Question About The Hot Sand On The Beaches

[Debbie and Toby]

We are planning to take a couple of day trips this summer to Lake Michigan that we are planning to take Toby with us. There are many dog friendly cities with parks, trails and dog friendly beaches. We are worried about Toby walking on the hot sand. The sand can get pretty hot over on the lake shore, we can wear shoes, but how do we protect his feet from the hot sand? Once we get out to the water we should be fine, but some of the dog beaches are quite a walk through the sand from the parking areas.  We are planning to go early in the day when it is cooler, but the sand can still heat up quickly on a sunny day...   Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

The paw booties are helpful and can be bought at Petco. It is smart of you to think ahead, because the sand can make thier paws very raw plus the heat can cause quite a bit of damage. How big is Toby? We've actually carried Murphy on the sand in Florida when it was so scorching we couldn't touch it with our barefeet.

[Debbie and Thomas]

I can tell you this because we have a cottage on the "longest fresh water beach in the world"  and yes the sand can get hot.  We have a 2 yr 9 mth old goldendoodle who has spent three summers now  running and playing on this beach.  I have never once seem him affected by the heat of the sand even when the temperature is 90 degrees. It has never been a problem for him.  Good luck with your trips to the beach with Toby and I am sure he will love it!

[Debbie and Toby]

Toby is 47 lbs so he is a little too big too carry. We have seen other dogs out running around on the beaches, but I am not willing to take the chance with his paws.We have been out there before (before we got Toby), and the sand gets so hot that you can not walk out there without shoes on...I know he would have a ton of fun out there, we just need to figure out a way to get him out there, I will check out some booties... Thanks so much for your suggestion!

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Mushers secret works well.  Walking along the edge of the water makes a big difference too.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Sandy, you may not need it for Hattie if you walk were there is lots of grass.  But having it on hand if needed is the key.  Also it is made using food grade products and not toxic if licked.

[Sue & Willy Babe]

I just read about Mushers Secrets  I bet that would help here in the Winter time when Wilson is outside and we are walking I am going to purchase some, anything I should know about before buying?

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Sue, Winter time is when I use it the most.  Apollo (lab) and Clover love being outside even in Winter.  This last Winter was the first time having a doodle around.  Clover would get such big ice balls on her feet.  After going outside several time a day I noticed she was licking her paws more and they were redder than usual.  I use bag balm alot but it wasn't doing the trick and can be very messy.  So I tried Mushers Secret and it worked.  Mushers has a more waxy consistency and stays on longer.  It's not something I use all the time just when added protection is needed. 

[Debbie and Toby]

I just looked up Mushers Secret, sounds like something I should buy and  keep in his bag for use all year... :-) Great idea!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

I used to live in Miami, FL and took my dog to the beach every day.  I walked on the beach barefoot and so did Jackie.  Jackie never had a problem with it.  (I don't know if  the heat of lake beach sand is different than that of ocean beach sand.)

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

theres a topical product called Invisible Sandals (I use Invisible Boot which protects against the wet, ice, salt etc) which protects the pads against hot surfaces in the summer

[Sue & Willy Babe]

it really works????? Which one do u buy?

[Debbie and Toby]

I am going to look around for either the Mushers Secret or Invisible Boot. What I am wondering , though, is wouldn't the sand clump together in the wax? Still, either one would be a great product to keep on hand, summer and winter!   In the summer months, we have always tried to walk early in the morning or late in the evenings to avoid walking on hot pavement .Probably will still pick up a pair of booties, too.  It can't hurt to keep all these things in his tote bag. You just never know when they might come in handy!  Thanks for all of the suggestions and input! All very helpful!! :-)