How to Avoid Heat Stroke and Irritated Paws on Hot Asphalt and other Heat Related Issues with your Dog

"It's a beautiful summer day! Let's take Bella to the Rail Trail!"

In the sunny weather, you want to know how to avoid heat-related injuries and health issues. Dogs deal with heat differently than humans so you can't assume that because you're feeling fine that Fido is too.

There's a great article at ADogsLife.com that helps determine warning signs.

Check it out for ideas on how to identify symptoms of overheating, burned paws and heat stroke. Also great info on what NOT to do.

Watch short-nosed dogs more closely because they have less ability to cool themselves due to shortened airways in the snout. This includes breeds like Pug, Bulldog, Pekingese, Boxer, or any dog with a “short face." My friend Cathy and I took our dogs to the Rail Trail a couple of weeks ago. Her boxer definitely got lethargic and had to rest many times at the last leg of our walk. We had water but forgot a dish OOPS so we thought outside the dish and worked as a team. I cupped my hand and she poured the water. It wasn't efficient but it worked! Both dogs got plenty of water on the walk!


My favorite what not to do - don't give them BOOTIES or SHOES to protect their paws because that will actually trap heat and overheat them more quickly (their feet is a place they release heat).

And remember - asphalt can be 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the air temperature and your dog is out there in their bare feet! So plan the length of your trip and the surfaces you are walking/riding on accordingly. And be fore to treat their feet with a good balm specifically for the pads of paws.

A great way to keep pads soft, supple and healed is Pet Health's Pad and Paw Balm.  It is a great preventative and treatment option and will help heal and hydrate. It is also safe for animals so it won't bother them if they lick it off...though I'm told most dogs don't mess with it. A great way to bond with your pet and keep their paws healthy.