How to protect your dog's paws this summer

Do you ever take your dog on a long walk and notice their feet hurting afterward or they are licking their paw more than normal? We love taking Barry everywhere with us, but in the summer, we have to be super careful not to overdo it on his paws. Whether you are taking your dog hiking or on walks in the neighborhood their paws can take a beating.  

Hot pavement in the summer is one of the factors to consider. Pavement can get extremely hot in the summer. A good test to see if it is too hot for your dog's paws is to place your hand on the ground for five to seven seconds, if it is too hot for your hand it is too hot for your dog's feet. Pick a route that has ample grass for them to walk on instead. This may mean taking a short drive to a park but it will be worth it to your pup. 

If you take your dog to the lake or a river it is also important to consider the sharp rocks they are running over. They make great little boots for dogs to wear in these environments. You don’t want to just throw the boots on at the river. Introduce them to the boots in the house and take them for a walk so they can get used to them.  

Lastly, there are many different kinds of balms you can use to place on your dog's paws to create a barrier between them and the ground. If you are in Kansas City, Tail Waggin’ PetStop in the Crossroads have some options for you. We also recommend Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax for your pups paws.

Happy Training!

Please contact us if you have any questions on this these tips. For more information please visit www.newmansdogtraining.com.

Also, follow us on Instagram @newmansdogtraining. You can also follow Barry’s adventures on Instagram @adventuredogbarry.