Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Figo Pet Insurance Logo
  • Pet Insurance
    • Dog Insurance
    • Cat Insurance
    • Coverage
    • Compare
    • FAQs
  • Pet Cloud
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Get a Quote
Figo logo

  • Login
  • Dog Insurance
  • Careers
  • Found a lost Figo pet?
  • About Us
  • Cat Insurance
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Employers
  • Veterinarians
  • Compare
  • Maine Residents
  • California Privacy

Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use & Licensing
  • Insurance Fraud Warnings
  • Underwriting

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved

Hot pavement dangerous to dog paws

July 6, 2017

Hot pavement can be dangerous for a dog’s sensitive paws. Dr. Lee shares tips for safely walking your pup in the heat of the summer months.

Hot pavement dangerous to dog paws

Q:Can hot pavement burn my dog’s feet?

A:Yes. When my dogs stroll on the sidewalk and it gets a bit too warm, they pull over to enjoy the cool grass.

As the temperature increases, hot pavement can cause searing, blistering burns. When the blister sloughs off, the tender flesh beneath is exposed, making every step painful, even on soft carpet. Moreover, these burns can become infected.

So, walk your dog during the early mornings and late evenings, and don’t argue if he prefers to walk on the grass. Start with short walks, gradually lengthening them to give his foot pads time to thicken—and to accustom his body to the heat.

If you stop to talk with a friend, make sure your dog is standing in the shade on cool grass, a thick towel or even a piece of cardboard.

Don’t play fetch on sidewalks or in the street, because skidding to a stop on pavement abrades the pads even when the weather is cool.

Consider doggy boots, as they protect canine feet not just from winter’s cold and road salt but also from summer heat. Since not all dogs tolerate them, ask to borrow a pair from a friend before you buy.


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in Pennsylvania. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.