Summer walks with our dogs are one of the best parts of the day. But when the Australian sun gets going, the ground beneath their paws can become much hotter than we realise.
We put shoes on without thinking about it. Our dogs don't get that choice.
And while paw pads are tougher than the soles of our feet, they're not indestructible.
Hot footpaths, bitumen, concrete and sand can become uncomfortable and potentially injure your dog's paws.
So how do you know when it's too hot to walk?
Air temperature isn't the whole story
One of the biggest mistakes we can make is judging walking conditions purely by the temperature on the weather app.
The air might feel manageable, but surfaces sitting in direct sunlight can become considerably hotter.
Dark surfaces such as asphalt absorb heat particularly well, while concrete, pavers and sand can also become extremely hot in direct sun.
That's why I pay attention to where my dogs are walking, not just what the thermometer says.
Try the hand test
Before heading out, place the back of your hand against the surface your dog will be walking on.
If it's uncomfortable for you to keep it there for several seconds, I'd think twice about asking your dog to walk on it with bare paws.
It's not a scientific temperature measurement, but it's a quick, practical reminder to actually check the ground rather than assuming it's safe.
And remember to check more than once.
A footpath that was comfortable when you left home can be much hotter on the walk back.
Watch what your dog is telling you
Dogs can't tell us, "Hey, this footpath is getting a bit hot."
But they can show us.
Watch for things like:
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Lifting or alternating paws
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Suddenly walking faster or pulling toward grass
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Hesitating or refusing to walk
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Excessive paw licking after a walk
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Red or tender-looking paw pads
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Limping or obvious discomfort
Don't assume they're simply being stubborn.
Sometimes they're trying to tell us something.
Choose your walking time carefully
One of the easiest ways to protect your dog's paws is simply changing when you walk.
During hot weather, early morning and later evening walks can mean much cooler surfaces than heading out during the middle or hottest part of the day.
Shade helps too.
If there's a choice between a sunny asphalt path and a shaded grassy route, I'll choose the cooler option whenever possible.
Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best one.
What about dog boots?
This is where dog boots can be incredibly useful.
I originally wanted boots for my own dogs because our adventures weren't limited to nice smooth footpaths.
We were dealing with hot ground, gravel, bush tracks, burrs, bindis and rough terrain.
And that's really what led to HowlTrek's All-Terrain Dog Boots.
A good dog boot creates a physical barrier between the paw and the surface underneath.
That can be useful for hot footpaths, but also for rough tracks, prickles, sharp ground and many of the other things our dogs happily charge through without giving them a second thought.
They're not an excuse to walk a dog in dangerously hot conditions.
If it's simply too hot outside, the safest option may be to wait.
Boots are another layer of protection for the times when you do need them.
“But my dog walks like a goose in boots!”
Completely normal.
If you've ever put boots on a dog for the first time, you'll probably know exactly what I'm talking about.
High steps. Stiff legs. Looking at you as though you've completely lost your mind.
Most dogs simply need time to work out what these strange things on their feet are.
Let them wear their boots around the house for short periods. Use treats, play or encouragement and keep the first few sessions positive.
Once they realise they can walk, run and explore normally, many dogs quickly forget they're wearing them.
Paw protection isn't just for serious hikers
This is probably the biggest misconception about dog boots.
You don't have to be climbing mountains with your dog to need paw protection.
Your dog's everyday adventure might be walking around the neighbourhood.
It might be camping.
The beach.
A bush track.
A weekend away.
Or following you around the property all day.
Whatever adventure looks like for you, their paws are the things carrying them through every kilometre of it.
Looking after them means more comfortable walks and, hopefully, many more adventures together.
Protect the paws that follow you everywhere
Our dogs don't care whether we're heading down the road or across the country.
If we're going, they're usually ready to come too.
That's one of the reasons I started HowlTrek in the first place.
After travelling Australia with my dogs, I became much more aware of the conditions we ask them to handle simply because they want to be beside us.
Hot ground. Rough tracks. Prickles. Heat. Cold.
They'll follow us anywhere.
It's our job to help protect them along the way.
Protect their paws
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs burn their paws on hot pavement?
Yes. Very hot surfaces can cause pain and potentially damage paw pads. Avoid extremely hot surfaces and watch your dog for signs of discomfort.
Are dog paws tougher than human feet?
Paw pads are naturally designed to cope with walking and running, but that doesn't make them immune to heat, cuts, abrasions or other injuries.
What time should I walk my dog in summer?
Early mornings and later evenings will often provide cooler conditions. Always check the actual surface your dog will be walking on, as ground temperature can vary considerably.
Do dog boots help on hot pavement?
Dog boots can provide a protective barrier between your dog's paws and the ground. However, they shouldn't be used to justify exercising a dog when overall weather conditions are dangerously hot.
How do I get my dog used to wearing boots?
Start indoors for short periods and make the experience positive. Let your dog walk around, offer treats and gradually increase the amount of time they're worn before heading outside.
HowlTrek
Adventure gear made for dogs who'd follow us anywhere.
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