Whether it’s just stepping out for a ride in the car or a walk on the hot city streets, we all need to be cognizant of what hot pavement can do to your dog or cats paws. Remember, they are sensitive pieces of skin and vital to keep soft and healthy.

Here are Brad Kriser’s Top Three Tips about what to do with your pet on the hot pavement.

• Avoid the hottest part of the day when the sun is beating down on the asphalt. Rule of thumb: if you can’t put your hand on the ground, don’t put his or her paws on it either. Your best bet is limited exposure.
• If you are planning to hit the streets, try out Pawz Booties or Musher’s Secret to help protect paws. Just like the salt and sand in the winter, the hot pavement can cause irritation on the paws. Musher’s Secret is a balm that you put on the paws that creates a comfortable barrier and keeps paws soft and protected.
• Check your pet’s pads regularly for signs of burns or irritation. You’ll see red, angry skin, and if there is a more serious burn, you may see a blister. We like coconut oil to help moisturize the pads in that case, since it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. 

As always, enjoy the summer but be as careful with your pet as you would for yourself.