dangerous
Pavements, mainly made from asphalt or tarmac, absorb heat quickly and retain it for long periods. On a sunny day, the surface temperature of these materials can rise far above the ambient air temperature. Studies have shown that pavement can reach 52°C (125°F) when the air temperature is just 25°C (77°F). At 52°C, skin damage can occur in less than a minute. That’s more than enough to burn a dog’s paws.
If a dog’s pads become burned, it may not always be immediately apparent. Unlike injuries such as cuts or scrapes, burns can be subtle at first. This is especially important to remember with young puppies, whose paws are still developing and are much more sensitive.
And it’s not just pavements that can become dangerously hot during the summer—hot sand at the beach, metal grates, artificial grass, and even some decking.
Six Tips to Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Hot Surfaces
Here are six practical steps I recommend to help keep your dog safe and comfortable when the weather warms up:
- Walk During Cooler Parts of the Day
Aim to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower, and pavements have cooled. Avoid walking during peak heat hours, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. - Build Up Paw Resilience
Regularly walking your dog on hard surfaces like concrete when the weather is mild can help to toughen their pads naturally. This makes them more resilient to everyday wear and tear, although it still won’t prevent burns in extreme heat. - Choose Grassy Routes
Whenever possible, stick to grassy or shaded areas. Parks, woodlands, and trails with plenty of cover are ideal. These surfaces stay much cooler and are more comfortable for dogs to walk on. - Use Pet-Safe Moisturisers or Paw Wax
Dry or cracked paws are more vulnerable to burns. Applying a specially formulated paw balm or wax (fragrance-free and designed for dogs) can create a barrier against hot surfaces and keep the pads supple. - Consider Dog Boots for Protection
While they may look unusual, dog boots can provide a valuable insulation layer against hot ground. Not all dogs take to them easily, but with some training and patience, many will tolerate them just fine. - Check and Clean Paws Regularly
After walks, always check your dog’s paws for signs of redness, cracks, or debris. Keep them clean and monitor for any changes in behaviour that might suggest discomfort.
The Five-Second Rule
A simple and effective way I use to assess whether the pavement is too hot is the “five-second rule.” Place the back of your hand on the ground and hold it there for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Spotting Burnt Paw Pads
Dogs can’t tell us when something hurts, so knowing the signs of paw pad injuries is essential. If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, their pads may have been burned:
- Limping or refusing to walk
- Excessive licking or chewing at the feet
- Darkened or discoloured pads
- Redness, inflammation, or bleeding
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Missing portions of the pad
You might also notice a general change in temperament—your dog may seem unusually tired, withdrawn, or reluctant to engage in usual activities.
What To Do If Your Dog’s Pads Are Burnt
Immediate first aid is essential. If you suspect a burn, move your dog to a shaded area and gently cool the affected paw(s) with cool (not cold) water or a damp cloth. Avoid using ice directly, as this can cause further damage. Apply a cool compress for a few minutes to soothe the area.
It’s vital to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. If not treated correctly, burnt pads can become infected or lead to long-term mobility issues. Your vet may recommend a course of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or a bandage to protect the area during healing.
Source: Royal Veterinary College. “Heatstroke and Hot Surfaces”
Prevention Is Always Better Than a Cure
The best way to protect your dog is to plan and avoid walking in high temperatures. If the weather is unusually hot or you’re unsure whether a surface is safe, consider skipping the walk altogether. Instead, opt for shaded play in the garden or enrichment games indoors.
I prioritise this in my dog-walking service. I always start and finish each walk at your home, and because I’m based in North London, I’m fortunate that I don’t use vehicles to transport dogs. That means no sitting in hot vans or wasting valuable time in transit.
I typically take dogs to more extraordinary, shaded locations such as Highgate Woods, Coldfall Wood, or The Brook. These spots offer natural shelter from the sun and much gentler walking conditions. I also follow a strict extreme weather policy – if it’s too hot for safe outdoor walking, I won’t walk. Instead, as a games-based dog walker and trainer, I switch to mentally stimulating activities or games in shaded gardens or indoor environments.
Dogs don’t need a traditional walk in every type of weather. They genuinely need interaction, stimulation, and care, and I can offer plenty of ways safely on hotter days.
Summer walks with your dog can be a joy, but they come with responsibilities. Heat-related injuries are entirely preventable with a bit of planning and awareness. By understanding the risks and taking a few sensible precautions, you can enjoy the sunshine safely and protect those all-important paws.
If you’d like more advice about safe summer walking, enrichment activities for hot days, or to find out more about what I offer as a dog walker and games-based trainer in North London, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to chat and help keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe – no matter the weather.
Be sure to watch the dog closely to protect him from other heat-related injuries, such as sunburn or heat exhaustion. Our summer guide provides more advice and our nice weather tips.
You may also like our dog walking tips article and dogs and artificial grass.
