Urgent — same day vet contact
Within hours
Dog with burnt paws from hot pavement
Limping, red or blistered pads after a summer walk — cool the paws under cool running water for 10–20 minutes and book a vet visit; pad burns infect easily.
Recognise the signs
- Sudden limping after a summer walk
- Red, dark, or blistered pads
- Loose flaps of pad skin
- Excessive licking at paws
- Reluctance to stand on hard surfaces
First aid steps
- Cool paws under cool (not ice) running water for 10–20 minutes.
- Pat dry gently.
- Cover with a clean dressing if blistered.
- Phone the vet for any blistering or significant lameness.
Do NOT
- Do not apply human creams.
- Do not use ice.
- Do not let the dog lick raw pads — buster collar.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Blistering or large affected area
- Loose pad flaps
- Signs of infection over the following days
Signs that can usually wait for a routine appointment
- Mild redness with no blistering and a comfortable dog after cooling can be monitored at home; book the vet if not improving in 24 hours.
Common causes
- Walking on tarmac, paving slabs, sand, or metal at peak summer heat
- 5-second test: if you can't hold the back of your hand on the surface for 5 seconds, it's too hot for paws
What the vet will need to know
- Time and surface of walk
- Length of exposure
- Visible damage
Aftercare
- Pain relief, antibiotic ointment, dressings.
- Buster collar.
- Short, indoor-only or grass walks until healed (1–2 weeks).
- Watch for infection.
Prevention
- 5-second pavement test before any summer walk.
- Walk early morning or late evening in summer.
- Use pet boots in extreme heat.
- Stick to grass, shaded paths.
Breed-specific notes
- Brachycephalic breeds vulnerable to overheating that compounds paw injury.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is too hot for pavement?
If your hand can't tolerate 5 seconds on the surface, your dog's paws can't either. On a 25°C day, pavement can hit 50°C+.
Do dog boots really work?
Yes, when correctly fitted. Many dogs need a few sessions to accept them, but they are highly effective for hot pavement and winter grit.
How long do paw burns take to heal?
Mild burns 5–10 days; deeper burns 2–3 weeks. Pads heal slowly because of constant pressure.