Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pup—but hot sidewalks, trails, and sand can pose a real danger to their paws. Just like your bare feet can get burned on hot pavement, your dog’s paws are vulnerable to heat, dryness, and injury during the warmer months.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to protect your dog’s paws in summer, what signs of paw damage to watch for, and the best products and practices to keep your dog safe and comfortable all season long.
Why Summer Can Be Tough on Dog Paws
Pavement, asphalt, and artificial turf can get scorching hot—even when the air temperature feels comfortable. On an 85°F day, asphalt can reach over 130°F. That’s more than enough to burn paw pads in seconds.
Other summer hazards include:
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Rough hiking trails
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Dry, cracked paw pads from heat or lack of moisture
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Hot sand at beaches or lakes
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Chemicals like lawn treatments or pool chlorine
Dogs don’t always show pain right away, so it’s important to be proactive about paw protection, especially during outdoor adventures.
How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws in Hot Weather
1. Walk When It’s Cool
Avoid mid-day walks when surfaces are hottest. Early mornings and evenings are the safest times to walk your dog in summer.
Pro Tip: Place your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
2. Use Paw Balm or Wax
Paw balms create a protective barrier that helps prevent burns, dryness, and cracking. Look for formulas with natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Apply balm before and after walks to soothe and protect your dog’s paws. At BlackPaw, we carry vet-approved paw care products that are safe and easy to apply.
3. Invest in Dog Booties (If Your Dog Tolerates Them)
Booties provide a physical barrier against heat and rough surfaces. They’re ideal for hiking, pavement walks, or city outings in hot weather.
If your dog is new to booties, introduce them gradually indoors to help them adjust.
4. Keep Paw Hair Trimmed
Excess hair between the paw pads can trap heat, debris, and moisture, leading to irritation or infection. Regular grooming—either at home or professionally—can help keep paws healthy.
Book a professional grooming appointment at BlackPaw and ask for paw trimming as part of your summer grooming package.
5. Check and Clean Paws After Every Outing
After walks or hikes, check your dog’s paws for:
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Burns or blisters
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Cuts or abrasions
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Foreign objects (like pebbles or thorns)
Clean with a gentle, pet-safe wipe and apply balm if needed to moisturize and soothe the pads.
Signs Your Dog’s Paws May Be Burned or Injured
Watch for these signs after walks or outdoor play:
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Limping or refusing to walk
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Licking or chewing at the paws
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Redness, peeling, or blisters on paw pads
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Darkened paw pads
If you notice any of these symptoms, give your dog a break from walking and contact your vet if the condition doesn’t improve within a day or two.
Summer Grooming Add-Ons at BlackPaw
Grooming isn't just about looking good—it’s also part of keeping your dog comfortable and healthy in the heat. At BlackPaw, we offer add-ons to help protect and care for your dog’s paws all summer long, including:
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Paw pad trims (included with full-service grooming)
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Nail trimming & grinding
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Paw balm application (available upon request)
Our experienced groomers know exactly how to keep paws healthy during the hottest months of the year.
Subscribe & Save on Paw Care Products
Keeping your dog’s paws protected shouldn’t require a special trip to the store. With BlackPaw’s Subscribe & Save program, you can:
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Schedule regular deliveries of paw balm, grooming wipes, and supplements
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Save on every order with exclusive discounts
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Enjoy free local delivery in Boulder County
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Adjust or pause your deliveries anytime
This summer, let us help you stay stocked on the essentials—so you can focus on enjoying more outdoor time with your dog.
FAQs About Summer Paw Care
Can I walk my dog on pavement in the summer?
Yes, but only when the surface is cool. Stick to early morning or late evening walks and test the ground first.
Do all dogs need booties?
Not all dogs tolerate booties, but they’re especially helpful for city dogs, senior dogs, and pups with sensitive paws.
What should I do if my dog’s paws are burned?
Rinse with cool (not cold) water, keep the area clean, and avoid walks until healed. For moderate to severe burns, contact your vet.
Keep Your Dog’s Paws Safe All Summer Long
Hot weather doesn’t mean you have to limit your adventures—you just need the right precautions. With the proper care and products, your dog can enjoy summer walks, hikes, and playtime without painful paws.
Stop by BlackPaw in Louisville, CO or browse our online shop for the best in summer paw care, grooming, and wellness essentials. And don’t forget to sign up for Subscribe & Save to keep your pet’s favorites coming all season long.