When the Ground Hurts: Paw Protection for Dogs in Summer

DOGLi
May 29
3 min read

Some of us on the DOGLi team live in regions where it’s hot and dry almost all year round. But this year, the extreme dryness has really opened our eyes to something we hadn’t considered before: paw protection isn’t just a winter issue. It can be just as important in spring and summer.

Take our German Shepherd, Sampson. Out of the blue, he didn’t want to go on his usual walks anymore. He moved more slowly, seemed tense, and sometimes walked as if something hurt. At first, we chalked it up to the warmer temperatures. But then we noticed something odd—his behavior changed depending on the route we took.

That’s when it clicked.

In many areas, especially along fields and trails, tough little dry plants had started popping up—sharp, prickly things that can feel like tiny needles under a dog’s paws. On dry, dusty ground they’re hard to spot, but they’re incredibly uncomfortable. For sensitive paws, they can be downright painful.

Ever since we started bringing dog booties on walks and slipping them on in those tricky areas, Sampson’s been a different dog. He’s back to trotting along happily, tail up, ears perked—full of energy and joy. It’s a simple change, but it made a huge difference for him.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Paw Trouble

Sampson made it pretty obvious, but not all dogs show discomfort so clearly. If your dog suddenly acts differently on walks, look out for these signs:

• Unusual reluctance to go for walks

• Limping or walking carefully

• Licking or chewing at the paws

• Avoiding certain surfaces

• Walking unusually slow

• Redness, swelling, or small injuries on the paws

Paying attention to small changes in your dog’s behavior can help you spot issues early and prevent discomfort.

Dry Weather Changes Everything—Including What Paws Have to Deal With

In many places, spring now feels more like the height of summer. Climate change has made trails and grassy areas drier and harsher much earlier in the year. What used to be soft meadow or forest ground is now often dry, compacted, and littered with sharp grasses, thorns, and broken bits of plant debris.

Sharp grasses and thorns covering the dried-out meadow

These poky plants can get stuck between your dog’s toes or dig into their pads—leading to tiny but painful injuries. If your dog starts acting differently on certain routes, it might not be the heat or their mood. It could be that every step is simply uncomfortable.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy

A little prevention goes a long way. Here are some simple habits that can help protect your dog’s paws:

• Check paws regularly after each walk

• Use paw balm to keep pads soft and healthy

• Put on booties in rough or hot conditions

• Choose your routes wisely—go for shady paths and avoid harsh or prickly terrain when possible

Good paw care at home makes a big difference too:

• Wipe and dry paws after walks

• Trim the fur between toes to prevent debris from getting stuck

• Treat minor cuts or scrapes right away so they don’t get infected

• In winter, rinse off any salt or grit from roads and sidewalks

Dog Booties: More Than Just a Cute Accessory

Let’s be honest—dog booties used to get a few laughs. But today, they’re a practical solution for real problems. Just like they helped Sampson, they can turn a painful walk into a fun outing.

A dog wearing booties runs across a dried-out meadow. — Thanks to his booties, Sampson enjoys the outdoors again

When are booties helpful?

• On hot pavement (tip: if you wouldn’t walk on it barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog)

• In areas with thorny weeds or sharp dry grass

• Where there’s heavy salt use in winter

• On gravel, rocks, or rough trails

• After an injury or for dogs with sensitive paws

It’s important to introduce booties slowly and positively—start at home, give treats, and let your dog get used to the feel. Most dogs adapt faster than you’d expect.

Final Thoughts: Paw Protection Isn’t Just for Cold Weather

We’ll admit it—we used to think paw protection was a winter or rough terrain thing. But this year, Sampson showed us otherwise. When the ground gets rough, sharp, or scorching hot, even a short walk can become painful.

So if your dog suddenly slows down, avoids walks, or just seems off, take a look at what’s under their paws. It might not be the weather—it might be the ground.

Download the DOGLi app now and discover the best enrichment ideas for your dog!

Some of us on the DOGLi team live in regions where it’s hot and dry almost all year round. But this year, the extreme dryness has really opened our eyes to something we hadn’t considered before: paw protection isn’t just a winter issue. It can be just as important in spring and summer.

That’s when it clicked.

Ever since we started bringing dog booties on walks and slipping them on in those tricky areas, Sampson’s been a different dog. He’s back to trotting along happily, tail up, ears perked—full of energy and joy. It’s a simple change, but it made a huge difference for him.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Paw Trouble

Sampson made it pretty obvious, but not all dogs show discomfort so clearly. If your dog suddenly acts differently on walks, look out for these signs:

• Unusual reluctance to go for walks

• Limping or walking carefully

• Licking or chewing at the paws

• Avoiding certain surfaces

• Walking unusually slow

• Redness, swelling, or small injuries on the paws

Paying attention to small changes in your dog’s behavior can help you spot issues early and prevent discomfort.

Dry Weather Changes Everything—Including What Paws Have to Deal With

These poky plants can get stuck between your dog’s toes or dig into their pads—leading to tiny but painful injuries. If your dog starts acting differently on certain routes, it might not be the heat or their mood. It could be that every step is simply uncomfortable.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy

A little prevention goes a long way. Here are some simple habits that can help protect your dog’s paws:

• Check paws regularly after each walk

• Use paw balm to keep pads soft and healthy

• Put on booties in rough or hot conditions

• Choose your routes wisely—go for shady paths and avoid harsh or prickly terrain when possible

Good paw care at home makes a big difference too:

• Wipe and dry paws after walks

• Trim the fur between toes to prevent debris from getting stuck

• Treat minor cuts or scrapes right away so they don’t get infected

• In winter, rinse off any salt or grit from roads and sidewalks

Dog Booties: More Than Just a Cute Accessory

Let’s be honest—dog booties used to get a few laughs. But today, they’re a practical solution for real problems. Just like they helped Sampson, they can turn a painful walk into a fun outing.

When are booties helpful?

• On hot pavement (tip: if you wouldn’t walk on it barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog)

• In areas with thorny weeds or sharp dry grass

• Where there’s heavy salt use in winter

• On gravel, rocks, or rough trails

• After an injury or for dogs with sensitive paws

It’s important to introduce booties slowly and positively—start at home, give treats, and let your dog get used to the feel. Most dogs adapt faster than you’d expect.

Final Thoughts: Paw Protection Isn’t Just for Cold Weather

We’ll admit it—we used to think paw protection was a winter or rough terrain thing. But this year, Sampson showed us otherwise. When the ground gets rough, sharp, or scorching hot, even a short walk can become painful.

So if your dog suddenly slows down, avoids walks, or just seems off, take a look at what’s under their paws. It might not be the weather—it might be the ground.

Download the DOGLi app now and discover the best enrichment ideas for your dog!

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