07/09/2020
Please be careful when walking your dog at this time of year! 🔥☀️🔥
Protect those Paws
With a weather forecast calling for highs in the upper 90s for the next few weeks, it's more important than ever to pay a little extra attention to your pets paws and the damage that can be done by the hot summer pavement. Before you turn your pet loose, check the temperature by placing your palm down on the surface – if it feels hot to the touch, wait for a cooler time of day to take a walk (and watch out for hot boat decks, sand, and packed soil).
Despite all the rough-and-tumble, your pet’s paw pads are quite sensitive and subject to the risk of injury, including:
Hot surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, decks, and packed earth
Glass, metal, and other debris
Thorns and stick fragments
Burrs and foxtails
Parasites – like ticks – that can attach between the toes
Because we spend more time outdoors during the summer months, particularly for outdoor recreation, paying close attention to your pet’s well being while enjoying Mother Nature is an essential part of summer pet safety. Just as you might tend to your pet’s other grooming and health needs, paw care is easy to integrate into your daily care routine.
Some of the ways you can keep those furry feet happy include:
Inspect your pet’s paws at the end of each day or after returning from a natural area (check carefully between the toes, as well as the general condition of the paws).
Avoid areas where there’s broken glass or other debris, like fishing line, lures, and trash.
Maintain wellness appointments and parasite control.
Avoid areas that are overgrown, where it’s difficult to see where your pet is stepping.
Elect to walk or play on grass with your pet whenever possible.
Use a moisturizing paw balm formulated for pets (never use human grade lotion).
If you notice any injuries, inflammation, or burns on your pet’s paw pads, please contact our team. Your pet’s good health depends on strong, healthy paws!