Friday, June 29, 2012

Things that BURN



if your tootsies can't take that heat, what makes you think that my paws can?

It's grass or carry me. It is expected to reach over 100 degrees today. Sooooo let's get real, I am staying in or going in the pool. 

Walking on hot pavement or hot sand can and will cause paw pad injuries and burns. Yes actual blisters and burns. Yes with actual pain.

And just so you understand, a dog's paw pad injuries are hard to treat because paw pad cuts, blisters and sores are prone to infection and healing is slow due to the constant pressure placed on the dog's injured paw. And if one paw in injured... chances are all four paws are injured...

Prevention is worth a pound of cure two pounds of guilt and three pounds of shame.
You can avoid injury with some common sense:
  • Walk the dog in the early morning or evening to avoid paw pad burns.
  • Walk the dog on the grass..
  • Take frequent short, dog walks on the pavement during cool times of day. Getting the pads accustomed to pavement and getting some callous formation is done over time, slowly...then you can take longer walks.
  • Moisturize the dog's paws on a daily basis.We like Udder Balm, we love TeaTree oil. Just like your tootsies...moisturizing the dog's paw pads will prevent cracking, peeling and minor pad cuts.

Treating Paw Pad Injuries Like Burns, Blisters and Sores

If a heat-related foot pad injury does occur, it is imperative that you treat it promptly and properly:
  • Wash the dog's injured paw pad using antibacterial soap and rinse thoroughly.
  • Pat the injured foot with a clean towel to dry the area.
  • Pour an antiseptic like betadine (preferred)  over the burned, blistered or cut paw pad and allow the liquid to air dry. (Note: do not use Hydrogen peroxide which can damage tissue and delay healing.)
  • Apply a generous amount of antibiotic ointment to the site of the dog's foot pad injury.
  • Wrap the paw and ankle with rolled gauze. Roll the gauze in a "figure 8" pattern, looping around the paw and ankle to prevent the bandage from slipping off.
  • Slip a sock over the bandaged paw, placing a bit of tape around the dog's leg at the sock's ankle to hold the sock in place. The sock will prevent soiling of the foot bandage.
  • Carry the dog to the veterinarian. Antibiotics  and anti inflammatories are often prescribed for a paw pad cut, burn or sore due to the high risk of infection. And older dogs are at high risk for complications.

Nuff said. pay attention, we are NOT made out of stones.
'vie

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excellent advice. My asst. told someone the other day (who was chatting with someone else while his dog was baking on the asphalt) that it was too hot for his doggy and he realized she was right and moved along.

Tucker The Crestie said...

Very wise and timely advice 'Vie!