What should I check if my dog keeps sitting down during a summer walk? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog keeps sitting down during a summer walk, the first thing to check is their paws and the surface they're walking on. Hot pavements, rough ground, small cuts, sand, grit or sore paw pads can all make a dog stop and sit. Heat, tiredness, or discomfort elsewhere can also play a part, so it's worth looking at the full picture rather than assuming it's just stubbornness.
Things To Check
1. Check whether it happens on a particular surface, such as tarmac, sand, gravel or decking.
2. Look closely at the paw pads for redness, darkened areas, blistering, cracks, swelling, bleeding or a shiny, sore look.
3. Check between the toes for grit, thorns, grass seeds or anything stuck in the fur.
4. Feel the ground with your hand. If it's too hot for you to keep your hand there comfortably, it may be too hot for your dog's paws.
5. Watch whether your dog is licking, biting, holding up a paw, limping, or changing how they place their feet.
6. Check for other signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, slowing down, wanting shade, or seeming unusually tired.
7. Think about timing. If it starts after a long walk, after exercise, or later in the day, heat and fatigue may be contributing factors.
Common Causes
The most common reason is hot ground causing discomfort or burns to the paw pads. Rough or sharp surfaces can also make paws sore, even if there isn't an obvious injury at first.
Other common causes include small foreign bodies such as grit or grass seeds, minor cuts or scrapes, and general tiredness on a warm day. Less commonly, a dog may sit down because of another painful issue, such as a sprain, nail injury, or heat-related illness.
What To Do
Move your dog onto cooler ground straight away and let them rest in the shade. Check all four paws carefully and gently remove any loose grit or debris you can see. If the pads look sore, avoid further walking on hot surfaces and keep outings shorter and cooler, such as early morning or later in the evening.
If the paws seem mildly irritated, keep them clean and dry, and watch for changes over the next 24 hours. If the problem keeps happening, note when it starts and what surfaces trigger it, as that can help you work out the pattern and decide what to change on future walks.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if your dog has broken skin, bleeding, obvious burns, significant limping, swelling, or seems very painful. You should also call promptly if your dog is struggling in the heat, collapsing, or the paw problem doesn't improve after rest and cooler walks.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s paws are getting dirty or irritated on walks, a general pet care collection can be useful for keeping up with everyday grooming and cleaning as part of your routine.
Related Questions
How can I tell if my dog’s paws are too hot for walking?
What should I do if my dog’s paw pads look red after a walk?
When is it too hot to walk a dog in summer?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.