Purple and Paws When you live in the Valley of the Sun, you have to deal with the sun. A lot. During the winter, Phoenix is great for dog walking. You can leash up your pup pretty much any time during the day and have a nice, cool walk. The same cannot said for the scorching summer months. If you live in a hot climate like me, here are some tips for how to protect your dog’s paws in the summer.
Walk During the Coolest Parts of the Day
If it’s two in the afternoon and the temp is 110 out, DO NOT WALK YOUR DOG. If you must walk Fido, stick to grassy areas only. The sidewalk and street will scorch his paws. Try to walk early in the morning or late at night when the sun isn’t beating down on both of you.
Try Booties
I understand that sometimes life gets in the way and you have to walk your dog during a hot part of the day. This is where booties come in. Yes, they look slightly ridiculous and yes, a lot of dogs hate them at first, but they are an absolute must if you’re walking Fido when it’s scorching out.
Use a Paw Treatment
Even if you take great care of your dog’s paws, a weekly paw treatment is a good idea for making sure those feet stay healthy and happy (unless you own a dog who refuses to let you touch his paws like I do). Plenty of stores sell protective paw wax or you can try making your own.
Check Paws After Desert Walks
My dog loves going for walks in the desert but he doesn’t enjoy the rocks and stones that occasionally lodge in his poor paws. This is why I always do a thorough check of his paws (from a safe distance, of course) after we return from a walk to check for any debris or cuts. If your dog is wearing booties an inspection isn’t necessary, but do wash and lightly clean the booties.
Your dog’s paw health is important, so follow these tips to ensure your pet has a happy and healthy summer!
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