Dog paws in summer: why hot asphalt damages them and how to protect them

"My dog has been licking her right paw for three days now, very intensely, and for half an hour at a time. I don't know why. I've looked, but I don't see anything." This is how a dog owner described her distress on the Med.Over.Net forum, unsure if it was an infection, a foreign object, or perhaps a burn. 

In summer, dog paws are exposed to numerous stresses every day. Among the greatest dangers are hot asphalt, heated surfaces, grassy awns, sand, salty seawater, and even tiny sharp particles on walking paths. Although dog paw pads may appear tough at first glance, high temperatures can damage them more quickly than most owners imagine. 

In this article, we will look at why dog paws are especially sensitive in summer, how to recognise the first signs of damage or burns, what a simple test every owner can do before a walk, and how proper care and protection can keep your furry friend's paws healthy throughout the summer. 

Why are dog paws damaged in summer 

Dog paw pads look incredibly durable, but in reality, they are much more sensitive than many people imagine. Australian veterinarian Dr. Leigh Davidson, who often raises awareness about paw burns in her Your Vet Online videos, explains that they are living tissue interspersed with blood vessels and nerve endings, similar to human skin. Although the outer layer of the pads is thickened and adapted to daily walking on various surfaces, beneath it lies sensitive tissue that reacts to heat in the same way as our skin. When it comes into contact with an overheated surface, painful burns can quickly occur. 

In general, veterinarians state that with an ambient temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, asphalt heats up to 55 to 60 degrees Celsius, and in extreme sunny conditions it can reach up to 80 degrees Celsius. At approximately 52 degrees Celsius, proteins in the skin begin to break down, which Dr. Davidson vividly compares to the process of boiling an egg, the only difference being that in dogs, this process can occur in just a few seconds of contact with a hot surface. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) cites similar data based on findings from the Journal of the American Medical Association. At an ambient temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, the measured asphalt temperature is around 57 degrees Celsius. "If the temperature is 29 degrees Celsius or higher and the surface has no opportunity to cool, the ground can be too hot for a dog to walk safely," warns Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, AKC's chief veterinary officer. At an ambient 32 degrees Celsius, asphalt can also reach 62 degrees. 

Which dogs are most at risk? 

Not all dogs are equally resistant to hot surfaces. Dr. Davidson highlights four groups in his article where veterinarians more frequently observe paw pad injuries or burns: 

The BIC Ljubljana School of Veterinary Clinic also adds breeds with hairless or very short hair, such as the Chinese Crested dog and similar breeds. For these, the risk of burns is even greater, not just on their paws, but also on their snout, lips, eyelid edges, and ears. 

The five-second test that every dog owner should know 

A practical trick recommended by many veterinarians. 

Before walking your dog, place the back of your hand on the asphalt or other surface and hold it there for about five seconds. If it becomes unpleasant during this time or if you would instinctively pull your hand away, the surface is too hot for your dog's paws as well. 

Different sources cite slightly different time limits; from five to seven, sometimes even up to ten seconds. This difference does not mean inconsistency, but an additional safety reserve. Five seconds represents a quick warning test. In all cases, the same principle applies: if you wouldn't want to stand barefoot on the surface, neither should your dog walk on it. 

It is important to note that not only asphalt poses a danger. Dark and dense surfaces, such as asphalt parking lots, metal ramps, beach sand, or pavements in full sunlight, can heat up significantly more than the air temperature itself. Even artificial grass can reach very high temperatures in direct sunlight and act like a hot plate. 

How to recognize burns on dog paws 

Veterinarians warn that signs of burns in dogs often appear with a delay. A dog owner may not notice anything unusual during or even immediately after a walk, but only in the evening or the next day does the dog start licking its pads, limping or avoiding putting weight on its paw. 

Dog owners should pay special attention to the following signs, which may indicate burns on dog paws: 

Sometimes a dog jumps on the hot asphalt, alternately lifting its paws or suddenly pulling towards the grass. Dr. Davidson emphasizes that such behavior is not play, but a sign of pain. The dog does not understand the cause, it only perceives that every step hurts, so it tries to relieve its paws as quickly as possible. 

First aid for dog paw burns 

If we suspect that the dog has suffered a paw pad burn, we must first remove it from the hot surface as soon as possible. Then, gently rinse the paws with cold running water, avoiding ice or ice-cold water. The BIC Ljubljana School Veterinary Clinic explicitly warns that overly cold water can cause blood vessel constriction, which slows down the natural processes of cooling and tissue regeneration. 

In cases of mild redness or irritation, cooling, rest, and the use of a gentle paw care ointment are usually sufficient. However, if blisters, cracks, or more visible injuries appear, it is advisable to visit a vet as soon as possible, as burns often become additionally inflamed, especially if the dog licks them. 

In cases of open wounds, bleeding, or severe pain or refusal to walk, a vet visit is necessary without delay. 

When to walk your dog in summer and how to protect their paws 

The most reliable measure is simple: do not walk your dog on hot surfaces during the hottest part of the day. According to veterinarians, the safest times to walk dogs in summer are early in the morning or late in the evening, when surfaces are still cool or the ground has already cooled down. Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on hot summer days, it is recommended to choose shade, forest paths, meadows or a park. 

Even short errands, such as a trip to the store or a brief stop in town, can pose a risk if the dog is left in the sun or in a parked car. Veterinarians from NC State Veterinary Hospital warn that the interior of a parked car can heat up to over 38 degrees Celsius in just ten minutes, even with partially open windows. 

Slovenian cynologist Lea Leskošek, founder of the dog school Lepo vzgojen pes (Well-behaved dog), emphasizes that a well-behaved dog can indeed accompany its owner almost everywhere, but this does not mean that all situations are safe at all times of the year. Summer is the time when we should be guided by predictability and adaptability: we should schedule walks for the cooler part of the day, choose shady paths, and avoid hot asphalt and concrete. 

