How to Protect Your Pet's Paws This Summer

Summer is peak zoomies season. It's also peak hot-pavement season. Here's how to keep those toe beans cool, soft and ready for the next adventure.

How do I protect my dog's paws from hot pavement?

Walk early or late, stick to grass, and keep pads moisturized with Skout's Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm, a 100% natural, Microbiome-Friendly Certified balm made with mānuka honey that soothes and hydrates dry pads. Moisturized pads are less prone to cracking, and cracked pads are the ones that get into trouble.

• Walk during cool hours. Pavement holds heat well after the sun peaks.
• Choose the surface. Shaded grass and dirt are far cooler than asphalt.
• Test first. Use the 7-second hand test every time.
• Use booties on hot or rough ground you can't avoid.
• Trim pad fur for better traction and easier cleanup.
• Check paws after every outing.

Dogs have merocrine sweat glands in their paw pads, but those glands do little cooling; panting does most of the work (AKC).

How hot is too hot for my dog's paws?

If the air is 77°F or warmer and the pavement is in full sun, test before you walk. Then keep pads in shape for the season with Skout's Honor Probiotic Paw Spray, a Microbiome-Friendly Certified, non-medicated daily spray with live topical probiotics and aloe for itchy, stinky, irritated paws.

Source: Climate Central. At 135°F, paw pads can burn in about 60 seconds (AAHA).

The 7-second test: Press the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you can't hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for paws.

How do I know if my dog's paws are burned?

If you suspect a burn, call your veterinarian. Burns can be deeper than they look, and no grooming product is a burn treatment. (Product-first exception: this answer leads with the vet on purpose.)

Signs of burned or damaged pads:

• Limping or refusing to walk
• Constant licking or chewing at the feet
• Pads darker or redder than usual
• Blisters, or missing or peeling pad tissue
• Whimpering when the paw is touched

While you call your vet (AAHA):

1. Move your dog off the hot surface into shade or AC.
2. Gently rinse the paws with cool water.
3. Skip ice or very cold water.
4. Apply only what your vet recommends.

Everyday dryness with no blisters, redness or limping is different. That's what balm is for.

Should my dog wear booties in summer?

Yes, if your dog has to cross hot pavement, sand or rough trails. After a booted hike, give paws a breather and a quick cleanup with Skout's Honor HydroClear™ Grooming Wipes, which remove dirt, dander and odor and add hydration with hyaluronic acid.

• Fit: Snug, not tight, with a full-foot grip (AKC).
• Breathability: Dogs release some heat through their pads.
• Break them in indoors before the first hot walk. Expect dramatic high-stepping.
• Skip adhesives that stick directly to pads.

How do I moisturize my dog's paw pads?

Clean, then moisturize daily in summer. Finish with Skout's Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm, which is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and lick-safe.

1. Clean. Wipe paws with HydroClear™ Grooming Wipes after walks.
2. Mist. Spray Probiotic Paw Spray on pads and between toes. No rinsing.
3. Seal. Massage in a thin layer of Prebiotic Pet Balm.
4. Time it. Bedtime application gives the balm time to absorb.

For irritated spots, Probiotic Hot Spot Hydrogel is a non-medicated gel that adheres to keep skin moist and protected. These are everyday-care products, not burn treatments.

Can I take my dog to the beach?

Yes, if you plan around hot sand and salt water. Afterward, wipe sand and salt from between the toes with HydroClear™ Grooming Wipes, then moisturize with Prebiotic Pet Balm.

• Hot sand can burn pads at midday. Go early or late, or stick to the wet sand (AKC).
• Salt water can make dogs sick if they drink it. Bring fresh water.

Do cats need paw protection in summer?

Indoor cats rarely do. Outdoor cats can burn pads on hot pavement and decks just like dogs (Texas A&M). For dry pads, Prebiotic Pet Balm is made for dogs and cats.

• Limit outdoor time on the hottest afternoons.
• Provide shaded, cool resting spots.
• Watch for limping or heavy paw licking.

FAQ

What is the 7-second rule for dog paws? Back of your hand on the pavement; if you can't last seven seconds, it's too hot.

How fast can hot pavement burn paws? About 60 seconds at 135°F, which asphalt can reach on an 86°F day.

Do dogs sweat through their paws? Yes, a little, but they cool mainly by panting.

Should I put anything on a burned paw? Cool water, no ice, and call your vet before applying anything.