Izzie
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Dogs and cats may seem like they have little sensitivity to what lies beneath their feet only because their pads are made to be great at distributing pressure. That’s why rocks and irregular surfaces are no big deal. But heat is another thing entirely. Both dogs’ and cats’ pads are very sensitive to hot temperatures, but it’s our dogs we really need to look out for. Cats, after all, are great at staying away from uncomfortable surfaces. They’re rarely in a position where heat avoidance isn’t doable.Dogs, on the other hand, are willing to do almost anything we ask them to — even walk over hot coals. In fact, every time we put our dogs on a leash and go for a walk on South Floridian mid-summer hot pavement, that’s effectively what we’re asking them to do.Not only is this an uncomfortable proposition, but given a long enough walk at hot enough temperatures a dog’s pads will burn. Painfully discolored (often whitish), blistering burns are most often revealed to owners when these dogs start to limp, hobble, or finally stop walking. But too often the problem doesn’t become obvious until the next day, when signs like paw-licking, limping and swelling develop.
Pad burns aren’t always severe so they’re not always very obvious, but a burnt pad — like a bad sunburn — doesn’t have to blister and fester to hurt.
And here’s the thing about dogs: They rarely let us know when things really hurt — in this case, on the hot walk or otherwise. When it comes to leash walks in particular, few energetic dogs are willing to let their humans down.So dog owners should keep it in mind: If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog, too!
THIS is why you do not walk your dogs on asphalt or concrete in the summer. If you see someone walking their dogs on asphalt or concrete, PLEASE educated them and get the pet to cooler ground. Do not just hit "like", SHARE this warning too.Share · April 21
It's time to bump this up again.