This summer the heat will be unprecedented in SoCal. We will see record highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, causing many to rethink their dog’s walk or potty break routine. If you’re a pet pawrent like me, it’s time to research, assemble and set a plan in motion for the wellbeing of your beloved dog.
Your Veterinarian will have suggestions on how to protect your dog’s paw pads. So will dog trainers, dog walkers, and other pet care specialists. I’ve explored several options for my dog and here are a few that I’ve collected for you to consider. As the business owner of Awwdorable Pets, a dog walking, pet sitting business in SoCal, I’ve assembled this information to share with my customers as well. And with you.
Wait Until Later
If at all possible, walk your dog earlier in the day, skip the middle of the day, and take them out for a walk later, after the hottest part of the day has passed. Check the weather app and notice when the peak time for heat is and plan around it. When it’s around 3:00 PM, wait and don’t take your dog out then. Take the dog out earlier and make it as short of a walk as possible, just for a pee break, and return. Take another quick walk later for a break, and then take a longer walk in the evening, once temps have cooled.
Pet Paw Wax
Paw wax is fantastic for not only healing and soothing their paw pads but also for protecting their paw pads when they go out on a hot day and step on the cement. If your dog is fine with people touching their feet, this may be an easy and quick solution for dog walkers too. And it’s an easy-to-find product at local pet stores. Or order it online if your store has run out of it. Musher’s is one popular paw pet wax for heat or icy conditions. Of course, don’t keep your dog on hot pavement. Always move to shaded, grassy, or cooler areas. The paw wax will keep them protected for short amount of time – it’s not as protective as dog shoes, for example. Keep this in mind as you plan where are the most protected parts of the walk.
Dog Socks
For dog parents who have put socks on their dog’s feet, they know how utterly cute it can be to see their dog trying to get used to that new sensation. Gradually build time with the socks on their feet before you take them outside with them. Practice walking around the house. Once they seems more adapted to the socks, take them outside for a few feet and give them time to sniff and adjust to the new sensation on familiar ground. Eventually, and hopefully, your dog will get used to the socks, and, like in my dog’s case, they’ll learn how to walk with shoes or socks. It may take little to no time for your pup to learn how to walk with new shoes/socks. Provide them the time to adapt at their speed.
Dog Shoes
Similar to dog socks, dog shoes are one of the better ways to protect your dog’s paws. There are so many styles and types now that makes it easier to match one that will work with your dog. Because your dog sweats through their paws, it’s best to find shoes that have good ventilation. Like dog crocs. Make sure the shoes have the proper ventilation so that your dog doesn’t overheat because they can’t perspire through their paws. Very important.
Water sidewalks and hard surfaces
Between your house and the nearest patch of grass may be some sidewalk, asphalt, slate or other hard surfaces. Get a hose, a watering can, a sprinkler, and pour cold water on the surfaces where your dog will walk to get to the grass. This will also help prevent paw pad burns.
Let outs in the yard
If you have a yard, this may be the better way to let your dog get out for a potty break, without needing to go for a walk. If there is any sidewalk, slate or other hard surface areas that your dog will need to step on to get to the yard, be sure to pour cold water on the surfaces to cool it down before your dog goes out to the yard.
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