Summer might mean sunshine, beach days, and longer walks. However, for your dachshund, it can also mean hot pavement, dry skin, and irritated paws. Dachshund paws are especially vulnerable due to their small size and unique shape. If you’re a doxie parent, keeping your dachshund’s paws healthy and safe in hot weather should be a top priority. Let’s break down everything you need to know about protecting those tiny toe beans when temperatures rise.
Why Are Dachshund Paws So Sensitive?
Dachshund paws are compact and close to the ground, which means they come into contact with heat-retaining surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and sand more than you might realize. Their paw pads are tough, but they’re not heatproof. Repeated exposure to hot surfaces can lead to burns, cracks, or painful dryness.
Doxies also tend to have more fur between their toes, which can trap dirt, allergens, and debris. Combine that with sweating (yes, dogs sweat through their paws), and summer quickly becomes a messy season for your wiener dog.
1. Check Pavement Temperature Before Walks
Before stepping out the door, place your palm or bare foot on the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for dog paws.
Pro Tip: Walk early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower. Grass is always a better choice than sidewalks when it’s scorching outside.
2. Use Paw Balm for Protection and Healing
A good dog paw balm acts like sunscreen and moisturizer for your dachshund’s paws. It creates a protective barrier against heat, rough surfaces, and allergens, while also keeping the pads soft and hydrated.
We recommend:
- Natural Dachshund Paw Balm – Made with natural ingredients, it’s safe if your doxie licks it off.
- Moisturizing Dachshund Paw Balm – Great for regular use during walks and after playtime to keep wiener dog paws from cracking.
Apply balm before walks to prevent damage, and after to soothe and repair. Make it part of your daily dog care routine during summer.
3. Keep Paws Clean With a Portable Paw Cleaner
Between dust, grass, allergens, and who-knows-what-else on the ground, dachshund paws in the summer get dirty fast. Clean paws prevent infections and reduce the risk of irritation or chewing.
Try these tools:
- Dry Paw Cleaner for Dachshunds – Perfect for wiping down paws after each walk.
- Dachshund Silicone Paws Washing Cup – A gentle, quick-clean solution. Just add water and twist each paw inside to remove dirt and allergens.
4. Groom Nails and Trim Paw Fur Regularly
Overgrown nails can change your doxie’s gait, which puts more pressure on their paw pads. Long fur between paw pads can trap heat, moisture, and debris.
Regular grooming helps keep things cool and comfortable.
What to use:
- Dachshund Nail Grooming Board – An easy, stress-free way to file down your dachshund’s nails without a noisy clipper.
Trim the fur around and between the paw pads with pet-safe scissors, and use the grooming board once a week for maintenance.
5. Keep Your Dachshund Hydrated
Hydration isn’t just about preventing heatstroke. When your dachshund is well-hydrated, their skin (including paw pads) stays supple and less prone to cracking. It’s also important to mention that extreme heat can cause rash under armpits in your Doxie. So, besides keeping your dog hydrated, paying attention to other signs of feeling hot is also essential.
Always carry a portable water bowl, especially if you’re out walking in the heat. Watch for signs of dehydration: dry nose, thick saliva, lethargy, or sunken eyes.
6. Invest in Dog Booties for Extreme Heat
If you live somewhere with brutally hot summers, dog booties might be a lifesaver. Not all dachshunds love them, but they’re great for protecting dog paws from scorching sidewalks.
Look for breathable, lightweight designs with anti-slip soles. Start with short trial periods indoors so your doxie can get used to the feeling.
7. Watch for Warning Signs of Paw Damage
Sometimes even the most careful owners miss signs of paw trouble. Keep an eye out for:
- Limping or favoring one paw
- Excessive licking or chewing
- Redness or swelling
- Cracks or peeling on the pads
- Discoloration or burns
If you notice these, stop walks on pavement and switch to soft grassy areas. Use paw balm for dogs to treat minor irritation, and see your vet for more serious cases.
