How to Protect a Golden Retriever’s Paws in Summer

Summer is an excellent season to have a dog. There are several outdoor activities to enjoy when the weather is good, from strolls along sand beaches to lengthy city walks. But what if it becomes too hot outside? Think about going barefoot down the sidewalk on a scorching day. After a few seconds, you'd be in excruciating […] The post How to Protect a Golden Retriever’s Paws in Summer appeared first on Woof Bark Growl.

How to Protect a Golden Retriever’s Paws in Summer
Golden retriever running outside

Summer is an excellent season to have a dog. There are several outdoor activities to enjoy when the weather is good, from strolls along sand beaches to lengthy city walks.

But what if it becomes too hot outside?

Think about going barefoot down the sidewalk on a scorching day. After a few seconds, you'd be in excruciating pain. When you go for a walk during the sweltering summer, your dog probably feels the same way.

Pet owners sometimes need to consider how uncomfortable heated concrete might be for their canine friends.


Protect Your Golden Retriever's Paws This Summer

If you own any golden retriever breeders; you should be aware that while they do well in most climates, whether hot or cold, they are not suited to extremes. They may survive in hotter areas if the temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The discomfort of hot weather might be increased when their paws come into contact with the scorching pavement. Their foot pads are prone to irritation and burns, which can happen fast when it's warm.

Here are the protection tips for your golden retriever's paws in summer to keep your pup safe:

 

1. Check the Sidewalk

Although the sun warms everything, it shines on, and the summer months may be hazardous.

Sand, gravel, rock, various types of dirt, asphalt, and concrete may quickly heat up to levels that will burn your dog's paws.

Some dogs are so eager to please us that they would follow us even after suffering severe burns on their paws.


How to determine whether a surface is too hot for your dog's paws?

You could always get an infrared thermometer if you want to be fancy. These are very inexpensive and a ton of fun to use.

To achieve an accurate reading of the temperature, pull the trigger while holding the thermometer between 1′′ and 12′′ from a surface.

In addition to using technology, you may perform another fast test to see if a character is too hot for your dog's paws.

You need to touch the ground with the back of your hand (just like checking a baby bottle). If you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog to walk on.

Please keep in mind that appearances might be deceptive. Lighter surfaces are nonetheless potentially dangerous despite the fact that darker surfaces often absorb more heat.

Make sure you are leading your dog into a secure place just only a few seconds of your time.

 

2. Adjust Your Walking Routine

Take your walks at suggested times in the morning or evening to avoid the middle of the day. The surface is cooler at that time.


3. Get Off the Pavement

Instead of walking on the pavement or other warm surfaces, let your dog explore the grass or the soil. The probability of the dog's paws being burnt is substantially lower since those surfaces are much colder.


4. Sand Protection

The delicate paws of your dog might be hurt by the scorching sand of summer. Many kinds of paw waxes can form a barrier between those delicate pads and the scorching sand particles if your dog has a history of injured or sensitive paws.

If the dog's face comes into contact with sand, it might also hurt. They shouldn't rub it off because doing so can hurt their eyes or skin. Clean the granules from their sensitive face with a warm, moist cloth.

Additionally, the beach sand might hide anything that can be harmful to your dog's tender paws. Always keep an eye out for anything that could be partially buried in the sand, such as pebbles, shells, or trash.


5. Do a Post-walk Wipe Down

When you return after a trip with your dog, wipe its paws clean with a wet washcloth or paper towel. Any irritants lodged in the hairs between their toes can be removed instantaneously by practicing a wipe-down after every walk. 


6. Consider Using Dog Booties

Whether you take your dog on daily walks or to the sand beach this summer, boots help keep their paws safe. They keep stones and other debris from getting lodged between the pads and help avoid burns from hot pavement or sand.

Summer is the perfect time to wear lightweight, breathable boots. On the other hand, a pair of multipurpose dog boots will also protect your dog's paws throughout the colder months. To prevent your dog from slipping and sliding, check that they have trodden.


7. Use Paw Protection Products

Stock up on dog paw protection supplies if you want to be fully prepared for the summer. In your kit, you should have the following items:


Paw balm: A moisturizing lotion for dogs that relieves itchy paws.

Adhesive felt pads: Extra layers of safety that adhere to your dog's paws and offer protection.

Paw wax: A substance used to shield a dog's feet from the elements, including heat and snow.

A variety of products can protect dogs' paws. Quality might differ. If you're hesitant, thoroughly read the reviews and seek a veterinarian for advice.


8. Check and Clean Your Dog's Paws

Checking your dog's paws after each stroll is an excellent practice. You never know when you'll come across a blister, a piece of grit, or an embedded thorn.

When these wounds are still new, treatment is significantly simpler. Allowing your dog to lick the injury for several days will only worsen the infection.

 

Identifiers That Your Dog's Paws Are Hurting

The footpads on your dog's paws can often withstand any challenges presented by a stroll or outdoor walk. But many man-made surfaces, such as concrete, metal, pavement, walkways, and asphalt, can burn your dog's paws.

The following signs in dogs might indicate burnt paws:

  • Limp or avoid walking; 
  • Lick or chew feet; 
  • Have paw pads that are noticeably injured or darker in color than usual; 
  • Have blisters or redness;

 

First Aid for Burned Paws

If you feel your dog has burnt paw pads, do the following:

  • Immediately bring your dog inside;
  • If required, carry your pet & apply a cold compress or water to the foot; 
  • Avoid letting your dog lick the wounded pad; 
  • Flush the foot with cold water.

Because burns might get infected, take your dog to the clinic as soon as possible. Depending on the burn's severity, your dog could need antibiotics or pain medicine.

The veterinarian can rule out any more potential causes of the illness. Paw licking may also indicate other issues, such as allergies.

 

Preparing Your Dog for Paw Care

Paw care might be complex if your dog is one of those puppies who dislike having their paws handled.

Please don't give up; with some enjoyable training, most dogs can learn to be alright with it.

You should start by teaching your dog to shake. This is how you do it:

  • Hold a goodie in a closed hand. Let your dog sniff the goodie inside your hand while you hold it out for them to see.
  • They'll use their tongue, nose, and every other accessible tool to attempt to get at it. Keep your hands tightly clasped until they place a paw on it.
  • Say "Yes!" and reward them as soon as the paw contacts your palm. Continue until they succeed five times straight.
  • Put your hand flat and palm up once they reach that level. To hold the goodie, tuck your thumb down against your palm. 
  • Try it without the treat when they've successfully given you their paw five times in a row.
  • Start saying "Shake" when you reach your hand when they find it simple.

Your dog will begin to identify pleasant things with paw touches as you play the shake game more frequently. Be patient; paw inspections may take a little longer.

 

Conclusion

Your dog's lively and engaging demeanor adds to the enjoyment of your summer activities.

However, it's crucial to remember that your dog's health should always come first. Since your dog cannot communicate, it is up to you to determine whether they need to go outside or if they have fleas.

You can ensure your dog enjoys the finest summer while playing by your side by being aware of some simple safety measures.

Keeping your dog secure and content during summer will be simple if you pay attention to these small elements.

The post How to Protect a Golden Retriever’s Paws in Summer appeared first on Woof Bark Growl.