Dog Paw Burns: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Dogs are cherished members of many households, bringing joy and companionship to our lives. As responsible pet owners, it's our duty to ensure their safety and well-being. One aspect of their health that is often overlooked is the vulnerability of their paw pads to burns. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from paw burns, and these injuries can be painful and distressing for our furry friends. In this article, we will explore the causes, prevention, and treatment of dog paw burns to help you keep your pet's paws safe.

How to Tell If Dogs Paws Are Burned?

Burned dog paws can be a painful and serious issue. It's important to be able to recognize the signs of paw burns in dogs so that you can provide prompt care. Here's how you can tell if a dog's paws are burned:

• Lameness or limping: If your dog suddenly starts limping or favoring one or more paws, it could be a sign of a burn. Dogs will instinctively try to avoid putting weight on a burned paw.
• Redness or discoloration: Check your dog's paw pads and between the toes for any redness, swelling, or discoloration. Burned paws may appear reddened or even blistered.
• Blisters or sores: Look for the presence of blisters, open sores, or oozing wounds on the paw pads or skin. These are clear signs of burns.
• Whining or yelping: If your dog seems to be in pain and is whining, whimpering, or yelping when walking or when you touch their paws, it could indicate discomfort or pain due to burns.
• Excessive licking or chewing: Dogs may try to alleviate their pain by licking or chewing at their burned paws. If you notice this behavior, it's a sign that something is bothering them.
• Swelling and inflammation: Burned paws can become swollen and inflamed. Gently compare the size and appearance of the affected paw with the others to see if there's a noticeable difference.

At What Temperature Do Dogs Paws Burn?

Dogs' paws are sensitive to temperature extremes, both hot and cold. While the specific temperature at which a dog's paws will start to burn can vary depending on factors such as the dog's breed, size, and individual tolerance, it's generally agreed upon that paw pads are sensitive to temperatures above 120°F (49°C) and below freezing.

In hot weather, pavement, asphalt, sand, and other surfaces can become very hot, and if the ground temperature exceeds 120°F (49°C), it can potentially cause burns or discomfort to a dog's paw pads. On the other hand, in cold weather, icy or snowy surfaces can also be harsh on a dog's paws and can cause frostbite or other cold-related injuries.

If the weather is 80 °F, the pavement could be hotter than 100 °F. Always feel the pavement with the bottom of your bare hand before letting your dog walk on it. If you can’t comfortably hold your palm to the asphalt for 10 seconds or more, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

What Causes Dog Paws to Burn?

Dog paws can burn due to several factors, and it's important to be aware of these potential causes to protect your pet's paw pads. Some common reasons for paw pad burns in dogs include:

• Hot surfaces: Walking on hot pavement, asphalt, or sand during hot weather can cause burns on a dog's paw pads. These surfaces can become scorching in the sun and heat up quickly, leading to paw pad injuries.
• Chemicals and irritants: Contact with chemicals, such as road salt, de-icers, lawn fertilizers, or even household cleaning products, can irritate and burn a dog's paw pads. Dogs may encounter these substances while walking on treated surfaces or by licking their paws after exposure.
• Friction: Running or walking for extended periods on rough or abrasive surfaces, like gravel or sharp rocks, can lead to paw pad abrasions and burns.
• Extreme cold: Exposing your dog's paws to extremely cold temperatures for extended periods, such as walking on icy surfaces or snow, can result in frostbite, which can cause damage and burns to the paw pads.
• Burns from other sources: Dogs may accidentally step on hot objects, such as a campfire ember or a heated surface, which can cause burns to their paw pads.

Home Remedy for Burned Dog Paws

If your dog's paw pads have been burned, it's important to provide them with proper care and treatment. While home remedies can help with minor burns, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for more severe burns or if you're unsure about the extent of the injury. 

Cool Water Soak

One of the first things you can do is gently soak your dog's paw pads in cool (not cold) water. This can help soothe the burn and remove any residual heat. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can be uncomfortable for your dog.

Keep the Area Clean

Ensure the burned paw pads are clean to prevent infection. Use a mild antiseptic solution or saline solution to clean the area gently. Be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or disinfectants that could further irritate the skin.

Apply a Pet-Safe Moisturizer

Once the paw pads are clean and dry, you can apply a pet-safe moisturizer or a specially formulated dog paw spray. This can help keep the skin hydrated and promote healing. Look for products designed for dogs, as human moisturizers may contain ingredients that are harmful if ingested by your dog.

Protect the Paws

Consider using dog booties to protect your dog's paws when they need to go outside. These can provide an extra layer of protection while the paws heal.

Monitor for Signs of Infection

Keep a close eye on the burned area for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or increased pain. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Dogs should wear a cone while their paws are healing to prevent them from licking and chewing at the bandages or the wounds themselves.

How to Treat Burned Dog Paws?

The first step is to assess the extent of the burn injury. Veterinarians will examine the affected paw pads to determine the severity of the burn and whether it involves superficial or deep tissue damage. They may also check for signs of infection or other complications.

