When summer rolls around, most dog owners are good about water bowls and shade — but paw protection often gets overlooked. Hot pavements can heat up to dangerous levels quickly, and your dog’s paws are far more sensitive than they let on. If you’ve ever walked barefoot on hot tarmac, you’ll understand why a sunny day stroll can be more risky than it looks. Here are 12 ways to keep those paws safe, comfortable, and burn-free this summer.
1. Walk early or late.
The ground is hottest in the middle of the day, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you usually walk your dog around lunchtime, it’s time to shift that habit before their paws pay the price. Try walking early in the morning or later in the evening when the pavement’s had a chance to cool. It’s easier on your dog and much more pleasant for you too—no squinting, no overheating, just a breezy stroll.
2. Test the pavement with your hand.
If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the ground for at least seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. It’s a simple trick, but a surprisingly accurate way to judge surface temperature. Remember, even if the air feels fine, dark pavements and metal surfaces can get scorching. Trust the hand test over the weather app—it’s what your dog would do if they had thumbs.
3. Stick to grassy routes whenever you can.
Pavement and tarmac heat up quickly and hold that heat long after the sun moves. Grass, on the other hand, stays much cooler and is gentler on your dog’s feet. Choose parks, shady trails, or woodland paths whenever possible. Even short walks on soft ground can make a big difference. Plus, it’s way more interesting for your dog’s nose.
4. Use dog booties (if they’ll wear them).
Not every dog loves the feeling of booties at first, but with a little patience, many get used to them. They provide an actual barrier between your dog’s paws and the ground, which is ideal on extra hot days. Look for lightweight, breathable ones with rubber soles for grip. Just make sure they fit properly, and you don’t leave them on for too long—dogs sweat through their paws, and they still need air circulation.
5. Try paw balm before walks.
Paw balms work like a light protective barrier—they help reduce the risk of cracking, dryness, and burns. Some also help moisturise paws that are already a bit rough from heat exposure. Apply it before a walk to give your dog an extra layer of defence, especially if you know you’ll be on warmer surfaces. Reapply regularly if you’re out for long stretches.
6. Avoid metal surfaces.
Manhole covers, metal grates, and even some docked boat areas can become dangerously hot under the sun. They heat up faster than most surfaces and retain that heat long into the evening. Pay attention when you’re walking in city centres or crossing roads—a quick step onto metal could cause a painful burn before your dog has time to react. Steer them around whenever possible.
7. Limit walk duration on hot days.
Even with precautions, there’s no need to force a long walk when it’s sweltering. Dogs overheat quickly and paws can still absorb heat over time, so a short walk is often plenty. Focus on quality over quantity. A 10-minute sniff-fest in the shade beats a 30-minute slog on sun-baked paths. Save the long adventures for cooler weather.
8. Use cooling mats or shady rest stops.
If you’re out for a while, give your dog regular chances to lie down somewhere cool. Cooling mats, shaded benches, or even patches of damp grass can help regulate their body temp, and ease any heat building up in their paws. Encourage them to rest often, especially if you’re doing any stop-start walking like at markets or festivals. Paws need breaks just like the rest of them.
9. Keep paw fur trimmed.
Long fur between the paw pads can trap heat, dirt, and even hot grit from the pavement. It also makes it harder for you to check their paws for injury or irritation after a walk. A quick trim with pet-safe scissors helps keep things tidy and lowers the chance of overheating. Just be careful not to cut too close to the skin—it’s sensitive stuff.
10. Avoid beach walks at peak heat.
Hot sand can be brutal on dog paws, especially the dry stuff near the top of the beach. It might look like a dreamy outing, but your dog could be silently suffering with every step. Stick to early morning or evening beach visits, or stay closer to the wet, cooler sand near the shoreline. Bring water and a shady spot to rest, too. Beaches are deceptively tough on dogs in summer.
11. Rinse paws after walks.
Heat aside, summer surfaces can be rough—salty patches, sharp grit, melted tar. Giving your dog’s paws a quick rinse after a walk helps get rid of anything irritating that’s stuck around. Use cool (not cold) water and pat dry gently. It’s a good way to spot any tiny cuts or signs of irritation early, before they become something more painful.
12. Know the warning signs of paw burns.
If your dog is limping, licking their paws constantly, or their pads look red, swollen, or blistered, stop walking immediately. Those are all signs of a heat-related paw injury. Move them to a shaded area, give water, and check their paws gently. If things look bad, get a vet’s advice straight away. It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to burned paws.
