How to Protect Dog Paws From Hot Pavement [Tips & 2 Paw Wax Options!]

Unlike humans, our dogs don’t wear slippers or shoes around. Their paws are in direct contact with the ground and other things that could be on it. It exposes them to injuries, much so during the sweltering summer. Just imagine yourself walking on the hot pavement around the neighborhood! With this, you need to know how to protect dog paws from hot pavement, so your pooch will have a great summer.

Also, make sure that you use these dog paw waxes to shield them from the heat!

PAW WAX	BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Wax		Check Price
	Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm		Check Price

As much as a walk during summer is fun, your dog could be enduring the hot pavement without you knowing. In the end, they may sustain burns on their paws which will hurt a lot. Worse, it could start an infection which will need a visit to the vet.

Are your dog’s paws hurting?

Many pet owners often miss the signs that their dogs aren’t delighted with the hot pavement walk. This will lead to injuries and sometimes, your dog will hate walking outdoors entirely.

Concrete isn’t just a stiff surface, it also absorbs a lot of heat from direct sunlight. During peak hours, it will become scorching hot that even the human foot can’t withstand. In fact, concrete pavements can be hot enough to cause second-degree burns.

Pavements will be hot during summer…

During summer, concrete pavement can sizzle under your dog’s paws at about 145F. If your dog’s paws are exposed to this for long periods, injuries will occur.

So how will you know if your dog is hurting? This can be tricky since some canines have a higher tolerance for pain. Still, it doesn’t mean that they are not feeling the pain and injury. So to keep your pet safe, look for the following signs:

-Chewing or licking their feet
-Excessive tapping
-Limping
-Pulling if they are directed to walk on the hot pavement
-Blisters on the paw pads
-Cracking and other obvious damages on the paw

Even if your dog isn’t showing signs of pain, you should perform regular checks on their paws. This way, you’ll know if the hot pavement is causing them harm. This habit will also help you diagnose other problems, including ingrown nails or infections.

What do if my dog’s paws got burned?

If you discovered that your dog’s paws have burns, you must perform some first-aid steps. If the burns are intense, a visit to the vet is the best move.

To alleviate the pain, you can do the following steps:

*Lift your dog instead of letting them walk back home. 

This will prevent further damage and exposure to the hot pavement. Most dogs with paw burns will find it hard to walk, so give them a big favor by carrying them home.

*Cool it down.

Once you’re home, wash your dog’s paws with cold water. You can also use a cold compress to cool down the burn and to prevent swelling.

*Prevent your dog from chewing their paw.

Your dog will try to lick or chew its injured paw, which you have to prevent at all cost. If you need to put them on a cone, then be it.

*Call the vet.

Some burns can be treated at home, but for worst cases, you need to call the vet right away. A visit to the vet is necessary for proper treatment and to prevent possible infections.

How to protect dog paws from hot pavement

When going for walks, you should always protect your dog’s paws from potential harm. Aside from heat, the ground could have shards of glass, twigs, chemicals, and other elements that could cause damages to your doggos’ paws.

To prevent the heat from ruining your dog’s walks, here are some of the ways on how to protect dog paws from hot pavement:

-Always check your dog’s paws

This is the number one rule for dog owners. If you bring your dog to daily walks, you should always check their paws regularly. This way, you can mitigate any problems and save your dog from injuries.

-Avoid the peak hours

If you are to walk your dog, pick the time when the outside temperature is already cool. Aside from the time, always mind where your dog walks. Try to walk along shaded areas and non-concrete surfaces.

During the summer season, the best time to walk your dog is either in the morning or late in the evening. This way, you can dodge the hottest hours so the walk won’t turn into a nightmare for your pet.

-Stay on the grass, please                                                                    

If it’s really inevitable to walk your dog during the warm hours of the day, try to keep them walking on the grass. Most dog parks will have vast grass patches which are way cooler than the concrete pavement.

Also, head to parks and other shaded locations. On your way to these areas, opt to drive with your dog instead of having them walk the scorching distance. Besides, it’s also ideal for you so you won’t have to suffer from the heat as well.

-Go to the water instead

If you’re planning to take your dog for an outdoor trip, choose a location with bodies of water in it like lakes, beaches, or rivers. This way, your doggo can romp around and cool down on the water. Also, make sure that the weather on these locations is cooler, especially for breeds that are prone to overheating.

And since your pooch is likely to get soaked, make sure that you bring some towels as well.

-Craft some DIY booties

If you have the time and a spare sock, you can craft a pair of dog boots to keep your dog’s paws safe from the heat. With some sewing and Velcro attachments, your doggo will have a line of defense against the hot pavement.

Still, not all canines will love something sticking on their feet. It may take some time before they can get used to it. Anyway, this is just a temporary solution in case you really need to get the dog outside at a very hot time of the day.

