Paw Pain - How Hot Is Too Hot For Paws?

Did you know that your Dogs paw pain threshold is 120 degrees?  There are varying degrees between asphalt, cement sidewalks and bricks but I'll come back to that.

PAW PAIN     120 Degrees F  5-10 seconds to hurt without permanent damage.   

PAW BURN    140 Degrees F  After 1 minute permanent damage.

PAW BURN & BLISTER  150 Degrees F  Rapid burn!

The Dog days of summer are no joke! On a 95 degree day during peak over-head sun (between 11a-4p) black pavement temperatures hit 140 degrees; well above the pain threshold for paws. Even red brick is extremely hot, only 5 degrees cooler than the black top. Concrete sidewalks are still dangerously hot, over 115 degrees.  Grass is the best but still very hot measuring in at 105 degrees.
The take away is avoid walking your Dogs during peak hours and high heat.  Many people do not realize the pain threshold of their Dogs paws!  Reduce heat exposure limiting your walks to grassy areas for short periods. Bring the exercise inside for a game of tug-of-war and fetch for mental and physical wellness.

PAW BURNS: PREVENTION and TREATMENT
1st Aid
If you notice burns or blisters on your Dogs paws clean and treat the area right away. 
    Wash the paw with antibacterial soap or Betadine.
    Spray Bactine on the burn immediately. It's antiseptic
    and anesthetic (lidocaine) to reduce the pain.
    Apply antibacterial ointment.
    Wrap the paw with gauze and seal with a sock up and
    over the leg to prevent chewing.
    Take your Dog to the Vet immediately for evaluation.

The heat is on and amplified close to the ground and in closed vehicles.  Think twice and alter your mid-day exercise routine to protect the paws doing indoor activities.

Paw Burn Prevention:  Avoid ~ Check ~ Temperature

If the air is 77degrees  the paws feel 125 degrees PAIN Level is 120...

If the air is 86 degrees, the paws feel 135 degrees, BURN Level is 140 degrees with permanent damage after 1 minute.

If the air is 87 degrees, the paws feel 143 degrees, BURN & BLISTER Level....

Paw burns are preventable.  Know the score and save those paws the pain.  They can't speak to you so plan ahead and walk in the morning and evening when it's cool.

Pawtails Pet Sitting is Pet CPR and 1st Aid certified to be responsive in a time of need and trained to take preventative measures to keep your Dogs paws safe.

If you have any questions, please call us or visit us on our FB and Twitter @pawtailspq