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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Goober!
Meme of the day: It’s an art form!
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Hot Paws, Hot Pavement: Protecting Your Dog's Paws This Summer
Summer is a season of sunshine, long walks, and outdoor adventures with our beloved canine companions. But while we might be reaching for our flip-flops, there's a silent danger lurking beneath our feet that many dog owners overlook: scorching hot pavement. What feels warm to our shoes can be agonizingly hot for our dog's delicate paw pads, leading to pain, blistering, and even serious injury.
Imagine walking barefoot on asphalt on a 90-degree day – that's essentially what your dog is experiencing. Pavement, sidewalks, and even artificial turf can absorb and retain an incredible amount of heat, often reaching temperatures significantly higher than the ambient air. On a 77°F day, asphalt can hit a staggering 125°F. At 87°F, it can be 143°F. And at just 120°F, permanent tissue damage can occur in less than a minute.
Why are dog paws so vulnerable?
While dog paws are tougher than human skin, they are not impervious to extreme heat. Their paw pads are designed for traction and shock absorption, but they lack the same level of sweat glands as humans, making it harder for them to cool down. Prolonged contact with hot surfaces can essentially "cook" the delicate tissues, leading to:
Blisters: Similar to a burn, hot pavement can cause fluid-filled blisters on the paw pads, which are incredibly painful and prone to infection.
Burns: In severe cases, the skin can literally burn off, exposing raw tissue and leading to excruciating pain and a long, difficult recovery.
Cracked and Peeling Pads: Even without immediate blistering, repeated exposure to hot surfaces can dry out and crack the paw pads, making them more susceptible to injury.
Discomfort and Aversion to Walking: A dog who has experienced hot paw pain may become reluctant to go for walks, even on cooler surfaces, due to the lingering discomfort and negative association.
How to tell if the pavement is too hot:
The good news is, preventing paw burns is simple! The easiest way to check is the "seven-second rule." Place the back of your hand firmly on the pavement. If you can't comfortably hold it there for a full seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. If you can, it's generally safe.
Protecting those precious paws:
Here are some essential tips to keep your dog's paws safe and happy all summer long:
Walk during cooler hours: The best times for walks are early mornings and late evenings, when the sun is less intense and surfaces have had a chance to cool down.
Stick to grass and shady areas: Whenever possible, choose routes that offer grassy verges, dirt paths, or shaded areas. These surfaces absorb less heat than concrete or asphalt.
Invest in dog booties: For dogs who need to walk on pavement during hotter times, well-fitting dog booties offer an excellent protective barrier. Introduce them gradually and positively so your dog gets used to wearing them.
Use paw balms and waxes: While not a substitute for avoiding hot surfaces, paw balms containing natural waxes can create a protective layer and moisturize pads, helping to prevent cracking and improve overall paw health.
Test the pavement, always! Make the seven-second rule a habit before every walk, even if you think it's cool enough.
Carry water: Always bring plenty of water for your dog on walks, and consider a portable water bowl to offer sips and help them stay hydrated.
Be aware of other surfaces: Don't forget that artificial turf, sand, and even metal grates can also get incredibly hot. Always test them before allowing your dog to walk on them.
Know the signs of paw burns: If you suspect your dog has burned paws, look for limping, licking or chewing at their paws, blisters, redness, or dark patches on the pads. Seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice any of these signs.
By being mindful of pavement temperatures and taking these simple precautions, you can ensure that summer remains a season of joyous adventures for both you and your furry best friend, free from the pain of hot paws. Let's make sure those wagging tails and happy trots continue all summer long!
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Take the bite out of rising vet costs with pet insurance
Veterinarians across the country have reported pressure from corporate managers to prioritize profit. This incentivized higher patient turnover, increased testing, and upselling services. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs, with some providing up to 90% reimbursement.
Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Mr. Zapp!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG goober_bc
Meme of the day: IG luney_doodle
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