[seawater]

I live in southern CA and this is my first summer with my new dog, and with the weather getting warmer I am wondering about his paw pads and how to keep them safe when on walks. It gets awfully hot out here and I know that it can't be too good for his pads, but how do I know when it's too hot for him? And if it's too hot, are there any recommendations for doggy socks or shoes to keep him protected? If anyone has any experience or suggestions I would highly appreciate it. Thanks

 

[annageckos]

It partly depends on breed and color too. A dark colored dog will get hotter, quicker. When it's really hot here I walk either early morning or after dark, when it's cooler. If you can walk on a grassy surface that would be preferable. I've never used dog booties for normal walking. I did try them once for Vegas when he cut his pad, he wasn't having it. You'd have to go slow to get your dog use to them and even then some may not accept them. I do put coconut oil on my dogs pads, but that is about it. I also bring water on hot days and sometimes we just have to skip a day or two. We'll see how it is this year with Freyja, she is black and heats up quickly. Before Nevada was also dark and also had heart surgery when she was a puppy. So I always had to watch her.

 

[SchnauzerGirl8810]

As a rule of thumb, if the surface is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it's too hot for your dog.

I have two black dogs. They got hot in direct sun. We avoid the hottest part of the day, we stick close to shade, and I bring water. Also, to keep their pads healthy I use musher's secret:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002...i=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mushers+secret

 

[Laco]

I too live in Southern California, and summers are hot here. Samantha, even though light colored does not do well, even in moderate temperatures, if the sun is out and on her while walking. Her pads do fine, there are lots of trees, shade and lawns for her to walk on, but she just does not do well generally in heat. We walk early in the morning, during hot weather, so she can get her daily walk, and outing. which she looks forward to. With Samantha, she does not keep it a secret if she is uncomfortable, she always lets me know. Dogs are masters at non-verbal communications.

 

[ChessaQ]

I just keep exercise to early morning or late evening when it's hot. Over 85 degrees i don't allow much fetch or really high energy things. My dogs are more than willing, but I'm paranoid. Echo is too much the typical beagle and won't slow down even when her tongue is dragging on the ground, so I'm really really careful with her.

I've never had trouble with their pads, they are MUCH tougher than our feet. Obviously if you notice them in pain or sore, then cut back, but I don't think that happens too often.