The paw pads of dogs serve two essential functions for their health. First, they act as an extra layer of protection for their paws when in contact with the surface of the ground and with everything scattered across it, similar to the role shoes play for people. However, they can still be injured and cut by sharp, pointed objects such as broken glass.
On the other hand, the pads are the body area where dogs (and other animals too) have their sweat glands, since unlike humans they do not have them across the rest of their skin. Therefore, keeping their pads healthy and well cared for allows dogs to regulate their body temperature through the sweating that takes place there, but asphalt can be one of their worst enemies, especially during the summer.
Why is asphalt dangerous for dogs' paw pads in summer?
Asphalt is a mixture of tar used to pave streets, among many other uses, and it is a material that absorbs an enormous amount of energy in the form of heat, especially the heat emitted by the sun's rays. This quality allows asphalt to heat up tremendously, even exceeding the temperature of the surrounding air. For example, on a day when the ambient temperature is around 25°C, asphalt under direct sunlight can easily reach 50°C. If the ambient temperature reaches 30°C, the pavement can exceed 57°C within minutes.
Now imagine this scorching heat coming into constant contact with your dog's pads; logically, they will end up severely damaged as a result, leading to serious thermal burns, deep cracks, painful ulcerations and inflammation in all of their limbs. However, you should not be alarmed and stop taking your dog out during the summer months, as there are medical and practical ways to prevent your dog from burning its pads when going outside.
How can I protect my dog's paws in summer?
Preventing pad burns during the summer months requires a rigorous preventive strategy. Below, we detail the 5 most effective measures to protect your dog's paws in summer and ensure a completely safe walk:
Adjust walking times: take your dog for a walk during the hours when the temperature drops. The best times to go out are before midday (early in the morning) and after 7 or 8 in the evening. Although the ambient temperature begins to drop a few hours earlier, asphalt retains energy and takes much longer to cool down than the surrounding air.
Apply the 5-second rule: this is a simple but very revealing technique for knowing whether or not it is advisable for your dog to step on the street. It simply consists of pressing the back of your hand firmly against the asphalt for 5 seconds. If it is hard to keep it there because of how hot it is, then the ground will burn its paws and it is best to wait. Always perform this test in an area exposed directly to the sun and without shade to detect the highest possible temperature.
Plan the route and avoid hot surfaces: asphalt is not the only dangerous surface. One of the best ways to prevent summer damage is to make sure most of the route is over soil, tree-lined paths and natural grass. Avoid concrete, granite and synthetic turf or artificial grass, since this last plastic material absorbs heat in an identical or even greater way than asphalt. Also make sure there are no sharp objects such as glass or nails that could weaken the skin.
Carry water to hydrate its paws: another way to lower the temperature of your dog's paw pads is by using cool water during the walk. Wet its paws every now and then if it is unavoidable to cross an exposed stretch, but also make sure you dry them very well once back home; if the spaces between its toes stay damp in the heat, it could develop fungal infections (interdigital mycosis).
Use a paw pad protector for dogs before going out: applying a specific protective balm before stepping on hot surfaces creates a physical, waxy barrier that insulates the tissue against the thermal aggression of sidewalks.
What can you put on dogs' paw pads?
If you are wondering which products are safe to apply to your pet's paws, the answer is clear: only protectors and balms formulated for veterinary use should be used. To maintain the elasticity and resilience of the pad tissue, you can apply specific moisturizing creams for canine pads made from natural ingredients such as purified beeswax, coconut oil or nourishing formulas enriched with shea butter after each daily walk or at night.
In addition to moisturizing creams, the specialized market offers protective wax in stick form (stick), which stands out for being easy to apply. Under no circumstances should you use moisturizing creams meant for human use (such as the classic petroleum jelly or body creams), since they contain components that soften the tissue excessively (over-hydration), making the pad extremely fragile against friction and prone to peeling.
Types of pad creams and how to apply them correctly
Using a paw pad protector for dogs in cream or balm form is one of the most useful tools in preventive medicine. There are different balms and protective creams made specifically for dogs: some help to harden and protect the pad tissue, while others nourish and repair cracked or dry skin. Ask your vet which one best suits your dog and its environment.
