Does anyone have any tips for summertime dog walking? I know the pavement can get SUPER hot, and I'm wondering what I can do to prevent my dog from getting blisters. Any shoe recommendations or other home remedies?
I never get too concerned about normal sidewalks during the summer, but there's a nature boardwalk around the lagoons in the park that is made from recycled plastic milk containers. It absorbs heat and becomes incredibly hot. I've had to carry my dog out of there rather than risk hurting his feet. We'll avoid that area in the afternoons and only venture out onto it in the early morning.
If your dog is used to wearing shoes, I believe Ruffwear makes hiking boots.
I bought snow shoes for my small dog and tried the summer doggy shoes on him. He wants nothing to do with them, which I understand is common with the small dog body structure. I primarily host small dogs...so I've picked up and carried dogs over the pavement or utilized the stroller I bought at Amazon.com (using some Rover money earned from contest...which I invest in dog products).
Thankfully where I am it doesn't get too hot most of the year, but my border collie mix is SUPER fluffy, so I already avoid taking her out during the hottest portion of the day and opt for more unstructured exercise, like play dates with friends or running around in the park where she has grass and shade, and can do as much or as little as she's comfortable with. This year I've started running her with the bike regularly, so I'll have to be even more careful about the heat than I have been in the past, especially in regard to her feet. I've got the bike and the dog attachment equipped with lights so as it gets warmer I can take her out after dark to avoid trouble.
I prefer to avoid hot pavement, but I live in a semi-rural area. A good product to prevent burns from pavement is Musher's Secret. You can find it on amazon for around $20. It works well for cold, heat, and any activity. You can search the web, and there are recipes to make it yourself, for cheaper.
I like your Musher's Secret, Amberlie. I live where it gets VERY HOT during summer months! My dogs mostly play in my shady back yard, but I like to walk and take my pups with me, so I'll be looking this up! Thanks for posting!!
Hi Kelvin, I was thinking about doggie shoes. They have them at pet stores I was wanting to do that for my dog. Happy Summer!!!!!
Greetings Kelvin, I would recommend Petroleum Jelly for a home remedy for daily usage to provide moisture to the bottoms of their pads so they do not burn. If they already have blisters do not apply and seek medical advice. Let me know how it works, Douglas Q.