What to do when your dog comes back from a walk with burnt paws?

Does your dog come back from a walk with burnt paws?

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Taking your dog for a walk is one of the most anticipated moments of the day—for him and for you. But what happens when this simple routine ends in a serious problem?

If your dog returns from a walk with burned paws, it's a sign that something went wrong along the way. And, believe me, this is more common than you think.

Asphalt can reach temperatures above 60°C on sunny days, even in mild weather. For dogs, this temperature is unbearable and can cause first- or even second-degree burns.

And the most worrying thing? Many owners only notice the problem when their pet is already limping or persistently licking its paws.

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If you've ever experienced this—or want to prevent it from happening—keep reading. This guide will help you recognize the signs, understand the risks, and protect your best friend on future outings.

How to identify that the dog came back with burned paws

How can you tell if your dog returns from a walk with burned paws? The first step is to observe their behavior immediately after the walk. Your dog may display subtle but important signs.

If your dog starts limping, avoids putting a paw on the ground, or lies down more than usual, be alert. Other common signs include excessive paw licking and refusing to walk again.

It's always a good idea to physically inspect the paws. The pads, also known as cushions, may show redness, cracks, blisters, or even whitish areas, indicating a burn. In more severe cases, the area may have discharge or a strong odor, suggesting infection.

An example: a guardian in Belo Horizonte took his dog for a walk for just 15 minutes during his lunch break.

When they got home, the dog no longer wanted to walk and began compulsively licking his hind legs. The diagnosis was second-degree burns on both paws.

Read also: Taking Care of Your Dog's Oral Health

First aid at home: what to do immediately

If you notice your dog returning from a walk with burned paws, the first step is to cool the area. Soak the paws in cold (never ice-cold) water for a few minutes or use cold compresses to relieve residual heat. Don't use ice directly—this can worsen the injury.

After cooling, dry the paws carefully, without rubbing. Assess the condition of the pads: if there are blisters or bleeding, do not try to pop them or apply human ointments. Cover lightly with clean gauze and take the dog to the vet as soon as possible.

In mild cases, where there's only redness and discomfort, your veterinarian may recommend specific creams for healing. But remember: even the most minor injuries deserve professional attention. Treating without guidance can delay recovery and increase the risk of infection.

When the trip becomes dangerous: understand the critical times

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is choosing inappropriate times to walk their dogs. Asphalt absorbs and retains heat for hours.

On hot days, it can remain scorching hot until early evening. A good rule of thumb is to place your palm on the ground for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for the dog.

The best times to go out are before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., depending on the region. In places with a lot of concrete or little shade, even after this time, the heat can be dangerous. Taking your dog to wooded areas, lawns, or parks is always safer.

According to a study by the U.S. National Weather Service, surfaces like asphalt can exceed 60°C (144°F) on days with 30°C (86°F) ambient temperatures. This temperature is enough to cause severe damage within minutes of exposure.

How to prevent paw burns

Prevention is always the best option. In addition to choosing the right time for your walk, choose places with grass, sand, or plenty of shade. Avoid dark sidewalks and asphalt, especially during peak sunlight hours.

An effective strategy is to use protective dog boots. They may seem uncomfortable at first, but with adaptation, many dogs accept them well. Another tip is to use specific creams to moisturize and strengthen the pads, making the skin more resistant to heat.

Practical example: A São Paulo owner who lives in an apartment and needs to walk her dog in urban areas invested in protective boots. After two weeks of adaptation, her pet began to accept them, and since then, he has never had any injuries.

How to make the ride safe and enjoyable

Walking should be a positive experience for your dog—and for you. To achieve this, plan your outing carefully. Bring fresh water, choose shaded routes, and constantly monitor your dog's behavior.

If he starts to slow down, lift his paws, or refuses to continue, stop immediately.

Try varying the time and route to avoid fatigue. If possible, walk your dog on grass or sand, even if you have to make small detours. And never force your dog to continue if he or she shows discomfort.

It's worth remembering that the bond between owner and pet is strengthened during these moments of care. A safe walk isn't just a matter of physical health, but also of affection and trust.

Conclusion

If your dog returns from a walk with burned paws, this is a clear sign that adjustments need to be made to their routine.

With small changes—like the timing of your walk, the type of surface, and paying attention to the signs—you can turn a painful experience back into something positive and healthy.

Caring for paws is an act of love. They are your pet's direct contact with the world, and protecting them protects their freedom and well-being.

Next time you go out with him, remember: the ideal outing starts with empathy, attention, and responsibility.

FAQ – Dog returns from walk with burned paws

1. How long can a dog walk on asphalt without the risk of burns?
It depends on the ground temperature. On hot days, even 1 minute can cause injury. Avoid asphalt completely during strong sunlight.

2. Can I use human ointment on my dog's paws?
Not recommended. Ideally, use products specifically for pets, recommended by a veterinarian.

3. How to get your dog used to wearing protective boots?
Start with a few minutes indoors, using positive reinforcement. Gradually increase the time and associate it with pleasant experiences.

4. Do burned paws heal on their own?
In mild cases, spontaneous healing may occur, but the risk of infection is high. Always consult a veterinarian.

5. Can I use beach sand as an alternative to asphalt?
It depends on the time of day. The sand also gets very hot. Test the temperature with your foot before letting your dog walk on it.