Protect Your Dog from Hot Pavement Burns
On a warm summer day, that sidewalk might feel fine under your shoes—but for your dog’s bare paws, it can be dangerously hot. At Partners Veterinary Hospital West Loop, we want to help you keep your pup safe, comfortable, and burn-free all season long.
How Hot Is Too Hot?
Here’s a quick test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Pavement temperatures can soar far above the air temperature. On an 85°F day, asphalt can reach 130–140°F—more than hot enough to cause serious burns in just minutes.
Why City Pavement Can Be Even Hotter
In urban areas like Chicago, pavement temperatures can climb even higher due to the urban heat island effect. This happens when concrete, asphalt, and buildings absorb and retain heat, making city streets hotter than surrounding rural areas. Tall buildings and limited green spaces can trap heat, so your dog’s paws may be exposed to extra-hot surfaces on sunny summer days in the city.
Signs of Burned Paw Pads
If your dog has been walking on hot surfaces, check their paws for:
- Redness or darkening of the pads
- Blistering or peeling
- Limping or favoring one foot
- Licking or chewing at their feet
- Reluctance to walk
Even mild burns can be painful. If you suspect your dog’s paws are injured, give us a call. We can assess the damage and help soothe the pain while preventing infection.
Simple Ways to Keep Their Paws Safe
You don’t need to avoid summer walks altogether—just take a few smart precautions:
- Walk early in the morning or after sunset when surfaces are cooler
- Stick to grass or shaded paths as much as possible
- Use dog booties or paw wax for extra protection
- Carry water and take breaks during longer outings
- Moisturize paw pads regularly to keep them healthy and resilient
When in Doubt, Stay In
On especially hot days, indoor enrichment activities like puzzle feeders, treat hunts, and tug-of-war can give your dog the exercise they need without the risk.
Summer should be fun—not painful. If you have any questions about paw protection or summer safety for your pet, reach out to our team at Partners Vet West Loop. We’re here to help your dog enjoy every season safely.
About Us
At Partners Veterinary Group, we believe in energizing our team members through shared values, while helping them create value for our clients and patients. Knowing we can help make pets’ and people’s lives better motivates us to continually strive for excellence and love what we do.
Our team consistently works to build educational, supportive, and cooperative work environments that cater to positive experiences and professional growth. We’re constantly evolving, creating innovative ways to deliver cutting-edge medicine to our patients. We equip our teams with tools to enhance their skills and improve their knowledge.