To apply them correctly and maximize their benefits, the ideal procedure is as follows: first, fully clean the animal's paws when you return home to remove any traces of dust, dirt and salt residue if you have walked along the coastal area of Ribamontán al Mar. Next, spread a moderate amount of product over each plantar and digital pad, performing a firm but gentle circular massage until the skin fully absorbs it.
A professional tip to maximize its effectiveness is to apply the cream just before sleep or during moments of complete rest; this way, we prevent the dog from immediately licking off the product or spreading it across the floor, allowing the moisturizing and repairing active ingredients to work deeply throughout the night.
How can I protect the pads according to the type of ground?
Not all breeds nor all surfaces respond the same way to summer heat. In the following comparison table you can see which specific measures to take depending on the terrain your pet usually walks on in order to avoid accidents:
| Type of Surface | Risk and Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Asphalt and Sidewalks |
Extreme Risk Apply the 5-second rule, walk only at night and use protective wax before going out. |
| Artificial Grass |
Very High Risk Avoid completely during the central hours of the day; the plastic can exceed 60°C. Look for organic ground. |
| Beach Sand |
High Risk Walk preferably along the wet shoreline. Avoid dry sand exposed to direct sunlight. |
| Dirt/Stone Paths |
Moderate Risk Check the paws on returning to rule out stones lodged in them. Apply veterinary moisturizing cream after the walk. |
| Natural Grass and Lawn |
Low Risk An ideal and safe green surface. Simply make sure there are no hidden grass awns or biting insects. |
“Hot asphalt really does burn. Checking the ground with your hand before walking prevents painful burns.”
How can I regenerate my dog's paw pads?
When the plantar skin has already suffered damage due to heat or wear and you notice extreme dryness, flaking or superficial erosions, it is crucial to start an immediate skin repair protocol. The first step to regenerate your dog's pads is to thoroughly clean the affected area using warm saline solution and a sterile gauze to remove any residue of dirt or impurities from the ground.
Once the area is dry, apply a regenerating cream specifically for dogs —preferably those containing repairing active ingredients such as Centella asiatica, pure aloe vera or allantoin— twice a day with a gentle massage to promote full absorption. Throughout the entire healing process, it is mandatory to restrict walks on hard, abrasive or hot surfaces, replacing them with very short outings on soft surfaces such as grass.
When should I take my dog to the vet for its paw pads?
It is vital to learn how to tell apart simple summer dryness from a severe orthopedic or dermatological injury that puts your companion's health at risk. You should stop home care and schedule an immediate emergency veterinary visit if you notice any of the following warning signs in your pet:
- Deep open wounds or detachment of the horny layer of the pad.
- Active bleeding or oozing of a yellowish fluid (pus).
- Persistent limping, limping when walking or an outright refusal to put weight on the paw or stand up.
- Deep scabs or bloody cracks that do not heal after several days.
- Pads that feel excessively hot to the touch, swollen or reddened.
These clinical signs are usually a direct reflection of second- or third-degree thermal burns, secondary bacterial infections (pododermatitis) or the penetration of dangerous foreign bodies lodged deep between the toes (such as grass awns, splinters or shards of glass).
Protect your dog's paw pad health with our vets at SOMO
If you notice that your dog has a wound, cut, crack or swelling on its pads, or if after applying these home first-aid measures you see that the animal is showing pain, do not take unnecessary risks. At the Clínica Veterinaria Somo in Cantabria we have a medical team of professionals with years of experience and cutting-edge diagnostic technology to treat any dermatological or orthopedic problem.
Come to our center so we can check that the damage is not serious, relieve your companion's suffering and prevent a possible secondary infection. You can contact us directly at 942 51 00 66 or visit us at our clinic located at Calle Isla de Mouro 7, 39140 Somo, Cantabria.
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
What types of paw pad protectors are there?
