There's no escaping the heat during Texas summers. As the heat index is peaking, we want to make sure you are thinking about your pups paws! Here are some helpful hints to keeping your furry friends paws healthy this summer.
Walk your dog when it's cool: your dogs paws are sensitive to extreme heat (and cold!). Hot pavement can burn your dogs paws leading to painful cuts and blisters. A good rule of thumb - if you wouldn't walk on the pavement barefoot, neither should your dog.
Seek out the shade: If you do take your dog out in the heat of the day, try to stick to walking in the grass or in well shaded areas.
Moisturize! Moisturizing your dogs paws can help prevent cuts, cracks and burns. Use a pup-approved moisturizer as directed. If you have some, coconut oil is a good all-natural moisturizer. However, be careful not to over moisturize. Over moisturizing can lead to excess softening of the paws which also result in paw injuries. NEVER use a human hand moisturizer on dogs.
Dog Booties: Another paw-tecting solution would be to provide your dogs paws with an extra barrier between them and the hot asphalt. Some of these solutions are peel-and-stick pads, dog shoes, disposable dog booties, or dog socks.
Clean in between: Check your dogs paws regularly for any debris stuck in-between the toes or for any tears, cracks or burns to the pads. For serious tears, burns, or peeling seek veterinary attention! For minor cracks or tears, wash the affected area with warm soap and water, cover with Vaseline or a pup-approved antibacterial cream. Try to leave the area uncovered, or covered loosely. If the injury does not resolve in a few days, seek a veterinarian.
