How to protect dog paws from pavement running? Are booties needed?

Yes, they can feel it if it is too hot. Some dogs have a higher tolerance for pavement depending on how tough their pads are. If you are worried and he likes to walk on the pavement you can use a product to keep his pads tough. We used this product on the working dogs I took care of in Iraq and Afghanistan - talk about hot pavement! ( https://www.gundogsupply.com/tuffoot.html ) I would not be too worried about him walking on the pavement if he wants to but check his feet regularly for any burns. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Hammy and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. I see what you mean about his paw pads peeling. It may be too hot for him. To test if it's too hot, put the back of your hand on the track. If you can't hold it there for at least five seconds, it's too hot. It could also be he is running too hard and too often. For now, I would rest him. Allow his paw pads to heal before taking him back to running. I'd apply Musher's Secret to his paws to help then heal. The Musher's Secret, which is a pad balm, can help protect his pads as well when they heal. You can find it online. I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you are going to go outside and it is very cold out, or if you will be going for long walks or on colder surfaces (not snow but ice or cold pavement) then booties are a good idea as they can get frostbite and wounds from cold on their feet. Best of luck with Spike! Have fun with him!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Buddy. There are rubber soled hiking boots made for dogs. These are great option for running on concrete or rough trails to protect his pads. He will initially walk funny in them, but most dogs adjust without problems. In the meantime, he should wear an E-collar to prevent him from licking and causing further trauma. I would give him a few days off of running as well to allow him to heal. I hope this information helps!

Poor Lucky! Place the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you can't hold it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk him. It does sound like he may have burned his paws on the walk, and I would limit his walking for now to allow his paws to heal. When you do walk him, do it on grassy surfaces. Keep him inside as much as possible. You might consider getting him doggie booties to protect his paws when walking. I'd leave his paws along for now, keep an eye on them. If they appear infected (red, swollen, warm to the touch), then I would take him to the vet. I hope this helps!

I am not sure what you mean by soft pads. If the pads of her feet have been injured or at otherwise abnormal, then she may need protection when outside until they can heal. You can buy dog booties or put socks on her feet to provide some protection.

Poor Sky! Sure to always touch the concrete to make sure it is not too hot as pets can get serious injury. Avoid walking Sky during the hot time of the day. Walk in the very early mornings or in the evenings after the temperature has dropped. Booties can help as well to protect her feet from hot temperatures. Also make sure she does not lick at the feet (have her wear an elizabethan collar at all times) and keep her on soft surfaces with no walks, running or jumping until the tissue is fully healed. You can apply a dab of coconut oil and rub it in well. Make sure she does not lick this as it can cause GI upset. You can also purchase the balm that mushers use on sled dogs. If the area does not start looking better or if it begins to look worse at any point, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.