In summer, a great danger for our dogs is often underestimated: the hot asphalt. In fact, on very hot days, the asphalt can reach very high temperatures which can cause damage, even burns, to pads or fingertips of the legs, as well as promoting the heat stroke.
Asphalt temperatures in summer
The fingertips of our four paws are made to come into contact with grass, earth and in general with natural environments and not with asphalt which with an external temperature of 30° can even reach 55°.
Would you walk barefoot on such a hot surface? Well, the same thing goes for our furry friends!
Try holding your hand on the asphalt for 10 seconds and check your tolerance.
If our dog struggles to walk or jumps or prefers to lie on the ground, this will be the alarm bell that warns us that there is really no point in continuing the walk or that it is necessary to move to a lawn or a shaded surface.
The dog's fingertips
I fingertips, as well as the full of the dog (called “truffle” in scientific jargon), are made up of relatively sensitive tissues.
Following exposure to very harsh climates, to the sun and the heat of the asphalt in summer, to allergens, as well as to excessively dry environments created by domestic heating in winter, these fabrics can suffer from dehydration, dryness, burns, scabbing and wounds.
A healthy truffle is the basis of the dog's ability to smell, one of the characteristics that distinguishes it, as well as healthy and nourished fingertips, are essential to allow correct walking.
Like any other part of the body of our animals, it is therefore good practice, especially in predisposing conditions, take care of these areas, using special products that can nourish, hydrate and soothe these tissues.
Protect your dog's paw pads
In order not to put the well-being of our dog at risk, it is good avoid going out during the hottest hours. The ideal would be between 10am and 20pm, but possibly even later as the asphalt retains the heat accumulated during the day for a long time.
Walk in shaded areas, preferring parks with grass to streets and sidewalks. Before going out refresh the dog, perhaps wetting it a little, and apply a protective cream on the bearings.
Upon returning, check the condition of the paws and clean the pads. If you notice redness, cracking or dryness, apply a soothing product based on plant extracts and if there are injuries such as cuts or burns, apply a healing and contact a vet.
Heatstroke
It is a serious and dangerous condition that occurs when it is very hot and the dog is unable to effectively regulate its body temperature independently.
I symptomthey are:
- labored breathing
- excessive salivation
- weakness
- vomiting
- red “spots” on the skin
If we notice that the dog is ill we must take action immediately:
- taking it to a cool place
- wetting it with fresh water
- contacting a veterinarian immediately
Remember that the dog:
- it should never be left in the car
- must always have access to shaded areas and fresh water
- it must never be taken outside during the hottest hours of the day
Union BIO advice
LENI CREAM DOG
Soothing, hydrating and nourishing cream with plant extracts, which can be applied to the dog's fingertips and nose. Contains Shea Oil, with soothing, emollient and nourishing properties, useful for chapped or dry skin to restore skin hydration and maintain natural elasticity.
CICA DOG
Cream with plant extracts that has a barrier effect in case of skin lesions. Contains Aloe and Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree). We recommend using it in combination with DERMA DOG for cleaning the area before application.