Pet Talk: These dogs are ‘ruffing’ it

DEAR PET TALK: Why are dogs paws so rough?

— Valentina, Reingold Elementary School, Fitchburg

DEAR VALENTINA: For the most part — and for most seasons — we humans walk around with shoes and socks. However, most dogs walk around “barefoot,” and they are walking on the same surfaces that we do. These include: asphalt, concrete, dirt, pavement and indoor surfaces (wood, linoleum, rugs).

Add in weather (ice, snow, heat, humdity) and many dogs’ paws get quite a workout.

Normal roughness helps a dog withstand their lifestyle of walking, running and frolicking.

However, dog parents should definitely pay attention to the condition of their canine’s feet and make note of extremely rough or cracked paws. These could be the result of a variety of factors including:

— Extreme weather. Walking on hot pavement or chilly ice can dry out paws. Be careful walking dogs places where there’s salt.

— Allergies can cause paw problems. Dogs who may have food allergies can have dry paws that itch. This condition could lead to licking, and even chewing, in an attempt to fix the problem.

— Nutritional deficiencies, such as essential fatty acids, zinc, or Vitamin A can affect paw health.

Ways to preserve your dog’s paws are to limit their exposure on hazardous surface. In the winter, thoroughly clean your pup’s paws if they’ve been in areas where de-icing chemicals are used.

Now that summer is upon us, asphalt and concrete can hold heat and can cause discomfort. If you’re walking your dog on pavement, sidewalks or artificial turf, do your pooch a favor: hold your hand on the ground for a count of seven. If it’s too hot for your hand after seven seconds, it’s definitely too hot for your dog.

Concrete is relatively cooler than asphalt, but did you know that when it’s 90 degrees outside, concrete can be 125 degrees, while asphalt can be 140 degrees? In short, asphalt can be 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the temperature. Yes, paw pads have a layer of tough skin, but paw pad burns can become infected quickly.

Your dog depends on you to keep her safe, but also to keep her exercised. Consider walking your dog in the morning, or late afternoon. Avoid walks at high noon during as it can be too hot to trot, which means sore paws may be the result.

Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Send questions to [email protected].