8 Ways to Protect Your Dachshund’s Paws This Summer
Ouch! Hot pavement and sidewalks can severely burn your Dachshund’s delicate paws.
As Dachshund parents, we know it’s important to keep our beloved doxies healthy with daily walks. So, how do we walk our pups when it’s too hot?
Here are some easy ways to protect your Dachshund’s paws this summer.
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What Causes Dog Paw Burn?
Dog paw burn is caused by walking on hot surfaces, bitter cold surfaces, or harsh chemicals – like fertilizer or ice melt.
Hot asphalt can burn your dog’s paw pads instantly!
Often times, a burn happens so quickly, you may not know your pup’s pads are burned, until it is too late.
Avoid These Hot Surfaces: Pavement, concrete, tar-coated asphalt, paving stones, sand, street grates, and metal manhole covers.
Take your Dachshund for their morning walk before the sun gets too hot and their evening walk after the sun goes down. If your doxie enjoys swimming, a game of fetch, or going for hikes, avoid peak sunshine time so your pup doesn’t burn their paws or get a sunburn.
In the USA, avoid the sun during peak time: 10 am to 4 pm daylight saving time.
Even if you are avoid the peak sunshine time, it’s important to still check the temperature outside before walking your doxie. Your Dachshund’s paws aren’t the only things at risk when it’s hot outside. They are also at risk for sunburn and heatstroke.
Note: The pavement can be 40-60 degrees hotter than the air temperature!
So, if it is 80 degrees outside, the pavement could be up to 140 degrees and will fry your dog’s paws. That’s why the next step is the most important of all – The Hot Pavement Test.
So, how do you know if the pavement outside is TOO HOT for your dog’s paws?
- Hand Test: Hold your hand, palm down, on the pavement for 10 seconds. Test it again with the back of your hand.
- Feet Test: Walk around on the pavement in your bare feet. Can your skin tolerate the temperature? If not, it’s too hot for your Dachshund’s paws!
Make sure to test the sidewalk and the road as well, wherever your Dachshund will be walking.
Dog Boots work really well to prevent dog paw burn and have the added protection against sharp terrain while hiking.
Xanday Dog Boots and EXPAWLORER Dog Boots are highly rated dog boots for walking or hiking. They are waterproof, washable, and protect your pup’s paws from snow and hot pavement.
Note: Dog’s have sweat glands in their paws, so make sure to take off their doggie boots for a few fresh-air breaks during longer hikes. Also, check the boots for small rocks before putting them back on your dog’s feet.
If your Dachshund won’t wear dog boots, try some dog paw balm instead. I use PawTection Dog Paw Balm on both of my Dachshunds.
Dog Paw Balm protects from hot sand, pavement, ice, and salt. It also blocks seasonal allergy pollen – Bonus!
Similar to the chap stick we use on our lips, dog paw balm acts as a barrier to protect your Dachshund’s paw pads from drying out and cracking.
Note: Dog paw balm won’t protect them from feeling the extreme heat. So, if the hot pavement test proves to be too hot for your hands, it’s still too hot for your pup’s paws.
After your walk, inspect your Dachshund’s paws. If your doxie has trailed through the mud or picked up some toxic grass fertilizer, they may need to have their paws gently washed off.
After your walk or hike, help your doxie find some cool shade to rest. Also provide plenty of clean water to re-hydrate.
- Keep it short: Your doxie may have a harder time keeping up in the heat.
- Hike in the woods: The shade of the trees will keep your dog’s path nice and cool.
- Play at the park: Your dog can run and play in a big grassy field – this beats the hot pavement.
A Dachshund’s paw pads provide traction, help with balance, and shock absorption. If your dog loves to go on walks or hikes over various terrain, their paws may feel more rough.
How To Care For Your Dog’s Paws
Nail Trimming: Trim your dog’s nails a couple times per month. As you may know, Dachshunds aren’t generally fond of nail trimmings.
Here’s my #1 method for trimming my Dachshund’s nails at home.
Toe Inspection: Take time to inspect between your dog’s toes for small pebbles, glass, or thorns.
Wipe Off: When your pup is playing at a park, going for a walk, or visiting a pet store, make sure to wipe your dog’s paws off when returning home. Washing off your dog’s paws will stop the spread of germs and parasites.
I really like the ease of using a dog paw washer. My pups don’t like having their paws washed with a cloth. They always wiggle and squirm, and sometimes bite!
This super cute dog paw washer (from Amazon) is really easy to use. It gets the job done a lot quicker!
Dog Paw Burn Symptoms
If it is too hot for your Dachshund’s paws, they may lift their paws quickly, jump off the sidewalk onto the cool grass, they may stop walking and pull back on the leash or they may even lay down on their side.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your vet.
- Excessively Licking Paws
- Chewing Paws
- Limping
- Peeling Paw Pads
- Blisters
- Redness
- Discolored or Darkened Paw Pads
- Paw Pad wounds or cuts
How To Treat Dog Paw Burn
Minor Burns: If you notice that your Dachshund has a minor dog paw burn, rinse or submerge their feet under cool water for a few minutes. Gently clean the paws with gentle puppy soap and water to prevent any infection.
Carefully pat dry and don’t rub your dog’s feet to avoid a painful touch. You can apply a paw balm or soother to help moisturize the burnt paw pad.
Paw Soother (from Amazon) can help ease the pain of paw burn, while speeding up healing in the process. If your dog tries to lick his paws during treatment, you can pull a large sock over their feet to avoid consuming the paw balm.
Severe Burns: If your pup has a more severe paw burn, blisters, or an open wound, consult your vet ASAP. If your vet office is closed, take them to the pet emergency room, don’t wait.
Seriously, you don’t want your doxie to be in pain or get an infection. Depending on the severity of the burn, your dog may need an antibiotic or pain medication.
How Do You Protect Your Dachshund’s Paws When It’s Hot Outside? Let Us know Below.
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