In summer, dog paws are exposed to hot ground, dry paths, gravel, tall grass, foxtails, and small foreign objects.

Pads, the space between toes, and claws deserve regular checking after walks.

This inspection helps to quickly spot any irritation, redness, cracks, small wounds, foxtails, or discomfort while walking.

Monitor the Paw Pads

In hot weather, asphalt, sidewalks, dry paths, rocks, or sand can become very hot. We, with our shoes, don't necessarily notice it. However, our dogs have their pads in direct contact with the ground.

Before a walk, for your dog's safety and comfort, don't hesitate to perform the Hand Test:

Place the back of your hand (or bare foot) on the ground for a few seconds.

If the heat is difficult to bear, it's better to choose another time or another surface...

After the outing, it's good to look closely at the paw pads.

Look for any dryness, cracks, redness, sensitive areas, small cuts, or unusual licking. Even a subtle lesion can cause discomfort when walking and lead to repeated licking and the problems that result from it.

Check Between the Toes

The space between the toes is an area to check systematically, especially after a walk in dry grass, fields, paths, or areas of tall vegetation.

You might find there:

- foxtails;

- small stones;

- sand;

- dirt;

- parasites;

- early redness;

- swollen or painful area.

Foxtails are common in spring and summer. Their shape allows them to cling to hairs and then progress into the tissues. Between the toes, they often cause pain, swelling, an abscess, or lameness.

For dogs with very hairy paws, regular grooming of the hair between the toes helps to limit the attachment of dry grass and debris.

Observe the Dog's Behavior

Certain behaviors should prompt you to check the paws immediately:

- unusual licking;

- nibbling at a paw;

- discomfort when walking;

- lameness;

- refusal to put weight on the paw;

- painful reaction to touch;

- swollen paw;

- persistent redness;

- small wound.

Generally, a dog does not lick "for no reason." This is one of their warning signs.

Repeated licking after an outing can stem from irritation, a foreign object, a sting, a foxtail, or localized pain.

What to Check After the Walk?

After the walk, take a few seconds to check:

- the paw pads;

- the space between the toes;

- the claws;

- red areas;

- small wounds;

- swelling;

- presence of a foreign object;

- areas sensitive to touch.

Checking is particularly important after an outing on dry, grassy, stony, or very hot ground!

When to Consult?

A veterinary consultation is recommended in case of lameness, significant licking, swollen paw, wound, pain to the touch, or suspected foxtail.

If a foxtail is present, extraction is simpler when done quickly. If the foxtail progresses into the tissues, localization becomes more difficult, and complications increase. (To learn more: see the blog post dedicated to foxtails in dogs on this same blog.)

For a damaged pad, a blister, an open wound, bleeding, or a dog that refuses to walk, a veterinary opinion can assess the lesion and prevent infection.

Key Takeaways

In summer, dog paws should be checked after walks, especially after passing over hot ground, dry grass, gravel, or dusty paths.

Pads, spaces between toes, claws, redness, and sensitive areas: a few seconds of inspection allow you to quickly spot discomfort and prevent it from worsening.

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Sources

1. American Kennel Club — Hot pavement and dog paws
2. Vets Now — Dogs and hot pavements
3. Royal Kennel Club — Hot pavements
4. Fregis — Épillets chez le chien
5. Vetalia — Épillets chez le chien
6. Urgences Vétérinaires — Risques saisonniers liés aux épillets
7. Vetster — Burned paw pads in dogs
8. ElleVet Sciences — Hot pavement and pad burns