The Hidden Summer Threat: Why Hot Concrete Is Dangerous for Dogs - And How Dog Shoes Can Save Their Paws

When summer arrives, most of us can’t wait to enjoy the sunshine. But while we slip into thongs or sneakers, our dogs step out barefoot - straight onto scorching concrete. What many pet owners don’t realise is just how dangerous hot pavement can be. Every year, vets treat countless cases of burned, blistered, and severely damaged paws caused simply by walking outside on a sunny day.

For brands like HotPaws, raising awareness isn’t just good marketing - it’s a responsibility. Protecting pups starts with educating owners on the risks they can’t see.

How Hot Does Concrete Really Get?

Even when the air doesn’t feel extreme, footpaths, asphalt, and pavement absorb and trap heat. On a 30°C day, surfaces can exceed 55-70°C - hot enough to fry an egg and certainly hot enough to burn skin. Dogs have no way of telling you the ground hurts until it's too late.

Key facts every owner should know:

• At 44°C, skin damage begins within 60 seconds
• At 52°C, burns occur in seconds
• Concrete can remain dangerously hot well after sunset
• Dark surfaces reach higher temperatures much faster

If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds, your dog shouldn’t walk on it.

What Hot Concrete Does to Dog Paws

Dog paws may look tough, but they’re incredibly sensitive. Extreme heat can cause:

• Redness and inflammation
• Blistering
• Peeling paw pads
• Bleeding or cracking
• Infections
• Long-term tissue damage

Many dogs continue walking despite the pain - not because they’re fine, but because they instinctively push through discomfort. By the time owners notice a limp, it’s often already severe.

Why Dog Shoes Are More Than Just a Cute Accessory

This is where high-quality dog shoes, like those offered by HotPaws, make a life-changing difference.

Dog shoes act as a thermal barrier between sensitive paw pads and dangerously hot surfaces. The right pair can protect against:

• Hot concrete and asphalt
• Sand heated by the sun
• Sharp objects on footpaths
• Rough terrain
• Chemicals (like grass treatments and various outdoor sprays)

Just like humans wear shoes outside, dogs need protection too - especially in Australian summers, where temperatures climb fast.

Signs Your Dog Needs Paw Protection

If your dog shows any of these, shoes aren’t optional - they’re essential:

• Lifting paws frequently
• Walking stiffly or hesitating
• Seeking shade or cooler surfaces
• Whining or licking their paws
• Avoiding certain paths

Even brief discomfort is a warning sign.

When Should Dogs Wear Shoes?

• Daily summer walks
• Midday or afternoon outings
• Urban areas with lots of paved surfaces
• Trips to the beach or parks with hot sand
• Dogs with sensitive paws or past burns

If you usually walk your dog after work in late afternoon, you might be unknowingly exposing them to the hottest ground temperatures of the day.

How to Choose the Right Dog Shoes

Look for features that actually protect paws - not just novelty designs:

• Heat-resistant, durable soles
• Breathable but tough fabric
• Secure straps so shoes don’t slip off
• Lightweight comfort for natural movement
• Good grip for all terrains

Final Thought

Every summer, we protect ourselves from the heat with sunscreen, hats, and shoes — yet our dogs walk barefoot on burning ground. Paw injuries are preventable, and dog shoes are one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep dogs safe.

Protect their paws. Protect their comfort. Protect their summer.

That’s the HotPaws mission.