If you walk your dog completely or partially on asphalt during the high summer temperatures, there is definitely reason to pay attention to your dog's paws!
Asphalt can get scorching hot!
Fido doesn't wear shoes like we do, which can protect his paws from the very hot asphalt. You may have tried walking barefoot on the asphalt yourself. You don't do that for long at a time, so think about Fido's little soft paws when you walk on the asphalt. In the worst case, the paws can get burned, because the asphalt gets scorching hot!
Like sandpaper
"When a dog runs across hot asphalt, it's like its paws are being rubbed with sandpaper.
The result can be large, oozing burn blisters, which are extremely sensitive for the dog, as there are sensory nerves in the paws. In addition to burns, there is also a risk that the dog may get infections in the paws." Says veterinarian and owner of Vejle Animal Clinic and Animal Hospital, Per Nyvang to TV2.dk
Cool paw bath
If the accident does occur, it is important to make a cool paw bath for the dog's paws. It is very important that the water is not ice cold. The wounds must be kept moist and clean, and then you should seek veterinary attention.
"The vet will bandage the burns and give the dog painkillers. The bandages need to be changed frequently, so sometimes the dog is hospitalized if the owner does not have the opportunity to change the bandages as often as necessary," explains Per Nyvang.
He also says that the vast majority of dogs recover without injury, and with proper treatment, the dog will typically be fit for a fight within a few weeks.
Take care of your dog's paws in the heat
If you walk your dog completely or partially on asphalt during the high summer temperatures, there is definitely reason to pay attention to your dog's paws!
Asphalt can get scorching hot!
Fido doesn't wear shoes like we do, which can protect his paws from the very hot asphalt. You may have tried walking barefoot on the asphalt yourself. You don't do that for long at a time, so think about Fido's little soft paws when you walk on the asphalt. In the worst case, the paws can get burned, because the asphalt gets scorching hot!
Like sandpaper
"When a dog runs across hot asphalt, it's like its paws are being rubbed with sandpaper.
The result can be large, oozing burn blisters, which are extremely sensitive for the dog, as there are sensory nerves in the paws. In addition to burns, there is also a risk that the dog may get infections in the paws." Says veterinarian and owner of Vejle Animal Clinic and Animal Hospital, Per Nyvang to TV2.dk
Cool paw bath
If the accident does occur, it is important to make a cool paw bath for the dog's paws. It is very important that the water is not ice cold. The wounds must be kept moist and clean, and then you should seek veterinary attention.
"The vet will bandage the burns and give the dog painkillers. The bandages need to be changed frequently, so sometimes the dog is hospitalized if the owner does not have the opportunity to change the bandages as often as necessary," explains Per Nyvang.
He also says that the vast majority of dogs recover without injury, and with proper treatment, the dog will typically be fit for a fight within a few weeks.