The Summer Paw Problem
While winter gets most of the attention for paw care, summer presents its own serious risks. Hot pavement can reach temperatures of 60–70°C on a sunny day – hot enough to cause painful burns on your dog's paw pads in just a few minutes.
The 5-Second Test
Before walking your dog on pavement, place the back of your hand on the surface for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Signs of Burned Paw Pads
- Limping or refusing to walk
- Licking or chewing at paws
- Pads that appear darker than usual, blistered, or peeling
- Visible redness or rawness
Summer Paw Care Tips
- Walk during cooler hours – Early morning or evening when pavement has cooled
- Stick to grass and shade – Natural surfaces stay much cooler
- Use paw wax – Creates a protective barrier against heat
- Clean after walks – Remove pollen, pesticides, and heat-activated chemicals
- Moisturize – Heat dries out paw pads; apply balm regularly
Post-Walk Summer Cleaning
Summer walks expose paws to pollen, pesticides, and hot surface residue. A quick clean with Pawi™ after every walk removes these irritants and keeps paws healthy all summer long.
Read more: How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Paws? | 5 Signs Your Dog's Paws Need More Attention