Summer Hazards

Pad Damage

During hot weather, exercise your dog in the morning or at dusk to avoid heat and humidity. Check the temperature of the pavement by placing your hand on it for a few seconds. If it is still hot from the sun, it will burn your dog's pads-remember, they're not protected by socks and shoes!

The best surface for dogs is nicely mowed grass, which has natural elasticity, is kinder to pads, and gentler to the dog's joints, ligaments and tendons. A walk or light trot on concrete is okay as long as the sun's heat hasn't made it too hot.