Summer Trail Surfaces: Protecting Your Dog's Paws from Hot Pavement, Sand, and Rocky Terrain
Hot summer surfaces can burn your dog's paw pads in as little as 60 seconds. When air temperature reaches 85°F, pavement can soar to 135°F. This affects all trail surfaces - asphalt, sand, and rocky terrain all pose serious burn risks during summer hiking.
- Use the 7-Second Hand Test Before any summer hike, place the back of your hand on the trail surface for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. This works on pavement, sand, dirt, and rocky surfaces.
- Time Your Hikes Smart Hike early morning or evening when surfaces have cooled down. Avoid the peak heat hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when surfaces reach dangerous temperatures. Stick to shaded, grassy trails whenever possible.
- Protect Those Paws Dog boots with rubber soles offer the best protection. Paw wax creates a protective barrier for dogs who won't wear boots. Peel-and-stick paw pads are a good middle-ground option that many dogs tolerate better than full footwear
- Watch for Warning Signs Dogs will lift their paws repeatedly, walk stiffly, or show reluctance to walk on hot surfaces. After hikes, check paws for redness, swelling, or blisters. If you see burns, flush with cool water and contact your vet immediately.