Cleaning and Debridement: If the burn is not too severe, the veterinarian will clean the affected area thoroughly to remove any debris, dirt, or potential contaminants. Debridement (removal of dead tissue) may be necessary for more severe burns to promote healing.

Pain Management: Dogs with paw burns can experience significant pain. Veterinarians will provide pain management to keep the dog comfortable during the healing process. Pain relief may include medications, local anesthetics, or other pain management techniques.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to reduce pain and inflammation in dogs. Common NSAIDs used in veterinary medicine include:

• Carprofen
• Meloxicam
• Deracoxib

Opioid Medications: For more severe pain, veterinarians may prescribe opioid medications, such as:

• Tramadol
• Buprenorphine
• Butorphanol

Topical Treatments: Veterinarians may apply topical medications or ointments specifically designed for wound healing to the burned paw pads. These can include antimicrobial creams to prevent infection and specialized wound dressings.

Mainly used for wound disinfection, digititis, interdigital inflammation, burns and ulcers. Natural and Safe: Crafted from natural ingredients, our product ensures a safe and effective healing process. Gentle and Lickable: Its mild formulation is not only safe for usage but also lickable, making it suitable for pets and animals.

Antibiotics: If there is a risk of infection or if the burn is severe, veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat any bacterial infections that may develop.

Bandaging: Depending on the extent of the burn, the veterinarian may bandage the affected paws to protect them from further injury, reduce exposure to contaminants, and promote healing. Bandages may need to be changed periodically.

Prognosis for Dogs with Paw Burns

The prognosis for dogs with paw burns depends on the degree of the burn and the promptness of treatment. 

First-Degree Burns:

First-degree burns typically affect the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) and are considered mild. They may result in redness, swelling, and mild pain but generally heal well with proper care. The prognosis for first-degree burns in dogs is usually excellent, and most dogs recover fully within a few days to a week with appropriate treatment.

Second-Degree Burns:

Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns and can extend deeper into the skin layers, affecting both the epidermis and part of the dermis. These burns may cause blistering, more significant pain, and potential fluid buildup. The prognosis for second-degree burns varies depending on the size and depth of the burn. With proper wound care, many second-degree burns can heal, but they may take longer, and some scarring may occur. Larger or deeper second-degree burns may require veterinary attention, and the prognosis may be less favorable.

Third-Degree Burns:

Third-degree burns are full-thickness burns that damage both the epidermis and the entire dermis, often extending into the underlying tissues. These burns are severe and can result in significant pain, tissue necrosis, and complications. The prognosis for dogs with third-degree burns is generally guarded to poor. Treatment may involve extensive wound management, potential skin grafts, and a more extended recovery period. In some cases, complications like infection or poor wound healing can affect the outcome.

Fourth-Degree Burns:

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and involve damage not only to the skin and underlying tissues but also to muscles, tendons, and even bones. These burns are extremely serious and life-threatening, and the prognosis is typically poor. Emergency veterinary care is essential, and treatment may include surgical intervention, wound debridement, and intensive supportive care. Even with aggressive treatment, the outcome for dogs with fourth-degree burns is often grim.

How Long Does it Take for Burnt Dog Paws to Heal?

As previously mentioned, for first-degree burns, the healing process typically spans a few days to a week. However, if the burn is beyond the first-degree level, the recovery period can extend significantly, possibly lasting for several months.

How to Prevent Paw Burns?

To prevent paw burns in dogs:

• Avoid Hot Surfaces: Walk your dog during cooler times of the day to prevent burns from hot pavement or sand.
• Use Paw Protection: Consider using dog booties to shield paws from hot or abrasive surfaces.
• Stay Off Chemical-Treated Areas: Keep your dog away from areas treated with chemicals, like road salt or fertilizers.
• Paw Maintenance: Trim excess fur from paw pads to reduce the risk of irritants getting trapped.
• Moisturize Paw Pads: Keep paw pads well-moisturized to prevent drying and cracking.
• Monitor for Injury: Regularly check your dog's paws for signs of injury or discomfort.
• Limit Extreme Weather Exposure: Protect paws from extreme cold or hot conditions with appropriate gear or by keeping your dog indoors when necessary.

FAQs

Can dog's paws get burned on hot pavement?

Yes, dog's paws can get burned on hot pavement. During hot weather, pavement can become scorching and cause burns or discomfort to a dog's paw pads.

Does artificial grass burn dogs' paws?

Artificial grass can also potentially burn a dog's paws if it becomes excessively hot. It can retain heat, and if the temperature rises significantly, the artificial grass surface can become uncomfortably hot for dogs to walk on.

Do dog's paws burn on concrete?

Concrete surfaces can heat up in the sun and become uncomfortably hot for a dog's paw pads, potentially causing burns or discomfort, especially during hot weather.

Conclusion

Dog paw burns can be painful and distressing for your beloved pet, but with proper precautions and swift action, you can prevent these injuries and provide the necessary care if they do occur. By being vigilant and prioritizing your dog's safety, you can ensure that your furry friend enjoys a happy and healthy life with their paws in top condition.