Bonus Tips for Healthy Doxie Paws Year-Round
Even though summer is the focus, healthy habits make a big difference all year long:
- Moisturize regularly with dog paw balm, not human lotions
- Avoid walking your doxie right after lawn treatments or pesticides
- Check paws after hikes or dog park visits
- Let your dachshund walk on different textures to toughen their pads naturally
Dachshund Paws Deserve Extra Love
Your dachshund’s paws carry them through every adventure, from backyard zoomies to beach trips. A little extra care in the summer goes a long way in preventing injuries and keeping your doxie happy and healthy.
To recap your summer toolkit:
- Check pavement temp before walks
- Apply paw balm before and after outings
- Clean paws with a paw washer or cleaning pad
- Trim nails and fur regularly
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- Consider booties for extreme heat
- Watch for signs of damage
Common Summer Dachshund Paw Problems
1. Blisters and Burns
- Cause: Hot asphalt, pavement, or sand.
- Symptoms: Redness, blisters, limping, sensitivity to touch.
- Risk: Even a few minutes on hot surfaces can burn their paw pads.
2. Cracked and Dry Paw Pads
- Cause: Heat exposure, low humidity, and dehydration.
- Symptoms: Flaky, rough, or bleeding paw pads.
- Note: Can worsen if not moisturized with a paw balm for dogs.
3. Pigweed/Puncture Vine Spines
- Cause: Spiky weed seeds lodging in paw pads or between toes.
- Symptoms: Limping, licking, swelling, localized pain.
- Danger: Can become embedded and cause infections or abscesses.
4. Punctures from Sharp Objects (Rocks, Glass, Metal)
- Cause: Outdoor surfaces like trails, gravel paths, or beaches.
- Symptoms: Cuts, bleeding, limping.
- Risk: Infection or deeper tissue injury if untreated.
5. Seasonal Allergies
- Cause: Grass, pollen, mold, weeds.
- Symptoms: Constant licking or chewing paws, red or inflamed skin.
- Result: Secondary infections if the skin is broken.
6. Pebbles or Sand Stuck Between Toes
- Cause: Dry terrain or sandy beaches.
- Symptoms: Irritation, limping, discomfort.
- Tip: Use a silicone paw washer to rinse out debris after walks.
7. Sunburn on Light-Colored Pads or Skin Around Paws
- Cause: Direct sun exposure, especially on hairless or thin-haired dogs.
- Symptoms: Redness, inflammation, sensitivity.
- Prevention: Use protective paw balm and avoid midday walks.
8. Hot Sand Burns
- Cause: Beaches or playgrounds with sun-heated sand.
- Symptoms: Similar to pavement burns—blistering or limping.
- Extra Risk: Sand retains heat longer than air or even asphalt.
9. Insect Bites and Stings
- Cause: Bees, wasps, ants, mosquitoes, ticks hiding in grass.
- Symptoms: Swelling, itching, pain, allergic reactions.
- Danger: Some stings can cause severe allergic responses in small dogs.
10. Fungal or Bacterial Infections
- Cause: Wet environments like lakes, rivers, or humid conditions.
- Symptoms: Discharge, foul odor, redness, excessive licking.
- Note: Often results from dirty or moist paws not being dried properly.
11. Chemical Burns from Lawn Treatments
- Cause: Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used during summer.
- Symptoms: Red, itchy, or inflamed paw pads.
- Tip: Rinse your dachshund’s paws after walking on treated grass.
12. Overheating and Swollen Paws
- Cause: General overheating or walking too far in the sun.
- Symptoms: Puffy pads, refusal to walk, or lying down suddenly.
Protecting your Dachshund paws during the summer season
Your dachshunds’ paws are tougher than they look. However, they’re not bulletproof. Summer brings extra dangers like hot pavement, sharp objects, allergens and even painful weed stingers. By taking a few simple steps—checking pavement temps, using a good paw balm, cleaning paws after walks and watching for signs of irritation—you can keep your doxie’s paws healthy, cool and ready for adventure. A little daily care goes a long way in making sure your wiener dog has a safe and comfortable summer from the backyard to the beach.