Veterinarian Ricky Walther Talks Paw Damage

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Dr. Ricky Walther has spent many years caring for animals: first as a young, high school and collge volunteer in local, veterinary hospitals, and later as a licensed DVM which he earned from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Walther's focus is on preventative medicine, nutrition, ultrasonography and reproductive medicine. He is a member of the AVMA, CVMA, and SVVMA and works as a veterinary advisor at Pawlicy Advisor.

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How Does Hot Weather Impact a Dog’s Paws?

Dog's paw pads have a special kind of thickened skin that protects them, but that does not mean that they are resistant to burning their paw pads just like us. As the outside temperature increases, the temperature of various surfaces increases rapidly. This can lead to significant discomfort and even second and third degree burns on the paw pads.

What Are Some of the Best Ways to Treat a Dog’s Paws Damaged by the Heat? When Should You Take Your Dog to a Vet When They Are Experiencing a Paw Issue Related to the Heat?

The best way to prevent burns to the paw pads is to avoid walking your pet on hot surfaces, especially during the summer months. If your pet does sustain burns to their paw pads, it is best to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Over the counter treatment is not often enough to cure burns when they show signs of pain or discomfort after walking on hot surfaces. Depending on the degree of the burn, the vet may send home ointments to help with the pain and to prevent infection, and they may even need to bandage the paws. If you are waiting to get a veterinary appointment, you can start by using a cone collar to prevent them from licking their paws, and you can keep them inside so as to not worsen the burns. Burns can take one to three weeks to fully heal, depending on the severity.

How Can You Know When It’s OK to Walk Your Dog in Hot Weather?

If it is over 85 degrees outside, you should always test surfaces before allowing your pet to walk on them. This means placing the back of your hand on the ground. If you cannot comfortably rest your hand on the surface for more than 10-15 seconds, it is likely too hot to walk your pet. Be sure to test different types of surfaces throughout your walk as dirt may be tolerable, but asphalt might be substantially hotter. To prevent burns, It is always best to walk your pet first thing in the morning, or later in the evening after the surfaces have had time to cool.

When Should You Take Your Dog to a Vet When They Are Experiencing a Paw Issue Related to the Heat?

If your pet does sustain burns to their paw pads, it is best to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Over the counter treatment is not often enough to cure burns when they show signs of pain or discomfort after walking on hot surfaces. Depending on the degree of the burn, the vet may send home ointments to help with the pain and to prevent infection, and they may even need to bandage the paws.

Are There Any Home Remedies to Try to Relieve Canine Paw Damage?

Over the counter treatment is not often enough to cure burns when they show signs of pain or discomfort after walking on hot surfaces. If you are waiting to get a veterinary appointment, you can start by using a cone collar to prevent them from licking their paws and you can keep them inside so as to not worsen the burns.

Attribution

 Attribute to Ricky Walther, DVM: Veterinary Advisor at Pawlicy Advisor 

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