Treating Paw Pad Burns in Dogs
Treatment depends on the extent of the burn on the dog. If a burn is severe, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian immediately for care.
Often, the paws require a bandage. Because paws are dirty—they are the first point of contact with the ground—most veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics. Paw pad burns can become infected quickly. This may be oral or topical antibiotics, depending on the wound severity and the dogs disposition.
Dogs with burns should have their exercise restricted, and wounds should be monitored multiple times a day, if not in a bandage. Hot pavement and rough surfaces or terrain should be avoided, especially when healing. Dogs should not be allowed to lick or chew the paw or bandage. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to prevent additional self-trauma.
Healing this area can be difficult, due to the high mobility and dirty nature of the wound. Some dogs may require a splint to further decrease mobility and allow the wound to heal.
The length of time a paw pad burn will last depends on the dog and the extent of their injuries. Mild injuries may heal within 7-10 days, while severe burns and pad sloughing may require weeks to completely heal.
Fortunately, as long as your dog has plenty of time to recover, there are usually no long-term side effects or complications of paw pad burns.
Walk Your Dog When It’s Cool
This is probably an obvious tip but one that folks sometimes don’t consider enough. It’s a great idea to take your dog out on daily walks, but be mindful of when and where you walk him. The best time to walk your dog is in the morning or late evening, when the pavement is cool. Avoid walking your dog in the afternoon when the sun is high in the sky or early evening, because the pavement will be hot.
When it’s time to walk your dog, it can actually be a good idea to stick to the pavement during the cool times of the day. While the pavement is cool, it won’t burn your dog’s paws, and it will also help to toughen them up. This will help to prevent any potential burns that could come later on.
If you end up taking your dog out during the warmer times of the day, be sure to stay on the grass and stick to shady areas. Stay away from sidewalks or any paved areas to avoid burning. A shady park can be a great place to take your dog on a warm afternoon.
Consider moisturizing your dog’s feet daily to help prevent injuries like cuts, cracking, or peeling of the paws. Minor injuries like this can make your dog’s paws more susceptible to burns and other serious problems.
Paw wax can easily be smeared onto your dog’s paw pads to protect them from harmful surfaces. Paw wax is designed to protect your dog’s feet from hot surfaces and potentially harmful chemicals like road salts. (If you need something right away, you can try some Vaseline. It is not nearly as good but better than nothing.)
Dog shoes are one of the best ways to protect your dog’s paws from heat and potential injuries if your dog will wear them. If this seems like the right solution for your dog, be sure to buy shoes that have rubber soles to offer the best protection. Be aware that not all dogs can get used to dog shoes, and some might have a hard time walking in them. There will definitely be an adjustment period for your dog with dog shoes. If you can get your dog used to using them, nothing else offers better protection. Disposable dog booties are a great short-term fix for the summer heat. Dog booties can provide good protection from the heat, and are a great temporary solution if you need to take your dog out on a hot day and your dog is willing to wear them.
Peel and stick felt pads are a quick solution to minimize the dangers of hot pavement. They’re easy to stick onto the pads of your dog’s feet and they help protect against potential burns and injuries. They can even reduce the risks of your dog slipping on slick surfaces. And even better alternative to the felt pads may be silicone scar pads or tape. They are so easy to put on and they can be cut to the perfect size for paws. They can be reused and they do well and stay on in wet conditions. They are so thin, flexible and durable that your dogs should not have any problems wearing them unlike many other things you put on their paws. Silicone scar sheets can be a terrific option for your dog’s paws.
Socks are a decent last minute solution if you need to take your dog onto the hot pavement. Like dog shoes, not every dog will tolerate wearing socks. You can just take a pair of your old socks or little baby socks and see if they will work. You should be watchful when putting socks on your dog’s feet, as some dogs will be tempted to chew them.
Be sure to check your dog’s paw pads daily for any signs of damage and wash his paws frequently. If you do happen to see a problem, or if your dog is acting strangely on his feet, be sure to have him taken to the vet to see how bad the injury is.
The Dangers of Asphalt Burns on Dogs
Most people associate asphalt with blacktop, and for good reason. Asphalt is commonly used as a paving material on roads and in parking lots. Unfortunately, this very same material can be very damaging to all four-legged creatures, even those with fur!
Dogs that run around on asphalt often end up getting covered in the stuff from head to toe. This makes them prone to an uncomfortable condition known as “asphalt burns”. These pavement-related injuries are not to be taken lightly as they can be painful and difficult to heal.
Asphalt burns look like second-degree burns, but they occur from the dog getting covered in asphalt, rather than from flames. The asphalt is generally hot when it gets on your pet’s skin, and it will stick there until your dog shakes or rolls around in the grass or other suitable surface, removing it.
Because asphalt is a very common material in today’s society, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition, and what you can do to prevent it.
Verify: How hot does it have to get for your dog’s paws to burn?
Summertime means sunshine and outdoor play for both people and their pets. However, summertime also means hot days and even hotter surface temperatures. In addition to ensuring our dogs stay cool and well hydrated during summer play, it’s also necessary to be aware of another common warm-weather pet hazard — hot surfaces that can lead to burned dog paws.
While our dog’s paw pads are thick and tough, they aren’t shoes and are susceptible to burn and injury when in contact with hot surfaces, especially for longer periods. Continue reading to learn some ways to identify burnt dog paws, common causes of dog paw burns, treatment for burned dog paws, and how to prevent your dog’s paws from burning.