In this heat, don't forget...cover those puppy/kitty paws!

[Behind the Aegis]

Three years ago, when I lived in NOLA, I read an article from my vet on the number of injuries to paw pads that dogs and cats get each year during the summer. Most are not life-threatening, but they can be dangerous and quite painful. I am very aware of it because I have small dogs and I also walk around barefoot everywhere. Here in Oklahoma, the temps are above 100 and the sidewalks, even the "whitetops" are HOT! I burned my feet yesterday when I was walking to the mailbox because I didn't think about it. So, take care of those little critters with the furry feet when you take them on walks, either do it early in the morning or walk them in the grass. If you aren't sure, take your shoes off and walk barefoot for a few minutes and see how comfortable or uncomfortable it is. Just thought I'd pass it on as I stare at the callous on my burned foot! LOL!

[FloriTexan]

1. To reinforce your post...

I live in North Texas where its been around 100 degrees for the past week or so. While walking my dog early in the evening, another dog broke loose of his tether and attacked my dog. In the scuffle I lost control of the leash and my dog was gone - gone for four days until his leash finally tangled in a line of trees and he was found by some contractors. He was fine, a little skinny and not a bit dehydrated, but his paw pads were raw and bloody. Vet says it will take 2-3 weeks for them to heal. That said, he is still ready to go for walks, even though he is still limping a bit. He's a real trooper who is living up to his name..."Lucky."

[get the red out]

2. I'm so glad you got him back

I can't imagine how relieved you must have been with his return. I'm sorry his little paws were hurt but thankfully he was ok otherwise.

I need to remind my husband to check the sidewalks before he walks our Layla. I run with her in the morning but he takes her out on a little walk during the day usually, then I play ball with her or go to the dog park in the evening.

It is unusually hot here in Kentucky right now, and this is Layla's first summer as an adult dog who goes on frequent walks. This time last year she was 8 weeks old and would have tried to eat the leash.