Dog paw care on hot GCC pavement

Pavement temperature in the GCC summer hits 60–70°C — hot enough to cause second-degree burns in 60 seconds. Paw burns are one of the most preventable yet most common summer injuries.

The 5-second test

Press the back of your hand flat against the pavement for 5 seconds. If you can't hold it comfortably for the full 5, it's too hot for your dog. Asphalt is hotter than concrete, dark surfaces hotter than light.

Signs of paw burns

• Limping after a walk
• Licking or chewing paws
• Pads visibly red, blistered, or peeling
• Reluctance to walk

First aid for a burn

1. Cool the paw — run under cold water for 5 minutes (not ice cold).
2. Pat dry gently.
3. Don't apply ointment unless prescribed — many human creams are toxic when licked.
4. Vet visit same day if blisters, missing skin, or pain is severe.

Prevention

• Walk before 7am or after 8pm
• Stick to grass and shaded paths
• Boots / shoes — most dogs hate them at first but they work. Build tolerance gradually inside the house first.
• Paw wax (Musher's Secret, etc.) — provides some barrier but does not make hot pavement safe. Use as a supplement, not a solution.
• Carry small dogs across hot stretches

Daily paw check

Quick once-over after every walk:

• Stones or splinters between pads
• Cracks or dryness
• Foreign objects in the fur
• Red or swollen areas

When to call the vet

• Bleeding paw not stopping in 5 minutes
• Limp lasting more than 24 hours
• Visible blister or missing skin
• Dog won't put weight on a paw at all