Hot Pavement and Dog Paws: Summer Protection Guide
13 Sep 2026
Summer is perfect for long walks and outdoor fun with your dog. But watch out! Rising temperatures can hide dangers for their paws. Many owners work hard to keep their dogs cool. But they also need to protect their paw pads from hot pavement. Warm surfaces can quickly get hot enough to burn sensitive paws. This can cause pain, blisters, and long recovery times.
Knowing when the ground is too hot can help protect your dog's paws. This way, you can both enjoy the warmer months without pain.
Why Hot Pavement Is Dangerous for Dog Paws
Dog paw pads are tough, but they are not heatproof. They are thicker than human skin, but they can still burn quickly on hot surfaces.
On sunny days, pavement absorbs and stores heat throughout the day. Even if the air feels nice, the ground can get much hotter than you think. When your dog walks, the paw pads face heat. This can dry out the skin, cause painful burns, and lead to cracked or blistered pads.
Dogs can’t just wear shoes like people can. They need protective boots instead. So, it's vital for owners to understand the risks before going outside.
Which Outdoor Surfaces Heat Up the Fastest?
Not all walking surfaces become hot at the same rate. Dark-colored materials absorb more sunlight and typically reach the highest temperatures.
Asphalt gets very hot in summer. It can be risky even on mild days. Blacktop parking lots and driveways hold heat late into the evening. This raises the risk of burned paws.
Concrete usually feels cooler than asphalt, but it can still get hot enough to be uncomfortable. Brick pathways, stone patios, artificial turf, and rubber playground surfaces trap a lot of heat. So, be careful when using them.
Natural grass, shaded trails, and dirt paths stay cooler. This makes them safer choices for summer walks when you can.
How Can You Tell If the Ground Is Too Hot?
The simplest way to check pavement temperature is the hand test. Place the back of your hand on the walking surface for about seven seconds. If it's too hot for you to comfortably keep your hand there, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
You can also look for environmental clues. Direct sunlight, few clouds, and surfaces in the sun for hours are usually much hotter than shaded spots.
Walking early in the morning or later in the evening is generally safer, as the pavement has had time to cool after the strongest midday sun.
Pick routes with lots of shade and grass. This helps keep your dog safe from harmful surfaces.
Signs Your Dog's Paw Pads Have Been Burned
Burned paw pads can range from mild irritation to severe injuries.
Early signs are limping, slowing down while walking, reluctance to walk, or lifting one or more paws off the ground. Your dog may also begin licking its feet immediately after returning home.
More serious burns can cause redness, blistering, peeling skin, cracked paw pads, or even bleeding. In severe cases, the damaged skin may become infected if left untreated.
If you see these symptoms after walking on hot surfaces, stop walking on pavement. Let the paws heal. If the burns look severe or your dog is in a lot of pain, contact your veterinarian.
Protecting Your Dog's Paws During Summer
Preventing burns is much easier than treating them.
Whenever possible, walk your dog during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or after sunset. These times not only reduce the risk of hot pavement but also help prevent overheating.
Choose grassy parks, wooded trails, or shaded sidewalks instead of asphalt whenever possible. If you must cross hot pavement, keep the distance as short as possible.
Dog boots for warm weather offer extra protection. This is especially helpful for dogs in cities where they walk on pavement a lot. It's important to introduce boots gradually so your dog becomes comfortable wearing them.
Applying a dog paw balm before walks may also help support the skin's natural barrier and reduce moisture loss caused by heat and rough surfaces. Paw balm won't stop burns from hot pavement, but it helps keep paw pads healthy. This way, they're ready for daily outdoor fun.
Plan shorter walks during heatwaves. Bring fresh water for you and your dog. This keeps summer outings safer and more fun.
Caring for Your Dog's Paws After Summer Walks
Check your dog's paws after each summer walk. It’s a simple habit. This can stop small issues from turning into serious injuries.
Once you're home, inspect each paw pad for redness, cracks, or debris. Rinse the paws with cool water to remove dust, sand, or other particles, then dry them gently with a clean towel.
Apply a thin layer of dog paw balm if the paw pads feel dry. It helps restore moisture and supports the skin's natural healing. Moisturizing is important for active dogs, especially in summer. They spend a lot of time outside, so keeping their skin hydrated helps.
Continue monitoring the paws over the next day or two. If your dog starts limping, has blisters, or seems very painful, take it to the vet right away.
A few simple precautions can go a long way toward protecting your dog's paws during the hottest months of the year. Choose cooler times for walks, avoid hot surfaces, and keep up with paw care. This way, your dog can have safe and comfortable summer adventures.
Kamilė Ausmanė is a veterinarian, Head of Pharmacy at the KIKA retail network, instructor and head of Tauro Grooming Academy, and President of the Pet Grooming Specialists’ Board of the Lithuanian Kennel Club. She earned her veterinary degree from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2014, but has been actively involved in dog grooming and dog shows for 17 years. The knowledge she has gained over the years allows her to take a broader approach to pet care, considering not only the appearance of the coat but also the importance of skin health, hygiene, and the animal’s overall well-being. She specializes in grooming Bichon Frises, Maltese dogs and Pomeranians, teaches both aspiring and practicing professionals, and conducts seminars in Lithuania and abroad. Kamilė also participates in dog grooming competitions, while the dogs she has groomed have won numerous World and European Championship titles.
Master's Degree (MSc) in Veterinary Medicine
— Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Skills:
Veterinary medicinePreventive pet healthcareDog groomingPet skin and coat healthPet hygienePet showsBichon Frise groomingMaltese dog groomingPomeranian grooming
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