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𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬!⁣ ⁣ As summer arrives in San Antonio, bringing with it soaring daytime temperatures, dog owners face a critical challenge that often goes overlooked: protecting their pets' paws from scorching hot surfaces. As I write this article, we've already hit 100 degrees once! While we humans generally wear shoes, Scruffy doesn't. Our four-legged companions rely on us to ensure their safety during the hot season—and we'll see many more days of triple-digit and near-triple-digit temperatures in the coming months. Understanding the Risks The sunbaked streets and sidewalks of San Antonio can reach temperatures that pose serious risks to dogs' sensitive foot pads. What might feel warm through our shoes can be dangerously hot for our canine friends. Liberty Dogs San Antonio (LDSA) offers a simple yet effective guideline: if you wouldn't walk barefoot on it, don't ask your dog to either. Remember, Scruffy has no shoes! Understanding the risks is crucial for responsible pet ownership. Concrete, asphalt, and metal surfaces can become drastically hotter than the air temperature—up to 60 degrees hotter. Even at a moderate air temperature of 85 degrees (which can occur as early as 8 AM some days!), bright sunlight can heat asphalt to 145 degrees. At this temperature, a dog's paw pads can suffer severe burns and blisters within minutes. What's worse, these dangerous surface temperatures persist long after the sun sets. Signs of Injury Dog owners must remain vigilant for signs of paw pad injury. Watch for limping, licking or chewing at the paws, discoloration or redness of the pads, and visible damage such as blisters or missing pieces of pad material. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately move your dog to a cool surface and assess the damage. For severe burns or persistent symptoms, seek veterinary care promptly. Honestly, if you have a concern, call your vet—burns are to be taken seriously. The Healing Process When a dog suffers burns to their paw pads, the healing process can be particularly challenging. Unlike humans who can stay off their feet while recovering, dogs must continue to walk on their injured paws. This makes the healing process slower and more complicated. Burns can take weeks to heal completely, during which time your dog will need special care, including regular bandage changes, medication for pain and infection prevention, and possibly protective booties. The recovery period often requires limiting outdoor activity and carrying your dog for bathroom breaks—a significant commitment for both pet and owner. Prevention and Best Practices Prevention is the best approach to protecting your dog during the summer months. The "barefoot test" recommended by LDSA is a practical way to assess surface temperatures. Place your bare hand or foot on the walking surface for 7-10 seconds. If it's too hot for you to maintain contact, it's too hot for your dog. Consider adjusting your walking schedule to early morning or late evening hours when surfaces are cooler. Seek out grass-covered areas, shaded paths, or dog-friendly indoor venues for exercise. Many local pet stores and some shopping centers welcome leashed dogs, providing a climate-controlled environment for both you and your pet to stay active. And you can get a little training in, too! Monitoring surface temperatures should become a regular part of your dog-walking routine during summer months. Carry a water bottle for both you and your dog, and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. Consider investing in dog boots or paw wax for additional protection, though remember these are supplements to, not replacements for, good judgment about walking conditions. Protect Your Pup's Paws Today As temperatures climb in San Antonio, remember that our pets rely on us to make wise decisions about their safety. By following LDSA's guidance and remaining mindful of surface temperatures, we can ensure our dogs continue to enjoy their daily walks without risking injury. Take the time to test surfaces, plan your routes thoughtfully, and always prioritize your pet's well-being. After all, our dogs give us their unconditional love—the least we can do is protect their paws during the scorching San Antonio summer.