LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The weather may feel nice to us but it’s getting too hot and potentially dangerous for your dogs.
Randi Tanner has enjoyed the nice weather outdoors with her dog Pearl, jogging the Broadway Bridge in Little Rock.
That’s until she noticed her dog wasn't enjoying the time outside as she typically does.
"I never dreamed that I would harm my dog or put her in harm’s way,” said Tanner. "We probably run at least three times a week."
Pearl is just now getting back outdoors after quite the scare.
"One day we got back from walking and she was limping,” said Tanner.
Tanner checked Pearl’s legs, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
But as odd symptoms kept on and after a trip to the vet, Tanner learned Pearl had burned paws from their jogging trips.
"You could imagine walking on hot concrete when you don't have shoes on, it would feel the same way to them,” said Dr. Aubren Cabe, Veterinarian at Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic.
Cabe said this is the time of year when the sun begins to scorch the concrete, which is what ultimately caused Pearl’s blisters.
"It's so important for us to be aware that this could be going on because a lot of times our pets don't tell us things, they are very stoic,” said Cabe.
For Pearl, the pain became unbearable.
Things to look for if your dog has burning paws are the black or pink color peeling off.
It can appear red or even white and look like an ulcer.
Randi hopes you learn from her so your dog doesn't endure the pain hers did.
“You could be hurting them if you don't know or you don't look,” she said.
Cabe suggests avoiding walks with your dog during the hottest times of the day.
So, it’s best to go before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.