Hot Pavement, Pet Paw Safety

Dangerously hot pavement and metal surfaces are hard to avoid in the heat of summer. Pavement and tar-coated asphalt get extremely hot in the summer sun. We humans remember to wear sandals, walk on the grass and not sit down on these surface in the heat of the day. We also need to be mindful of the heat and our dog’s feet. Unlike the obvious wounds such as lacerations, foot infections and burned pads may not be easy to spot.
Signs of burned pads:
• limping or refusing to walk
• licking or chewing at the feet
• pads darker in color
• missing part of pad
• blisters or redness
Burned Pad First Aid
It is important to keep the paw area cool and clean. As soon as you notice a problem such as limping along on the road, flush with cool water or a cool compress if available. Get the dog to a grassy area or if possible, carry them.
At first chance, your vet should examine your dog for signs of deeper burns, blisters and possibility of infection.
Washing the feet with a gentle cleanser and keeping them clean is important. Bandaging can be difficult to do and to maintain (monitor and change often), but licking must be kept to a minimum. Use deterrents sprays to help reduce the damage that can be caused by licking.
Prevention is Best
Best advice is to be mindful of hot surfaces -- asphalt and metal and walk your dog on the cool side of the street or in the grass.(Information courtesy of vetmedicine.com)

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