6 Ways to Protect Your Dog’s Paws in the Summer Heat

The British summertime is perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. After cold UK winters, we all want to make the most of summer!

Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to get fresh air, stretch your legs, and give your furry friend essential exercise. However, you should take precautions when walking your dog in summer heat. Many dog owners forget one crucial thing: hot pavement will burn your dog's paws.

Dogs' paws have a different makeup to human feet. While you might assume dogs' paws are better suited to harsh environments like hot ground, they're actually as sensitive as human skin. You wouldn't walk barefoot on hot concrete – and neither should your dog.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Walk on Hot Pavement?

It may come as a surprise, but British summers can get scorching hot, meaning the ground reaches blistering temperatures.

Taking a dog out in hot summer weather can lead to:

• Cracked and dry paw pads
• Dehydration
• Heat stroke
• Permanent paw pad damage

How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs to Walk on Pavement?

Not sure if it's too hot for your dog? Here are three simple checks before heading out:

1. The 7-Second Hand Test

Place your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog. Remember: if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pup.

2. Check the Temperature

It's generally safe to walk dogs when temperatures are under 19°C (66°F). Wind can help cool things down, but when in doubt, walk earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

3. Extra Care for Puppies

Puppy paws aren't as developed or weathered as adult dogs' paws, making them more sensitive and susceptible to damage.

6 Essential Ways to Protect Your Dog's Paws

1. Walk During Cooler Times

Best times: Early morning or evening when the sun isn't as strong.

Avoid: Midday walks, especially between 12-2pm when the sun is highest and heat is strongest.

2. Stick to Grassy Areas

When you must walk during hot weather, choose:

• Shaded areas
• Grassy surfaces (they absorb heat through photosynthesis)
• Avoid concrete (it has "solar reflectance" that bounces heat back)

3. Invest in Dog Shoes or Booties

Options:

• Protective dog shoes: Durable but require adjustment time
• Disposable dog booties: Cheaper alternative, still effective

Tip: Your dog will need time to get used to wearing shoes – it feels unnatural at first!

4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dogs need extra water during hot summer months as they dehydrate more easily. Always carry water on walks.

5. Regular Paw Inspections

Check your dog's paws regularly – this helps you spot problems early and know when treatment is needed.

6. Apply Protective Paw Wax

Use a protective balm like Rhoose Point Remedies' Dog Paw & Nose Balm made with organic, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Warning Signs: How to Tell if Your Dog's Paws Are Damaged

Watch for these symptoms of burned paws:

• Limping or favoring one paw
• Excessive licking or chewing of feet
• Visibly cracked or damaged paws
• Blisters or redness
• Darker than normal paw pads

For detailed treatment advice, read our guide: How Do You Treat Dry or Cracked Dog Paws?

Emergency Treatment for Heat-Damaged Paws

Immediate steps:

1. Remove your dog from the hot surface immediately
2. Apply a healing balm like Rhoose Point Remedies' Dog Paw & Nose Balm
3. Contact your vet if burns are serious or causing significant pain

Why Choose Rhoose Point Remedies Dog Paw & Nose Balm?

Our specially formulated balm heals, protects, and moisturizes cracked or dry dog paws using only organic, ethically sourced ingredients.

Key Ingredients & Benefits:

🐝 100% Natural BBKA Approved Beeswax

• Rich in vitamin A for skin healing
• Acts as a humectant (absorbs and holds moisture)
• Perfect for dehydration-prone areas like paws and noses

🥥 Unrefined, Cold-Pressed Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

• Antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties
• Natural antibiotic alternative
• Safe if your dog licks it
• No heat treatment preserves nutritional properties

🧈 Raw Unrefined Shea Butter

• Rich in vitamins A, E, F, and K
• Combats painful skin conditions like eczema
• One of nature's most nourishing moisturizers

🌰 Refined Sweet Almond Oil

• High in moisture-rich Vitamin E
• Odorless so it won't bother sensitive dog noses
• Helps lock moisture into paws and noses

🌻 Natural Vitamin E Oil (Sunflower-Derived)

• Soothes irritation and itchiness
• No synthetic petrochemicals (unlike many competitors)
• Environmentally friendly

🌼 Natural Calendula Infused Oil

• Soothes irritated skin and heals minor damage
• Reduces acne, eczema, and skin irritations
• Research-proven to improve wound healing and reduce inflammation

Get Complete Product Information

For detailed ingredient lists and application instructions, read our comprehensive guide: All You Need to Know About Rhoose Point Remedies Dog Paw & Nose Balm.