Hello, human reader. It’s me, Goblin—your favorite four-legged columnist—and today, we need to talk about something serious. No, not the global shortage of freeze-dried chicken treats (although that is a crisis), but something even closer to the ground: paws.
Specifically: mine. My friends’. Every dog who’s ever dared step onto UAE pavement without instantly sizzling into a meat kebab.
So if you love your dog and don’t want their precious toe beans turning into barbecue, keep reading. If not, feel free to go walk barefoot on the sidewalk at noon and see how you like it.
☠️ Summer Pavement = Portable Paw Torture Device
Fun fact: in UAE summer, asphalt can reach up to 70°C (that’s 160°F for the Celsius-challenged). Translation: hotter than your aunt’s flat iron on Eid morning.
While you strut around with AC blasting, iced latte in hand and your fancy flip-flops, we’re out here raw-dogging the sun. Literally.
Is It Too Hot? Use the Humanometer Test!
Here’s a dog-approved science experiment: place the back of your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds. If you scream before you get to 10, congratulations! It’s too hot for your dog too.
Thank you, Dr. Goblin.
🩹 Signs You’re Roasting Your Dog’s Paws (A.K.A. Paw-buse):
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Walking like the floor is lava (because it is).
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Licking or chewing their paws like spicy snacks.
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Pads are red, cracked, or have blisters (yeah… that’s bad).
If you spot any of these, rush to the vet. No TikTok first. Just vet. Priorities, people.
🛡️ Pawtection 101: Because Our Pads Deserve Better
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Walk When the Sun Isn’t on Fire Mode.
Early morning or after sunset = safe.
Midday = NOPE. -
Yes to Booties. Even the Silly Ones.
We’ll walk funny at first (think: spaghetti legs), but we’ll be safe—and maybe even runway-ready.
#DesertDogDrip -
Stick to Softer Ground.
Grass, dirt, or even those shady mosque sidewalks. Avoid anything that feels like a frying pan. -
Paw Balms: Spa Day for Our Feet.
Apply a natural balm that hydrates and protects. Bonus points if it smells like coconut. -
Keep Walks Short (Like Your Temper Without Coffee).
Multiple short strolls beat one epic trek through Mordor.
🧊 If It’s Too Late and the Damage is Done…
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Soak paws in cool (NOT ice-cold) water.
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Apply a vet-approved burn cream.
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Keep us from licking the wound (we’ll try, but… no promises).
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And yes, go see the vet. Not your cousin who “reads things online”. A real vet.
Bottom line?
Protecting our paws in this stylish desert we call home isn’t optional—it’s love. It’s logic. It’s part of your job as our trusted human.
Let us keep running, zooming, and chasing birds in peace… without turning into canine fajitas.
So next time you think about walking me at 2 p.m. without boots or a plan—remember:
I love you, but my paws are not shawarma.
With love (and paw balm),
Goblin 🐶
