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Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Hot Surfaces in Summer

Paws

Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Hot Surfaces in Summer

Many owners like taking their dogs on walks, but many of them forget about one important detail: hot surfaces can burn a dog’s paws.

It can be tempting to take your dog everywhere you go, but it can cause serious harm to your dog if you are not careful. Remember that if it feels way too hot for you to leave your hands comfortably on the ground for at least 10 seconds, it can result in severe burns on your dog’s paw pads, especially if you have a new puppy with tender young paws.

Your dog’s paws have footpads that can usually handle whatever a stroll or walk in nature throws at them. But a lot of human-made surfaces can burn your pooch’s paws, including concrete, metal, pavement, sidewalks and asphalt.

Symptoms of burned paws may include:

  • Limping or avoiding walking
  • Licking or chewing feet
  • Paw pads are darker in colour than usual
  • Pads are visibly damaged
  • Blisters or redness

If you suspect your dog has burned paw pads you should:

  • Flush the foot with cold water or use a cold compress
  • Try not to let your dog lick the injured pad
  • Take your dog to the vet as soon as you possible because burns can become infected.

Depending on the severity of the burn, your dog might need antibiotics or pain medication.

Tips to keep your dog or puppy from getting burned this summer:
These tips will help your dog stay safe and uninjured this summer from the dangers of hot surfaces.

Walk your dog in cool temperatures
The best time to walk your dog is in the morning or late evening, when the pavement is cool. Avoid walking your dog in the afternoon when the sun is high in the sky or early evening, because the pavement will be hot.

Walk your dog on the grass
If you end up taking your dog out during the warmer times of the day, be sure to stay on the grass and stick to shady areas. To avoid burning, stay away from sidewalks or any paved areas.

Moisturise your dog’s paws
Minor injuries such as cuts, cracking, or peeling of the paws can make your dog’s paws more susceptible to burns and other serious problems. Moisturising your dog’s feet with a veterinary approved product for your dog on a daily basis, will help prevent these injuries.

Paw wax
Paw wax is designed to protect your dog’s feet from hot surfaces and potentially harmful chemicals like road salts and can easily be smeared onto your dog’s paw pads to protect them from harmful surfaces.

Dog shoes
Not only do these booties look cute, but they are also one of the best ways to protect your dog’s paws from heat and potential injuries. If your dog will wear them, be sure to buy shoes that have rubber soles to offer the best protection. Be aware that not all dogs can get used to dog shoes, and some might have a hard time walking in them. There will definitely be an adjustment period for your dog with dog shoes. If you can get your dog used to using them, nothing else offers better protection. Disposable dog booties are also a great short-term fix for the summer heat. Dog booties can provide good protection from the heat, and are a great temporary solution if you need to take your dog out on a hot day and your dog is willing to wear them.

Peel and stick paw pads
Another solution to minimising heat damage to your dog’s paws in summer are peel and stick paw pads. They are easy to put on and they can be cut to the perfect size for paws and can be reused.

Check their paws regularly
Check your dog’s paw pads daily for any signs of damage and wash his paws frequently. If you do happen to see a problem, or if your dog is acting strangely on his feet, take your dog to your nearest vet for medical assistance.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

Dehydration in Cats & Dogs

Dehydration

Dehydration in Cats & Dogs

Dehydration is a serious concern for both humans and our pets, particularly during the summer months. If your pet doesn’t drink enough water on a warm day, dehydration may set in quickly, so it’s important to know the cause, signs, how to treat it, and when to see your veterinarian.

What is dehydration, and what are the causes?
Dehydration is a condition that can affect any species of pet, and occurs when more fluid is lost from the body than is taken in. This may be caused by symptoms of disease such as vomiting and diarrhoea, chronic kidney disease, untreated diabetes mellitus or simply not having access to enough clean water.

Dehydration may be further associated with conditions such as heat stroke, as it also plays a role in maintaining normal body temperature in the heat.

It is therefore important to ensure that your pet always has access to fresh, cool water at all times.

Dehydration

Are certain animals prone to dehydration?
Although any cat or dog can become dehydrated, young (especially infants) and geriatric animals are more at risk. Additionally, any cat or dog that is older or nursing a litter is more prone to dehydration.

What are the signs & symptoms?
Depending on how dehydrated your pet is, and the cause of dehydration, symptoms of dehydration may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy and/or weakness
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
  • Dark, concentrated urine
  • Excessive panting
  • Sunken eyes
  • Loss of skin elasticity and prolonged skin tenting
  • Very pale or bright red gums

If you’re worried that your pet isn’t drinking enough but isn’t showing any of the signs of dehydration mentioned above, they may be fine.

Wet pet food has a high water content, so it is possible they may be receiving enough daily water from their diet. However, if your pet suddenly stops drinking as much as usual, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian for advice.

How to prevent dehydration in cats & dogs
There are a number of ways you can help your pet to maintain an adequate water intake by ensuring your pet has access to fresh water at all times.

Bacterial prevention: fresh, clean drinking water
Both the food and water bowls need to be thoroughly cleaned once a day to prevent slime and bacteria from accumulating.

Placing the bowls out of direct sunlight will also help decrease the speed at which bacteria can grow and keep water cooler for longer.

Dehydration

Supply the right quantity of water for your pets
If you have more than one pet, use multiple water bowls so that each pet has their own water supply.

Take water on the go
If you plan to take your pet for a long walk, running or hiking, you should always carry a supply of water with you.

Schedule activities for when it is cooler
Try to avoid going out at the hottest times of the day around noon, and limit your pet’s activity levels at these times and during hotter days as far as possible. Early morning and late afternoon/early evening are better times to go out with your pet to avoid heat-related dehydration.

Cats: Location, location, location
Many cats do not like to drink water that is located anywhere near their food source. To ensure your cat is drinking enough, try placing their water somewhere else at home, such as in the bathroom or in a corner of the kitchen.

They can also be fussy about drinking from a bowl – if this seems to be the case, try using a large mug to sip their water from.

When to see a vet for dehydration in cats & dogs
If your pets are presenting any of the more severe symptoms mentioned above, seem to be in pain, are not eating, or are experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhoea, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA