How to avoid dog paw injuries during the summer heat

MARIETTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The heat might be tough on humans but it can also impact your dog’s paws.

Local veterinarians say paw injuries increase this time of year because of the heat. They say there is a safe way to get those walks in while protecting paws when the temperatures soar.

It is an Instagram feed, made to educate.

“Today, we want to talk a little bit about hot asphalt and cement on your dog’s feet,” said Geoffrey Van Zijl, ER technician with Veterinary Emergency Group in an Instagram video.

The Veterinary Emergency Group covers the ins and outs of pet ownership and some challenges owners may face along the way.

“We get to give a voice to animals who don’t otherwise have a voice for themselves,” said Dr. Kali Sands-Meyer, who works at Veterinary Emergency Group in Marietta.

“If it is too hot for your feet, it is too hot for your dog’s feet,” said Van zijl on Instagram.

And the summer heat comes with many challenges.

“We see a lot of paw injuries at this time of the year just from the heat and contact on hard surfaces,” said Sands-Meyer.

Dog owners might not even realize they are making a mistake until it is too late. They think they are doing the right thing by taking their dog on a walk but the time of day matters.

“It is a thicker layer of skin but it is still skin, and it can really be damaged by the heat. A lot of times, what we say is, ‘If you can’t put your hand on, the back of your hand on the concrete for seven to 10 seconds, your dog’s feet should not be touching the concrete for more than seven seconds,’” said Sands-Meyer.

There are things you can do like buying little shoes or booties that help protect paws from hot pavement.

“They can get thermal burns. They can get first, second and third degree burns just like we can on those feet,” said Sands-Meyer.

Most owners try to do right by their dogs and give them the best lives possible. But in the summer, it might take a bit more scheduling.

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.