What Should You Do if You Accidentally Burn Your Dog's Paws?

Your dog’s paws can feel rough to the touch, maybe even strong. But they’re skin like any other part of the body, and skin can be sensitive. They’re also placed in direct contract with the ground, and we sometimes forget just how hot the ground can get. Asphalt, for example, is capable of reaching as hot as 120 degrees on a *75* degree day, 140 on an 85 degree day, and even hotter if the temperature hits 90+.

That is extremely hot for their sensitive paws, and dogs don’t always do a good job of telling you that their paws are hurting. You may see them bounce their paws around a little bit, or try to find shade, but not all dogs are going to tell you that they’re hurting.

What Happens Next?

If you accidentally burn your dog's paws, it's important to take immediate and appropriate action to help your pet:

Remove the Dog from the Heat Source - Immediately get your dog away from the hot surface to prevent further injury.
Cool the Affected Area - Rinse your dog's paws gently with cool (not cold) water, or use a cool compress to help soothe the burn. Avoid using ice or extremely cold water as this can exacerbate the injury.
Evaluate the Burn - Look for blisters, redness, or swelling. If the burn appears minor, continue to monitor it closely. However, if the burn seems more severe, or if blisters are forming, seek veterinary care.
Contact Your Veterinarian - Always consult with a veterinarian after a burn injury. They can provide advice based on the severity of the burn and may need to prescribe medication to prevent infection and manage pain.
Prevent Licking or Chewing - Dogs may try to lick or chew their injured paws. This can introduce bacteria into the wound and hinder healing. Consider using a pet-safe protective bootie or an Elizabethan collar to prevent this behavior.
Follow-Up Care - Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for care, which may include applying aloe vera or other soothing ointments specifically formulated for pets, changing bandages, or administering antibiotics.

Remember, burns can be painful and the extent of the damage may not be immediately obvious. Prompt veterinary care can prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Always keep your pet off hot surfaces like asphalt on sunny days, or any area that could potentially cause burns.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)

Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Our Philosophy & Goals

Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.

Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.

What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.

Making the family happy is a bit more complex.

Families typically want their dog to:

Come when called, every time, on or off leash
Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
Sit until released
Down until released

Families also want their dogs:

Not to jump on people
Not to charge through doors
Not to dig in the garden
Not to bark and chew inappropriately
Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
Not to be wild and uncontrollable
Not to ignore you when you want their attention