salexander04

Hello,

We are planning on getting a standard pup before summer, but we live in super hot Phoenix area. We would like to be able to take our pup on walks to the nearby park, however getting to the grassy area does require walking on the scorching concrete. I've seen dogs suffering and lifting their paws because its too hot & don't want to be that kind of careless owner.

I have seen that there are boots for the snow or cold to protect the dogs pads, but I haven't seen any for protection from heat.

Does anyone know of any tips or products to help? Please let me know.

Also, does anyone have any advice for exercising dogs during the summer when it does get too hot for normal outside activity?

Thanks in advance.

brownlikewoah

When I lived in Phoenix we either exercised my dog in our grassy yard during the daytime, or went on walks only in the evening. The heat from the pavement is unreal... my old roommate took my dog on a walk during the daytime once and he came back with blisters on the bottom of his feet, all of his pads blistered and tore off, it was awful and extremely painful. :( All the dog parks I used to go to were set up well for night time too, lots of lighting.

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spindledreams

Many service dog users have boots for their dogs for use in summer if they live in the sunbelt states. Even then they try to limit the time the dogs are on the hot pavement. It does sound like a cliche but some streets in summer are truly hot enough to fry eggs on.

brownlikewoah

Oh man this brings back memories of living in Phoenix....... I know this is beyond disturbing, but this reminded me of while I was living there, and a homeless man had died from the heat, and melted to the sidewalk. They had to remove all of the pavement... :(

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Poodlemama99

I grew up in Tempe and we did fry eggs on the sidewalk. Lol. Just to see if we could. I don't remember anyone walking dogs during the day. Only in the evening. I would think boots would work for heat like they do for cold but not sure of that.


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mom24doggies

Some boots with solid rubber soles would probably help. I choose not to risk it though and simply wait until the evening (8-9 o clock) to walk the dogs. And we drive to the park if I choose that method of exercise.

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outwest

We live in Southern California and have some of the same issues as you do for a few weeks every year, but your summers are like living in a blast furnace for a couple months. During the day we plan out walks carefully, only going where there is no blacktop and large trees with shade. If I have to cross I use a crosswalk and have the dog walk on the white painted stripes (they aren't hot). But, mostly during those weeks I walk in the early morning or late afternoon/evening after it has cooled off. For you that might be the best option. If I hadn't been to the desert in the summer I'd have no concept of how very hot it is. It's incredibly hot, but I'd move there if I could because it is fabulous almost 10 months a year.

I would also invest in some boots because you don't have many large shade trees and it is scorching for a longer period. You do cool off at night, though, and might want to consider altering your summer walking habits. When you must take the dog out put boots on and bring water for him.

I love Southern Arizona and the desert in general. The air is so crisp and dry. I wouldn't wish for your summer cooling bills or those couple months when everyone lives indoors, but I have thought often about moving to the desert. It gets under your skin. Casa Grande is a particular favorite of mine for a smaller town.

You'll be able to keep your dog in my favorite cut, the Miami, year around!

kacw319

I live in Chandler, AZ my spoo burned her paw on the pool decking. Vet visit for a blister and wrapped for about five days.


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LauraRose

I lived in Phoenix & Vegas growing up. Blistered my feet numerous times.

Used to love melting crayons into rainbow puddle art on the sidewalks.

Yeah. Boots are a good idea.


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Laura Rose

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The Opera Poodle

I live in Houston and have had this concern also. This chart shows it is a real concern:

The danger of walking your dog on hot asphalt. Here is the chart! - Democratic Underground

This site suggest paw wax. Anyone ever use it?

How to Protect Your Dog's Paws From Hot Pavement | eHow.com

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