Natural protection and care for dog paws 

Dog pads gradually harden with regular walking, but we cannot expect them to withstand extreme temperatures at which proteins already begin to decompose in the skin. Dr. Davidson warns in his video contributions that dog shoes are not always an ideal solution either, as they can trap heat in the heat and thereby even worsen the situation. The most reliable approach remains a combination of thoughtful selection of time and surfaces for walks and regular paw care. 

Care has two key roles. The first is prevention: regular lubrication keeps the skin on the pads flexible and reduces the risk of cracks. The second is recovery after a walk: when we soothe the skin and help it regenerate after daily stress. The American Kennel Club (AKC) in an article by Dr. Jerry Klein states that dry and cracked pads are significantly more susceptible to injuries and burns than healthy, moisturized pads.  

That's why the Paw balm in a stick from the Slovenian brand the BOO care was developed. The balm in a stick allows for easy, quick, and clean application to the pads, and the formula combines only high-quality and natural ingredients. 

It contains beeswax, which creates a protective layer, coconut and hemp oil, and cocoa butter for nourishing and softening the skin, lanolin and jojoba oil for regeneration, vitamin E and panthenol for supporting regeneration, and lavender essential oil for a mild, soothing scent. The product is suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages. 

Ready for summer walks? the BOO care paw balm stick is made from natural ingredients, without parabens and artificial colors, and is suitable for daily use. It can be applied multiple times a day as needed. After each walk, gently clean the paws and apply small amounts of balm to the pads. Gently massage until the balm is absorbed. 

Other summer challenges for paws 

Hot asphalt is the most recognizable summer challenge, but it is far from the only one. Summer brings several typical dangers that owners often only notice when the first symptoms appear. 

Grass awns. These are dry seeds of tall grasses, which can dig into a dog's paws with their sharp ends and gradually penetrate the skin. Even an awn just a few millimeters long can cause inflammation. Therefore, after every walk on grassy surfaces, it is advisable to thoroughly check the paws, especially in long-haired breeds. 

Sand and saltwater. On the beach, the sand can get very hot in the sun, often similar to asphalt, and saltwater can dry out the pads and cause cracks. Therefore, after each visit to the coast, it is advisable to rinse the paws with freshwater, dry them thoroughly, and if necessary, apply a paw balm. 

Broken glass, metal fragments, sharp stones. On urban surfaces, footpaths and along roadsides, small, sharp particles can be found that can easily damage or cut the pads. More serious cuts do not heal on their own, so in the case of bleeding or a deeper wound, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. 

Ticks and allergies. Summer grass also brings ticks and pollen, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. Excessive licking of the paws is often a sign of irritation or allergy, not necessarily mechanical injury, so it is important to also observe other accompanying symptoms. 

When to see a veterinarian 

In most cases, mild irritation of the pads is not a cause for panic and can be alleviated at home with rest, cold rinsing, and a gentle healing ointment. Nevertheless, there are situations when a visit to the veterinarian is necessary: 

Veterinary clinic Noe in its warnings emphasizes that burns can quickly become complicated, especially if the dog persists in licking them. Therefore, a timely visit to the veterinarian is not an exaggeration, but a necessary measure. 

Frequently asked questions 

Why does my dog excessively lick their paws in the summer? 

There can be several reasons. Most often, it is irritation or burns of the pads due to hot asphalt, ears of corn or small seeds that get stuck between the tissue, allergic reactions to summer grasses and pollen, salt residues or chlorinated water, or small cuts that we do not notice at first. If the licking lasts for more than 24 hours or the area becomes inflamed, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended. 

At what temperature is the asphalt too hot for a dog? 

At an outdoor temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, asphalt in direct sunlight heats up to 55 to 60 degrees. At 52 degrees Celsius, proteins in the skin begin to break down. The simplest test is a quick test with the back of your hand: if you cannot hold your hand on the surface for five seconds, the surface is too hot for a dog too. 

Do dog shoes help? 

They can help when hot asphalt cannot be avoided, but the dog needs to be gradually accustomed to them. Dr. Leigh Davidson warns that shoes can sometimes retain heat in hot weather and even worsen the problem. Natural, cooled surfaces remain the best choice. 

How often do you need to moisturize paw pads? 

For healthy paw pads, application before and after a walk is sufficient, usually twice a day during the summer. For dry or cracked paw pads, the ointment can be used daily until the skin regenerates. 

When is the best time for a walk in summer? 

It is safest to go for a walk early in the morning, before 7 AM, and late in the evening, after sunset. Between 11 AM and 5 PM on hot days, it is advisable to choose shaded areas, forest paths, or grassy surfaces, and avoid walks on hot asphalt. 

Is the BOO care paw balm suitable for winter as well? 

Yes. The formula also protects against salt, cold, and cracks during winter. Users often notice that the condition of dry and cracked paw pads significantly improves with regular use. 

What do I do if a grass awn gets into my dog's paw? 

If you notice the grass awn and can safely and completely remove it with tweezers, do so immediately and carefully. If it is lodged deeper, or if the area is swollen or red, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. A retained grass awn can cause inflammation or an abscess. 

In conclusion, 

Dog paws are one of the most exposed parts of the body in dogs. A dog doesn't understand that the asphalt is too hot or that foxtails are hidden in the grass; it relies on its owner. A careful choice of walk time, greater care, and regular grooming can make a big difference. Enjoy a carefree summer without pain or injuries for your four-legged friend. You can find more about the Boo Care Paw Balm Stick on our website, under products for dogs. Before you go on vacation, also read our article On vacation and on the road with a dog, which describes how to prepare your dog for travel, what to take with you, and how to help it in a new environment.  

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