There is no single product valid for every situation: each format meets a different need and, often, the ideal approach is to combine them. These are the main types of paw pad protectors you can find, always in versions formulated for veterinary use:
Moisturizing and protective creams and balms: this is the most widespread format. Moisturizing creams keep the tissue elastic and prevent dryness and cracking, while protective balms create a thin waxy layer that insulates the pad against the heat and abrasion of the ground. They are ideal for daily care and for preparing the paws before a walk over somewhat hot surfaces. They are applied with a gentle massage until absorbed.
Dog footwear (boots or booties): this is the most complete physical barrier. It is especially useful when walking on very hot asphalt, abrasive terrain, snow or areas with glass and sharp objects cannot be avoided. It is best to introduce it gradually so the animal gets used to it and to choose a suitable size that holds without squeezing. Not all dogs tolerate it straight away, so it takes patience.
Protective sprays: they are convenient and quick to apply, and form a protective film over the pad. They can be a good option for dogs that do not let their paws be handled easily, or for quick touch-ups during an outing. Their effect tends to be lighter and shorter-lasting than that of a cream balm.
When should you use each one? For daily maintenance and general prevention, creams and balms are usually enough. If you are going to expose your dog to a clearly dangerous surface or difficult terrain, footwear offers the greatest protection. Sprays work well as a practical complement. In any case, avoid products meant for human use and ask your vet which one best suits your pet's activity and skin type.
How often should you apply the protector?
As a general rule, apply a moisturizing cream or balm daily, preferably at night or during rest so it absorbs without the dog licking it off. If you use a protective balm against heat, apply it just before each walk over exposed surfaces and repeat it if the outing is long. During periods of intense heat or after walking on abrasive terrain, it is best to reinforce the care. Always adjust the routine to the condition of the pads and to what your vet advises.
What to do if your dog already has burnt paw pads?
If the burn could not be avoided, the first thing is to know how to recognise it. The most common signs of pads damaged by heat are redness of the area, the appearance of blisters or raised patches, limping or reluctance to put weight on the paw, and persistent licking of the paws. In more serious cases you may see darkened areas, detachment of the surface layer or open wounds.
For a mild burn, the first home care steps are to move the dog away from the hot surface immediately and cool the area with cool water (never ice-cold) for a few minutes. Dry gently without rubbing, prevent the animal from licking the wound and keep the pads clean. Reduce walks to the bare minimum and, if it does go out, do so over soft, cool surfaces such as grass.
Go to the vet, or to an emergency service if the situation is serious, when you notice blisters, open wounds, bleeding, marked or persistent limping, significant swelling or signs of intense pain. Burns can look superficial yet affect deeper layers than they appear, and early professional care prevents infections and speeds up recovery. Do not apply human ointments or tight bandages on your own: let the veterinary team assess and prescribe the treatment.
Frequently asked questions about dogs' paw pads
What can you put on dogs' paw pads? You can apply specific moisturizing creams for canine pads (such as those formulated with purified beeswax or shea butter) after walks. There are also protective wax sticks to apply before going out. You should never use moisturizing creams meant for humans, as they soften the skin and make it prone to tearing.
How can I protect my dog's paws in summer? The most effective guidelines are: (1) Avoid the central hours of the day by walking before midday or after 7:00 p.m.; (2) Apply the 5-second rule before stepping on the ground; (3) Use specific pad wax or protector; (4) Walk on organic surfaces such as soil or natural grass; (5) Carry cool water to refresh its paws during the walk.
How can I regenerate my dog's paw pads? Clean the area with saline solution and a sterile gauze, apply a regenerating and moisturizing cream for veterinary use (with Centella asiatica or aloe vera) twice a day and keep the dog resting on soft surfaces. If there is a deep open wound, bleeding or infection, you should see the vet immediately.
When should I take my dog to the vet for its paw pads? You should go to the vet immediately if you notice open wounds with skin detachment, constant bleeding, obvious limping, oozing, scabs that do not close or if the area is very swollen and hot. These symptoms indicate severe burns, infections or the presence of embedded foreign bodies.
