Late summer walks can feel easier than peak-July outings. The sun sets a little earlier, mornings are a little cooler, and your dog may be extra ready to get back to longer sniff sessions.
But this is also the time of year when paw problems sneak up on a lot of pups. Pavement can still hold heat well into the evening, dry weather can leave pads rough or cracked, and trails may be full of foxtails, burrs, gravel, and tiny plant debris. The good news: a few simple habits can make walks safer and more comfortable.
The sidewalk test most dog owners skip
If you remember one late-summer paw care tip, make it the sidewalk test. Before your dog walks on pavement, place the back of your hand against the sidewalk, driveway, or asphalt for 7 seconds.
If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Dog paw pads are tough, but they are not burn-proof. Asphalt and concrete can become much hotter than the air temperature, especially in direct sun. Even when the weather app says it is “only” in the 80s, pavement may be hot enough to cause discomfort, irritation, or burns.
Why late-summer pavement is still risky
By late summer, many dog owners relax their heat precautions. But pavement stores heat, and dark surfaces like asphalt can remain uncomfortable after the sun starts going down. Dogs also do not always show pain right away. A pup may keep walking because they are excited, focused on smells, or trying to keep up with you.
Watch for these signs that the ground may be too hot:
- Pulling toward grass or shade
- Limping or lifting one paw at a time
- Suddenly slowing down on pavement
- Licking or chewing paws after the walk
- Redness, darkened spots, or tenderness on paw pads
When in doubt, choose grass, shaded paths, or dirt trails over concrete and asphalt. Early morning walks are usually safer than evening walks because pavement has had all night to cool.
Quick ways to make hot-weather walks safer
You do not need to skip walks completely. You may just need to adjust the route and timing.
- Walk before breakfast or after dark. Early morning is often the best choice for paws and overall heat safety.
- Prioritize grass and shade. Even short stretches of hot pavement can irritate sensitive pads.
- Bring water. Hydration helps your dog regulate temperature and recover from heat exposure.
- Keep walks shorter on hot days. Swap one long outing for a few short potty breaks.
- Consider dog boots if your pup tolerates them. They can help on unavoidable pavement, but they should fit well and be introduced gradually.
Dry, rough, or cracked paw pads: what causes them?
A healthy paw pad should feel firm and slightly textured, not soft like human skin. Some roughness is normal. But late summer can push normal roughness into dryness, cracking, or irritation.
Common causes include hot pavement, dry air, repeated friction, saltwater or pool exposure, dusty trails, allergens, and frequent licking. Dogs who hike, run, or walk on sidewalks daily may show more wear than dogs who mostly use grass.
Dry pads can also be part of a bigger skin picture. If your dog has flaky skin, a dull coat, seasonal itchiness, or frequent paw licking, their skin barrier may need extra support from the inside and outside.
For dogs with dry skin or a dull coat, nutrition can play a role. Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, biotin, and vitamin E are commonly used to support skin and coat health. If your pup’s paws tend to get dry along with other skin changes, you may want to ask your vet about adding an omega-3 supplement formulated for skin barrier support as part of their routine.
How to care for dry paws at home
After walks, do a quick paw check and wipe. This removes grit, pollen, lawn chemicals, and plant debris before your dog licks it off.
- Rinse or wipe paws. Use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe, especially after trails or sidewalks.
- Dry between the toes. Moisture trapped between paw pads can contribute to irritation.
- Check each pad. Look for cracks, redness, peeling, or tender spots.
- Use a dog-safe paw balm if needed. Apply a thin layer when your dog will not immediately lick it off.
- Trim excess paw fur. Long fur can trap burrs, foxtails, and moisture.
Avoid using human lotions, essential oil blends, or medicated creams unless your veterinarian approves them. Dogs lick their paws, and some ingredients that are fine for human skin can upset a dog’s stomach or irritate their skin.
Trail debris: the tiny late-summer problem that causes big discomfort
Late-summer trails can be beautiful, but they are also full of little things that cling, poke, and hide. Dry grasses, seed awns, burrs, thorns, gravel, splinters, and foxtails can work their way between toes or into paw fur.
Foxtails and grass awns deserve special attention. These barbed seed heads can move in one direction and may become embedded in skin, ears, noses, or paws. If you live in an area where foxtails are common, a post-walk check is not optional.
After every hike or trail walk, check:
- Between each toe
- Under and around the paw pads
- Around the dewclaws
- Inside the ears
- Armpits and belly
- Tail and groin area
If your dog suddenly starts licking one paw, holding it up, or chewing between the toes after a walk, stop and inspect carefully. A tiny thorn or seed can cause a lot of pain.
Some dogs also get loose stool or mild stomach upset after licking paws that picked up trail debris, pollen, or unfamiliar outdoor substances. For pups with sensitive digestion, daily gut support may be helpful. A product such as a probiotic chew with prebiotics and digestive enzymes can be a practical option to discuss with your vet, especially if seasonal changes tend to affect your dog’s belly.
When to call your vet
Most mild paw dryness can be managed with prevention, gentle cleaning, and rest from rough surfaces. But some symptoms should not be watched for too long.
Call your veterinarian if you notice limping that lasts more than a few hours, bleeding, deep cracks, swelling, pus, a bad smell, a visible object stuck in the paw, repeated licking that will not stop, blisters, peeling skin, or signs your dog is in pain. You should also contact your vet if you suspect a burn from hot pavement. Paw burns can worsen after the walk and may need professional care.
If your dog has diabetes, immune problems, allergies, or a history of skin infections, be extra cautious. Small paw irritations can become bigger issues more quickly in dogs with underlying health conditions.
A simple late-summer paw care routine
The best paw care routine is the one you will actually do. It does not need to be complicated.
- Before the walk: Do the 7-second sidewalk test and choose the coolest route.
- During the walk: Watch for slowing, limping, or seeking grass.
- After the walk: Wipe paws, dry between toes, and check for debris.
- Weekly: Look for dryness, cracking, overgrown nails, or matted paw fur.
- Seasonally: Reassess nutrition, hydration, and skin support if your dog gets dry or itchy.
Late summer is a transition season. Your dog may be ready for longer adventures, but their paws still need protection from heat, dryness, and trail debris. A quick sidewalk test and a two-minute paw check can prevent a lot of discomfort later. 🐾
Frequently asked questions
How hot is too hot for dog paws on pavement?
If pavement feels too hot for the back of your hand after 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Air temperature alone is not enough to judge safety because asphalt and concrete can be much hotter than the surrounding air.
Can dogs burn their paws on sidewalks?
Yes. Dogs can burn their paw pads on hot pavement, especially asphalt in direct sun. Signs may include limping, licking, redness, blisters, peeling, or reluctance to walk. If you suspect a burn, move your dog off the hot surface and call your vet.
What can I put on my dog’s dry paw pads?
Use a dog-safe paw balm or wax, and apply only a thin layer. Avoid human lotions, essential oils, or medicated creams unless your veterinarian recommends them. Also look at the bigger picture: hydration, walking surfaces, allergies, and skin-supportive nutrition can all affect paw health.
Should my dog wear boots in summer?
Dog boots can help protect paws from hot pavement, sharp rocks, and trail debris, but they must fit properly. Introduce them slowly indoors before using them on walks. If your dog refuses boots, choose shaded grass routes and cooler walking times instead.
Why does my dog lick their paws after a walk?
Post-walk paw licking may be caused by heat irritation, dry pads, pollen, allergies, a small cut, or debris stuck between the toes. Check the paws closely. If licking is intense, repeated, or paired with redness, swelling, or limping, contact your vet.
— Megan & the Pup Choice team
