PAWS GET HOT TOO!

By Sunday, July 21, 2019 6 No tags Permalink

During this heat wave the Boys have let me know – their paws get hot too! Lately no one has been begging me to go outside, let alone stay out there for any lengthy period of time.

The other day when I took their leashes out for our after dinner walk – I could have sworn Jaxson gave me the stink eye…

He did not want to go outside – so we didn’t #Doodlesrule

This heat has played havoc across the country and in Charleston it’s close to unbearable. Temperatures not only continue to rise, but there’s no relief at night.

Like thousands of other pet parents – our walks are super short. Even if I wait later in the afternoon, the pavement is still scorching to the touch which means their paw pads are going to feel the heat as well…

Our walks are short and we make a lot of stops in the shade

SEVEN SECOND RULE – 

I try to check the pavement before we set out for our walk. Once we’re on the sidewalk I stand – barefoot – for seven seconds. This helps me feel what they endure and it helps me determine the length of our walk.

Often we pause in the shade and “hang-out” on grassy patches for a few minutes. Natural grass is the coolest place to walk a dog during extremely high temperatures…

Just so you know, we respected the “No Peeing Zone.”

Stopping often takes us a little longer to circle one – four block radius but they seem to enjoy our breaks in the shade and on the grass.

WHAT TO AVOID? – 

Can you guess which material is the hottest for your dog to walk on? –

  • brick
  • asphalt
  • concrete
  • artificial grass

If you chose artificial grass – then you’re smarter than I am.  

Artificial grass is THE hottest material followed by asphalt, brick and then concrete. Surprisingly “sand” wasn’t listed which I found interesting since we all know sand gets pretty dog-gone (pun intended) hot!

Here’s an interesting graph showing temperatures of six different surfaces on a hot summer’s day –

image credit: Frostburg State University

COOLING REMEDIES – 

Booties are probably the best option to ensure your dogs paws/pads do not feel the heat when the temperatures rise – but booties are a bad word in our house. 

The Boys have an absodoodle fit when I put them on let alone try to coax them outside. It’s not a pretty sight.

There are however two products I’ve started using after we come back inside…

Malacetic Wet Wipeshelps balance their skin surface pH to ward off overgrowth of fungus and yeast. and works well with sensitive skin to remove allergens and other pathogens. While this is its primary purpose -I find it cleans and soothes their paws, and has a terrific peachy fragrance.

Mal-A-Ket Pads – If we spend too much time in the grass – trying to avoid the hot cement, I use these pads which are pre-moistened antiseptic anti fungal wipes to prevent irritation. This way, I’m ahead of the excessive licking which could lead to what I call the “birth” of a hot spot! #petparentnightmare

Both of these topical products are safe for all areas of their bodies and it really seems to sooth their pads.

MAKING THE BEST OF IT – 

There have been some rare occasions, early in the morning, when we’re able to steal a breeze before the heat index starts to climb. I allow them to take as much of it in – even if it makes me a little tardy for work. 

Their ears flap ever so gently from the soft movement of the trees and I’m reminded of a 70’s R&B classic – 

Summer breeze makes me feel fine – Blowing through the jasmine in my mind…

Can’t you hear the Isley Bros singing to you right now?

How are you helping your pups get through these dog days of summer with this relentless heat?

Share your secrets…

This week be the energy you want to attract ❤️

6 Comments
  • Madison
    July 22, 2019

    We walk early so it isn’t so warm, but on our evening walks we try to stay on the concrete or grass almost all the time. Heat and humidity are no fun. Thank dog it is finally cooling off here. Stay safe boys!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 23, 2019

      Today we felt a little bit of relief yet I had to laugh because at 5:30pm it was 91 degrees with a breeze that felt like heaven! We too will be happy when the temps get a little bit lower. You all take care as well, hot weather is not normal for you in Minn I would imagine – stay hydrated ladies!

  • Ducky's Mom
    July 23, 2019

    It’s been pretty hot up here in Greenville, too. As much as I crave fresh air, I can’t stand to be out here in the yard for much more than ten minutes at a time. Sometimes, I know, Ducky would like to stay out a bit longer; but I don’t let her stay out without at least one of us supervising.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 23, 2019

      I believe Jaxson would chase a ball in the depths of hell if we let him (LOL) – he is oblivious to the heat. Today we had a really nice breeze so we took advantage of it and walked a little of the park, you should see them now – it’s been so long since they’ve been able to walk any decent distance – they are passed out. Can’t wait for the temps to get back to normal.

  • Monika, Sam & Elsa
    July 23, 2019

    I know if I can’t stand on a surface barefooted, neither can my dogs. Great info!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 23, 2019

      I tried it – but didn’t get very far. I probably walked about four house lengths before I needed to put on my shoes.