Urgent — same day vet

Paw pad burn from hot pavement

Move your pet off the hot surface immediately onto grass or a cool area. Cool the paws with water for 20 minutes. See a vet same day if blistering or skin peeling is visible.

DogCat

In the next 60 seconds

Use the 7-second rule before every walk in warm weather: place the back of your hand flat on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you cannot hold it comfortably for 7 full seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
If your dog shows signs of paw discomfort during a walk, immediately move them onto grass, a shaded area, or pick them up and carry them if possible.
Cool the affected paws with cool (not ice cold) running water or a cool, wet cloth for 20 minutes.
Gently blot the paws dry with a clean soft cloth.
Do NOT burst any blisters — blisters protect the tissue underneath from infection.
Cover the paws loosely with a clean dressing or clean sock secured gently with tape (not too tight) to protect the area while transporting to the vet.
Keep the dog off all hot and abrasive surfaces until seen by the vet.
If only very mild redness with no blisters, peeling, or broken skin is noted and the dog is comfortable, monitor closely and contact your vet for advice.

Recognise the signs

Limping or reluctance to walk, stopping frequently during a walk
Lifting paws repeatedly off the ground
Excessive licking or chewing at paw pads
Pads appearing red, inflamed, blistered, discoloured (darker than normal), or peeling
Whimpering or crying when paws are touched
Pads may feel warmer than usual
In severe cases: visible raw tissue beneath damaged pad

First aid steps

Use the 7-second rule before every walk in warm weather: place the back of your hand flat on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you cannot hold it comfortably for 7 full seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
If your dog shows signs of paw discomfort during a walk, immediately move them onto grass, a shaded area, or pick them up and carry them if possible.
Cool the affected paws with cool (not ice cold) running water or a cool, wet cloth for 20 minutes.
Gently blot the paws dry with a clean soft cloth.
Do NOT burst any blisters — blisters protect the tissue underneath from infection.
Cover the paws loosely with a clean dressing or clean sock secured gently with tape (not too tight) to protect the area while transporting to the vet.
Keep the dog off all hot and abrasive surfaces until seen by the vet.
If only very mild redness with no blisters, peeling, or broken skin is noted and the dog is comfortable, monitor closely and contact your vet for advice.

Do NOT

Do NOT apply butter, cream, aloe vera, or any substance to burned pads without veterinary advice
Do NOT burst or peel blisters
Do NOT apply ice directly to the pads
Do NOT allow the dog to continue walking on the hot surface or any abrasive surface
Do NOT dismiss limping in summer as tiredness — always check the pads

While transporting to the vet

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When to phone the vet immediately

Visible blistering, peeling, or raw tissue on pads
Dog completely unable to bear weight
Signs of infection: swelling, discharge, smell, increasing pain over 24 hours
Dog simultaneously showing signs of heat stroke

When it can usually wait

Common causes

Walking on tarmac or asphalt in UK summer heat — surfaces can reach 60°C+ when ambient temperature is only 25°C
Pavement, paving slabs, and artificial grass in direct sunlight
Sandy beaches in summer
Metal surfaces (drain covers, boat decking, car boots)
Concrete in direct sun

What you'll need

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What the vet will need to know

Which pads are affected and how many
Whether blistering or peeling is visible
How long the dog walked on the hot surface
Whether the dog is weight-bearing
Current temperature and weather conditions
Any first aid applied

Aftercare

V Dermavet wound cream is a veterinary-licensed antiseptic cream suitable for minor cuts, abrasions and skin irritations.
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Prevention

Apply the 7-second hand test before every summer walk
Walk dogs before 8am or after 8pm in summer when surfaces are cooler
Stick to grass, parks, and shaded paths where possible
Consider paw balm or wax (Musher's Secret or similar) as a protective barrier for dogs walked on hot surfaces regularly
Consider dog boots for very hot days or sandy beaches
Never leave a dog to stand on a hot car boot, trailer, or metal surface

Breed-specific notes

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Frequently asked questions

Can cats burn their paws on hot pavement?

Yes, though cats are typically much more cautious about walking on uncomfortably hot surfaces than dogs. They will usually avoid hot tarmac and retreat to shade. However, cats on urban streets or in gardens with paving can still be affected. The same cooling first aid applies.

How hot does UK pavement get in summer?

Research has shown UK tarmac can reach 52–65°C on days when air temperature is 25–30°C — hot enough to cause burns within 60 seconds of contact. Light-coloured concrete is cooler but can still reach damaging temperatures. The 7-second hand test is the most practical on-the-spot check.

Do dog boots actually work?

Yes — properly fitted dog boots provide effective protection from hot surfaces, grit salt, and rough terrain. The challenge is getting dogs accustomed to wearing them. Introduce boots gradually at home using positive reward-based training before expecting the dog to walk in them comfortably outside.

How long does a paw pad burn take to heal?

Minor surface burns with no blistering may heal within 5–7 days with appropriate care. Moderate burns with blistering may take 2–3 weeks. Severe burns with significant tissue loss can take a month or more and may require specialist wound management. Paw pads are weight-bearing, which slows healing.

My dog walked on hot sand at the beach. What should I do?

Move immediately to a shaded or cool area — wet sand at the water's edge or grass. Cool the pads with seawater or cool fresh water for 20 minutes. Inspect for redness or blistering. If any skin changes are visible or the dog is reluctant to walk, seek veterinary advice same day.

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