Photo of ‘painful’ summer mistake angers Bondi residents

A snap of a couple walking their dog on a scorching summer’s day has sparked fury, prompting experts to issue a stark warning.

Experts have issued a warning for pet owners after a photo exposing a painfully common mistake made during summer went viral.

An image showing a couple walking their dog in Bondi on a blistering hot day was widely criticised after being shared to a local Facebook group.

In the snap, the pooch could be seen walking on the concrete pavement of the swanky Sydney suburb without appearing to have any protection on his paws.

“If you’re going to walk your dog right now (middle of the day during 30+ degrees celsius), make sure to go barefoot in solidarity. These dogs crossed the hot road in visible pain,” the poster wrote.

The “upsetting” photo quickly attracted a stream of comments, many blasting the dog’s owners for being oblivious to the dangers of hot pavements during warm summer weather.

Betty Chan, a veterinary advisor at pet health company PetSure, said lots of people make this mistake during summer and it can result in “painful” burns on paws.

“Hot pavements can cause pain and discomfort for your dog’s paws and in some cases, the hot surface could even burn your dog’s paws,” she told news.com.au.

Experts have issued a warning for pet owners after this photo went viral. Picture: Facebook

“Many new-time pet owners may not be aware of the risk of a pet’s exposure to hot surfaces, so it’s important to be proactive about protecting your furry friend from summer risks.

“While injuries to paw pads don’t generally have many long-term effects, the healing process can be painful for the pet.

“Depending on how severe the paw burns are, it can take weeks to heal as it’s difficult to keep clean and keep your pet rested so healing can occur.”

Many locals where the “worrying” photo was snapped blasted those who had been spotted walking their pooches around the area – including on the iconic Bondi Beach – describing the act as “stupid”.

“Seriously what is wrong with people … that poor doggo will have bleeding paws,” one lamented.

“This makes me so angry & upset to see this, why are people so stupid,” another questioned.

As another said: “It’s just so sad to see animals suffering.”

“I hate seeing people walking dogs in this heat strolling along while they have shoes on, it gets me so angry poor little buggers getting dragged around in this heat,” another weighed in.

“Some people just don’t understand about how the doggos’ feet are burning on days like this,” another raged, adding an angry red face emoji.

While others simply declared the pet owners “idiots”.

Hot pavements can give pets 'painful' burns. Picture: iStock

Betty, who also works for GapOnly - an insurance assistance tool that can process claims in 10 minutes, allowing you to leave the vet paying only the gap - recommends dog owners “avoid going outside with your dog during the middle of the day when the sun is the hottest between 12 and 2pm”, adding they should test the ground before heading out.

“If you can’t hold your hand on the pathway for a few seconds, then it’s too hot for your pet’s paws,” she said.

Hot pavements aren’t the only concern for pet owners during the warmer season, with Betty explaining heat stroke is a rising issue in Australia.

“According to PetSure claims data, there is an upward trend in heatstroke claims during the summer months,” she said.

“In the 2022 calendar year, the volume of heatstroke claims rose by 210 per cent in summer, when compared to spring.

“New pet parents may not be aware of the unexpected mishaps that can occur, and the costs associated with veterinary care.

“It’s key to have measures in place to protect your pet in the event they are injured or fall ill unexpectedly.”

The average cost for heatstroke claims in 2022 for dogs was $2350, while the maximum claim cost was $28,628, according to PetSure data.

While the average cost for heatstroke claims in 2022 for cats was $1497, and the maximum claim cost was $5464.

Originally published as Photo of ‘painful’ summer mistake angers Bondi residents