TERRE HAUTE Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– The summertime heat can cause issues for man’s best friend. Veterinarians are warning pet owners to be extra careful with pets outside in triple digit temperatures.
Officials say asphalt can get 40 to 60 degrees hotter than its surrounding temperature, meaning your dogs could be walking on 160 degree asphalt.
Registered Veterinary Technician Dareth Stonebraker said dogs can suffer up to 3rd degree burns from walking on sidewalks, roads and other paved surfaces. She said most owners forget about this, but dogs paw pads are only as thick as the bottom of our feet.
Stonebraker said redness, splotchy and extremely dry skin on the bottom of your dogs paws are signs of a burn. She says if this is the case call your vet to see if your animal needs medical treatment.
Lastly, Stonebraker suggests to avoid causing your pets any harm, time the walks for cooler times in the day, and let your pet walk on the grass instead of the sidewalk.
