PupkeeperCaution
Hot pavement (paw burns) and dogs: what to do
Caution. Hot asphalt and sidewalks can blister and burn paw pads. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws.
What to do now
- Move your dog onto grass or into shade.
- Gently flush burned pads with cool water.
- Call your vet if the pads look burned or blistered.
- Before walks, hold your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds; if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws.
Don't
- Don't walk your dog on pavement during the hottest part of the day.
Signs to watch for
- Limping
- Licking at the feet
- Red or swollen paw pads
- Blisters
- Bleeding from the pads
Why
Pavement in the sun can get hot enough to burn paw pads, and walking on it can also push a dog toward heatstroke.
Sources
- AKC: How to Protect Dog Paws From Hot Pavement
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Dog Paw Injuries and How to Help
- Merck Veterinary Manual: What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.