Have your dog's paw pads turned red after a recent walk?
Your dog's paw pads might be burned! This time, we'll discuss "paw pad burns," which can occur during hot summer weather.
▌Beware of "low-temperature burns" even during evening walks!
Asphalt temperatures can approach 60°C during the day due to sunlight, so be sure to check that the ground isn't still hot in the evening.
Even if you go for a walk in the evening when it has cooled down considerably, there's a good chance your dog could suffer "low-temperature burns"!
Dogs don't feel pain as acutely as humans, so with minor low-temperature burns, they might act as if nothing is wrong. Even if a human feels the ground in the evening and thinks it's cool enough for a walk, I've seen paw pads where part of the skin started to peel off after just a 20-minute walk. Dogs who love walks want to go out even when it's hot, and the day after getting burned, my dog was still staring intently at the leash 🥲
For dogs who love walks, not being able to go can be stressful. If you absolutely have to walk your dog in mid-summer for stress relief, I check the ground carefully late at night or early in the morning before the sun comes up and only go for a short walk ⭐️
With the continuing hot weather, I'm sure there are many dogs who want to go for a walk but can't. Instead of going for a walk, how about playing a lot indoors or in a cool, shady spot on the grass?
▌Beware of "heatstroke" on hot days ⚠️
Dogs cannot sweat all over their bodies like humans can. The paw pads are the only important organ that sweats. Dogs can regulate their body temperature by sweating through their paw pads 🐕
▌Paw pads play an important role for dogs 🐾
If paw pads are in poor condition, it may become difficult for your dog to walk in the future. Therefore, after walks, don't forget to care for them by using paw pad cream to protect them!
To ensure your dog stays healthy in the future, please enjoy walks when it won't put a strain on them 🐶