-Consider dog shoes

In case crafting sock boots aren’t your thing, then you can just buy a pair from a pet supplies store. Dog booties are a big hit during summer. Each one is made from different materials, so make sure that you get the right material.

We recommend a combination of rubber, neoprene, and other breathable material. This way, your pooch will stay comfy even if the pavement is scorching hot.  Still, expect that the dog boots won’t be accepted excitedly at first. There would be a lot of waddling and struggling, but your pooch should grow into it.

-Apply some paw wax or balm

One of the best solutions during the hot summer day is applying paw wax or balm to your pet’s paws. If your doggo hates the booties, paw waxes are your best bet.

Dog paw waxes are like lip balms of humans. It keeps your dog’s paws nourished and crack-free during the very dry months. Aside from that, it offers an additional layer against the hot pavement. Still, it doesn’t mean you can drag your doggo to walk on a scorching patio with just wax on.

By applying this wax and keeping your pooch away from hot surfaces, you can keep their paws safe. Aside from the hot months, paw waxes are also handy during winter when road salt is a threat to your pooch’s feet.

What are dog paw waxes made of?

These paw waxes are usually made from a combination of essential oils and natural butters. The paw waxes you’ll find in pet supplies stores are usually made from coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Still, some brands may have a special formulation and additional ingredients. But overall, these mentioned ingredients are enough to keep your dog’s paws nourished sans the synthetic substances.

In the same vein, avoid dog paw waxes with too many synthetic ingredients. Also, you should check if your dog has allergies to any of the ingredients of the product.

Are dog paw waxes dangerous for dogs?

Some dog owners are worried that if their pets lick the balm-filled paws, their pooches will get sick. This is why natural and safe ingredients are necessary. And just like how the old saying goes, too much of anything is bad.

We advise that you only apply the balm if your dog is going out. A light dab once a day should be fine, depending on the activity level of your pooch.

If your dog ingests a large amount of the balm by accident and exhibits harsh reactions, you should call a vet right away.

How about homemade dog paw waxes?

If you want to save some bucks, you can actually make a homemade paw wax for your pooch. You can mix some oils and butter, just like the ingredients of most commercial options. It’s a good way on how to protect dog paws from hot pavement.

Since you’re concocting the balm at home, you can control the ingredients you’re going to use. However, the downside if you may not achieve the same fine quality as commercially produced balms. Also, the oils may become rancid if you don’t store your homemade paw wax properly.

Best Dog Paw Waxes to Protect the Paws from Heat

If you want to skip the hassle of mixing and blending, you can choose between two of our personal picks. Both of these are dog tested, vet-recommended, and dog owner-approved!

OUR TOP PICK: Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Wax

Product Name: Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Wax

Product Description: We always recommend the Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Wax for dog owners who want to keep their doggo’s paw nourished. This is 100% wax-based and will protect your pooch’s paws against hot pavement, sand, ice, and road salt. This dog paw wax is made from yellow and white beeswax, carnauba, and candelilla wax. It’s also blended with vitamin E and vegetable oil for added nourishment and so the wax will hold up on the container.

Offer price: 12

Currency: USD

Availability: InStock

• GET IT NOW!

• Formula Quality
• Paw Care
• Value for Money
• Safety

Overall

4.9

Summary

Aside from being a proactive wax for the outdoor elements, the Musher’s Paw Wax also helps in the healing of paw injuries. It’s very easy to apply and in a dab or two, you and your pooch will be ready to go for a walk.

Worried that your dog may slip due to the wax? Fret not because Musher’s have the right blend so it won’t be a slipping hazard for dogs. If your dog slips in it, it’s possible that you’re applying too much.

Pros

✔️Made of all-natural ingredients

✔️Helps heal paw injuries

✔️100% wax-based

Cons

❌The smell is a bit strong, but not really a deal-breaker

RUNNERS-UP

Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm

Another favorite of ours is the Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm. Like the Musher’s paw balm, this product shields your dog’s paws from heat, cold, and road salt. It’s also a perfect moisturizer for dogs with very dry paw pads. And guess what? It also works for your doggo’s elbows and nose!

This Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm is a lavish blend of coconut oil, cupuacu butter, jojoba oil, calendula extract, cajeput essential oil, chamomile, natural vitamin E, and rosemary extracts.

With these natural ingredients, your dog will have a paw moisturizer, scar remover, and an all-around balm for dry body parts.

We also like that it’s contained in a lipstick-like cylinder which makes it a total breeze to apply. Just apply the right amount and it will be absorbed right into the paw pads. Again, too much and it will be too slippery for your pooch.

Final Words

Knowing how to protect dog paws from hot pavement is necessary, so your pet will not sustain injuries. Aside from practical tips and tricks, you can also use some products for added protection.

Dog paw balms are great solutions for chapped and dried paw pads. Aside from assisting the healing of your pet’s paw, it also acts as a shield against outdoor elements. Just make sure that you choose one with natural ingredients for guaranteed safety and benefits.