Does my Yorkie know when the pavement is too hot for him?

[Verbena]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I've thought a lot about that, too. I'm always checking the pavement to see if it's too hot. Katie shows no signs of it being too hot or any signs on her paws, but I am overprotective. We walk miles each day, but it's more early or late. During the day she runs playing fetch with lots of stops in her baby pool.

I've thought of sneakers or sandals, but I don't think Katie would be pleased. She adjusted really well to booties, though, but they are only flannel.

Summer Booties For Warm Weather Protection

I use Musher's Secret on Katie's paws. It really helps.

Mushers Secret-all season paw protection for your dog

Is Musher's Secret just for the winter?

Definitely not.
Mushers protects from hot pavement
and sand as well as any
irritants your pet may walk through.
We have many customers
in Arizona and California.

Thanks for the info about Musher's . . I did not know that.

[lisaly]

Originally Posted by Verbena

Thanks for the info about Musher's . . I did not know that.

You're very welcome. It's good stuff.


The Secret to using Musher's Secret: don't follow the label instructions! - Nina Wolf's Blog - Forest Hills-Regent Square, PA Patch
Musher's Secret Paw Care | DrsFosterSmith.com
Mushers Secret-all season paw protection for your dog
Mushers Secret All-Natural Paw Protection -- 200g. $16.95 (Save $6.00). There are smaller and larger sizes, but this is what size I have.

By Scott Daughtry + thedogoutdoors.com
Musher's Secret Dog Paw Pad Protection Wax | Mushers Wax All Natural Dog Paw Pad Protection

"All-season paw protection for your dog. Made from 100% natural waxes.

Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax - The Invisible Boot:

Musher's Secret is a dense, barrier dog paw wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog's paws. Originally developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, this unique paw wax for dogs provides tenacious protection even in the most extreme conditions and temperatures.

Go jogging, biking, mountain climbing, beach combing, cross-country skiing, mushing, or just plain walking with your best pal. Musher's Secret wax puts a barrier between dog paws and off-road or street hazards, so the trip will be worry free.

Protect your dog from:

Hot Pavement (Please use your best judgement on when to take your dog out on pavement during summer months. We recommend only going during cooler parts of the day and using Musher's Secret wax to help condition the pads - letting them acclimate & toughen to the terrain slowly over time)
Rough terrain
Salt and chemicals
Ice build-up
Hot Sand and sandburn
Snowballing

A Dog Paw Pad Wax That is Safe and Natural:

Made from a blend of several food-grade, organic waxes, then refined according to special formulations, Musher's Secret dog paw wax is the safe, non-toxic way to protect your dog's paws. The semi-permeable shield is absorbed into the paws, allowing perspiration to escape through the toes. Additionally, Musher's Secret wax can speed the healing process on existing sores by keeping dirt and debris out of a wound.

Easy to Use:

Apply a thin coat of Musher's wax on dog paw pads and between toes as needed depending upon the level of outside exposure.

Dries in seconds
Use as needed
Will not stain carpets or furniture
Non-toxic and non-allergenic

A general note on dealing with summer heat

*Please don't assume that using Musher's Secret wax or dog boots means that you can exercise your dog for long periods of time in extreme heat.

During the summertime when temperatures spike, it is VERY important to only exercise your dog during cooler parts of the day and for shorter periods of time. Remember that dogs do not have many sweat glands and do not cool nearly as efficiently as humans. If jogging or biking on pavement be sure to check the temperature of the pavement beforehand and make sure your dog's pads have become accustomed to this terrain over time. Always bring water along and take frequent breaks in shaded areas if possible. If biking, consider bringing along a dog bike trailer with a cool wet towel or cooling pad inside to give your dog a rest on the way home. You may even consider looking into a dog cooling vest. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion such as if your dog’s tongue becomes very wide and curls up at the end. Please take care not to push your dog in the summer (even if they want to keep going)! If they become overheated, the best way to cool them down is from the bottom up. You can spray them down with cool water on their paws, legs, underside and head/neck first - then get them into a cool environment as soon as possible. If they don't improve, don't hesitate to take them to a vet immediately.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by yorkiefan_

I guess it doesn't bother some dogs, just like it doesn't bother some humans. When I was a kid I absolutely hated wearing shoes, and always walked on hot pavement and asphalt on 100 degree summer days. My friends all thought I was nuts, and especially their parents.

I lived in Scottsdale, AZ until I was 8 years old and I was the same way. Loved running around barefoot even at the height of summer.

However, I do not trust Max and Teddy to know when the pavement is too hot for them.

Mary, my boys are like Deuce. I try to encourage them to walk on the grass, but they go for the pavement. My solution is to wait until the temperature cools off before we go for our evening outing. During the summer, this usually ends up being about 8 pm or later.