Dog’s paw pads are tough. Most people know that a dog’s paw pads can get injured by walking on sharp objects, but did you know that they can also become burned from walking on hot pavement? Pavement, tennis courts and any other surface that heats up can cause burns. Know how to protect your dog’s paw pads this summer.
How can you tell if your dog’s paw pads are burned?
Dog’s paw pads are made of a specialized skin on the bottom of the paw. They are thick and designed to absorb pressure just like our feet and shoes. Like our shoes, paw pads are subject to wear and tear when on hard surfaces. Animals can sustain paw pad burns during a house fire or even walking through chemical irritants, like road salt. In the summer, many pets may develop burned paw pads by just walking or running on the hot pavement.
Signs of injured paw pads:
- If your dog has been outside and comes in and starts licking their feet, or is unwilling to walk
- If your dog limps or holds one paw up and does not want to put any weight on it
- Red swollen blisters or pain may be signs that there is a burn on the paw pads. Usually, the superficial layers of the thick pad are affected.
How to treat mild burns of paw pads at home.
Treatment depends on the how severely the pads are burned. Dogs rarely get severe burns because their pads are very thick and tough. If the burns are severe, then immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Your veterinarian will likely clean the wounds, place bandages and start antibiotics and pain medications.
If there the burns are mild, soak the paws in cool water for at least 5-10 minutes. Chemical burns (like road salt) will also need a lot of flushing with cool water, for 10-20 minutes. Burns from hot tar or asphalt are difficult because the sticky tar adheres to the pad and continues to burn. After rinsing the paws in cool water, try using Dawn dish soap to help dissolve the oil in the tar and asphalt to gently remove the residues.
Lastly, protect the paws while they heal. A clean cotton sock that is changed daily is a good option. Consider walking only on grass and giving your pooch a rest from activity until the paw pads are completely healed.
Remember enjoy the outdoors this summer but stay off the hot pavement! Your furry friend will thank you. For more information click here.