Title: Preventing Burn Injuries on a Dog's Paws: 7 Essential Tips from a Veterinarian
In the summer months, it's essential to take care of your dog's paws to prevent them from suffering from paw burns. Here's what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of dog paw burns, as well as some prevention tips.
Dog paw pads are composed of specialized keratin, forming thick cushions that protect a dog's feet and provide traction. However, these paw pads can be susceptible to burns when exposed to extreme heat or caustic agents.
Paw pad burns are most commonly caused by walking on hot surfaces like concrete sidewalks or asphalt roads. To prevent this, you should walk your dog during early morning or late evening when pavement is cooler. Prefer grass, shaded areas, or dirt paths instead of hot pavements. Using dog booties or paw wax can also provide a protective barrier between paws and hot ground. Ensure booties fit well, are breathable, and check paws for sores or overheating regularly. Keep walks short on hot days and provide cool water and rest in shaded spots.
Signs of burned dog paws include limping, refusing to walk, holding a paw abnormally, excessive licking, whining, or yelping. A paw pad burn will look like a red, ulcerated area on the pad or fluid-filled blisters on the pads. Mild first-degree burns will just be red and irritated, but open ulcers or blisters may require immediate veterinary attention.
If you notice signs of burned dog paws, immediately rinse their paws or have them stand in a cool bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Step 1: Gently clean a minor paw pad burn with a mild antibacterial dish or hand soap and water. Step 2: Apply an over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment to help soothe the skin and prevent infection. Step 3: Gently wrap the paw for comfort and to prevent licking, but ensure the bandage is not too tight and changed daily.
For blistered, bleeding, or severe burns, or if the dog is limping or in pain, seek veterinary care promptly. Keep the dog off hot surfaces until fully healed and monitor the paws closely.
It's important to note that surface temperatures can be 40 to 60 degrees warmer than ambient air temperatures, so always check the surface before letting your dog walk on it.
By following these simple tips, you can effectively protect your dog’s paws from summer heat and help recover quickly if a burn occurs.
While taking care of your dog's paws to protect them from paw burns is crucial during summer, it's not only limited to dog paw care. Ensuring proper skin care for your dog's health-and-wellness can also be beneficial. For example, using a reputable skin-care product specifically designed for dogs can help maintain their skin's health and prevent issues such as dryness or irritation. Regularly check your dog's skin for signs of abnormalities or discomfort, just as you would with your own skin in your health-and-wellness regime.
