Keep pets’ paws cool in summer

#Middlebury

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We’re now in the full grip of summer. Please remind your readers to be careful walking their dogs on the hot pavement, because it can burn the pads of their paws. – Debra L., Baltimore

DEAR DEBRA: Absolutely! Folks, even dogs that love being in the outdoors are vulnerable to injury from the hot pavement, and from heat in general. Here are a few tips for keeping pets safe during the summer:

• Take pets outside early in the morning, before it gets very hot, or after sunset.
• Before walking dogs on the sidewalk, place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 to 10 seconds. If it’s too hot to keep your hand pressed to it, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Walk on a grassy area, instead.
• If you must walk your dog on pavement (you live in the city, for example), place booties on your dog’s paws to protect them.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of cool, clean water to drink, even if it spends all day indoors.
• Don’t let your pet out in the backyard unless there’s a shady, open-air spot for it to rest.

A blog post at Vets Now breaks down the details. Even when the air temperature is below 80º F, asphalt on the street can reach 125º F, especially on sunny days with little wind. That’s hot enough to cause severe skin burns, even on dogs’ seemingly tough pads. Brick and concrete pavement are only slightly cooler.

So don’t leave it to chance. Take control of your pet’s comfort and safety this summer by making sure they are protected from heat-related injuries.

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