Be mindful of the temperature and where and when you walk your dogs. The best time to walk is in the morning or evening, when the pavement is cool. Try to avoid going during the afternoon hours because the pavement will reach it’s hottest temperatures, remember – sometimes during the summer the pavement gets hot enough to cook an egg.
Here’s a very eye-opening chart from the Humane Society of just what your dog is experiencing when they stand or walk on asphalt/ pavement in hot weather:
Train your dogs paws! During cool times of the day, walk your dog on pavement or trails because the rough surfaces will toughen the pads on your dogs paws — making them tougher by providing a natural resistance to damage! You want your dog to have tough paws, but you don’t want them to get too dry or they will be more susceptible to cracking and cuts, which will then be easier to contract more damage/ burns.
