|
Did you know that dogs paws can actually be burnt by hot sidewalks and pavement? It’s true. So, not only do dog owners have to worry about dehydration and heat exhaustion in their dogs during the summer, they also have to worry about paws being burned.
Lack of Warning Signs
Dogs do not sweat like humans. They cool off by evaporation through the skin and paws. The problem is, most dogs do not usually show any signs of being in pain from the hot ground or damaged paws. As mentioned in a previous article, Dehydration in Dogs and How to Treat it, it may be difficult to see the signs when the dog is in trouble.
Many breeds of dogs that are popular family pets, such as Rottweiler and Labrador Retrievers, were originally bred in cold climates and conditioned to work long hours in the cold. They were also bred to suppress pain even after long working days of hunting and herding. Even though those breeds of dogs have been kept as pets for a few generations now, their instincts are ingrained.
There have been reports of dogs that have ended up dying after long walks on very hot days without showing any signs of trouble.
Solutions
There are a few options available to dog owners who want to protect their pet from burning hot pavement.
Booties or shoes made for dogs are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, styles, and materials. They can be used in the rain, snow, or heat to protect paws from unfavorable conditions.
Unfortunately, many dogs do not enjoy wearing any type of material on their paws. Owners do not enjoy putting them on the dogs either. It could turn into a losing battle.
Mushers Secret is an alternative option. Basically it is a natural wax balm that is spread on the paw pads to create a barrier between the pad and the ground. This product was created in Canada for use by sled dogs, so it has been tested in some of the most extreme conditions.
Mushers Secret is made from a combination of food-grade waxes, which are not toxic to dogs or the environment. The finished product creates a semi-permeable, breathable barrier that allows the dog to release “sweat” to cool off but will protect the paws from being burned.
One of the best benefits is that it is easy to apply and does not need to be removed. Dogs are much more accepting of a lotion type material being put on their paws as opposed to booties being strapped to them. And since the wax absorbs into the paws, there is no mess or cleanup needed.
Hopefully, Mushers Secret won’t stay a secret much longer.
|
About the author:
Kayleigh has always loved animals and has spent time volunteering at the local dog shelter. The love of her life is her four year old Rottweiler, Lizzie. She enjoys writing for YeePet.com since it combines her love of animals with one of her favor...
more >>
|
See something on the Internet that you'd like us to profile in this column? Anything about pet fashion, technology or interesting is good. Send us an email to editors@yeepet.com or leave a comment below.
|
|
Why Yeepet is great for 
