Why Your Dog’s Paw Pads Are Dry
Your dog’s paws do a lot of work. From walks in the neighborhood to playtime in the backyard, their paw pads take on rough surfaces, extreme temperatures, and constant wear and tear. So, if you’ve noticed your dog’s paw pads are dry, cracked, or rough to the touch, you’re not alone—and it’s worth paying attention to.
Dry paw pads can be more than a cosmetic issue. Mild cases of dryness are common and can often be managed at home with simple remedies. They can cause discomfort, lead to infection, and affect your dog’s movement if left untreated. The good news is, there are simple, effective ways to support your dog’s paw health at home and with the help of wellness professionals.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
Why your dog’s paw pads get dry or cracked
Environmental and medical causes of dry paws
Signs that indicate your dog’s paws need attention
How to treat and prevent dry paw pads
How Scenthound helps dog parents support paw and overall wellness
Introduction to Dog Paw Care
Caring for your dog’s paw pads is a crucial part of keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. Dog paw pads, those thick, cushiony layers on the bottom of your dog’s feet, do much more than just help them walk—they provide essential protection, absorb shock, and give your pup traction on all kinds of surfaces. By regularly inspecting your dog’s paw pads, you can catch early signs of trouble, like dry paw pads, cracked paw pads, or even small injuries, before they become painful problems.
There are many common causes that can lead to cracked or dry paw pads, including food allergies, walking on rough terrain, or exposure to harsh weather. As a responsible dog parent, it’s important to understand these risks and take steps to protect your dog’s paws. Simple habits like checking your dog’s paw pads after walks, keeping an eye out for changes in the skin, and knowing what to look for can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and overall well-being. By prioritizing paw pad care, you’re helping your dog stay active, pain-free, and ready for every adventure.
What Causes Dry Paw Pads in Dogs?
Despite their toughness, dog's paw pads can become dry, cracked, or irritated due to several factors.
Sweat glands in the paw pads help regulate moisture and temperature, and issues with these glands can contribute to dry dog paws.
If dry dog paws persist, it's important to investigate the underlying cause with a veterinarian.
Environmental Conditions
Dry or cracked paws often stem from exposure to the elements. Hot pavement, freezing sidewalks, dry air, and chemical deicers can all take a toll on your dog’s paw pads.
Common environmental causes include:
Walking on hot surfaces such as pavement or sand
Exposure to cold weather and icy surfaces
Indoor heating drying out the air during colder months
Lawn chemicals or road salt in outdoor areas
Many dogs are affected by hot weather and cold weather, so it's important to avoid walking your dog on hot surfaces or during extreme temperatures to protect their paws.
Overuse and Activity
Just like human feet can get sore from long hikes or rough shoes, your dog’s paws can become overworked from excessive running or walking on abrasive surfaces. While some wear on your dog's paws is normal from daily activity, an excessive amount can lead to more serious issues.
High-activity dogs may experience:
Rough or peeling pads
Minor abrasions or splits
Tenderness after long walks
Torn paw pads
To protect your dogs feet, it's important to gradually increase activity levels. This helps prevent excessive wear or torn pads and allows the paw pads to build up protective calluses over time.
Allergies and Irritants
Environmental or food allergies can also affect paw pad health. Allergies are an underlying medical condition that can contribute to paw pad issues. Dogs may chew or lick their paws excessively in response to irritation, which dries out the pads and opens them to secondary infections.
Watch for:
Licking or chewing at the feet
Redness or inflammation around the pads
Discoloration from constant moisture
Hot spots or sores between the toes
Medical Conditions
Certain conditions like hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin), zinc deficiency, or autoimmune diseases can cause abnormally dry, crusty, or cracked paw pads. Immune system disorders may also negatively impact paw pad health, making dogs more susceptible to infections and other complications. If your dog’s paw pads don’t improve with at-home care, a veterinary evaluation is recommended. A veterinarian can help develop a treatment plan tailored to your dog's needs.
Signs Your Dog’s Paw Pads Need Help
Not all dryness is serious—but it’s important to know when a problem is developing so you can step in early. Make sure to check your dog's paw pads regularly for any signs of damage, early detection can help prevent more serious issues.
Watch for these signs that your dog’s paw pads need help:
Redness or inflammation
Flaking or peeling skin
Limping or favoring one paw
Cracking or splitting of the pads
A visible crack in the paw pad
Excessive licking or chewing of the paws
If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at their paw health—and possibly adjust their routine or care regimen.
How to Treat Dry Paw Pads at Home
Caring for your dog’s paws doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple habits, you can protect your dog from painful dryness and help their paw pads heal and stay strong. For mild cases of cracked dog paws, home remedies such as coconut oil or shea butter can be effective in soothing and repairing the skin. To ensure consistently healthy paws, consider purchasing a dog friendly paw balm.
Using treats during paw care sessions can help make the experience positive and rewarding for your dog. Remember, properly caring for your dog's paws is essential to prevent future issues and keep them healthy and comfortable.
Moisturize Regularly
Use a dog-safe paw balm or wax to moisturize dry pads. Apply after walks or before bed to lock in hydration. Avoid using human lotions, as they can contain ingredients that are unsafe if licked.
Wipe Paws After Outdoor Time
Cleaning your dog’s paws after walks helps remove irritants like pollen, salt, and dirt. This is important because if your dog licks their paws, they could ingest harmful substances such as de-icing salts, fertilizers, pesticides, or household cleaners, which may cause health issues. Use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe to gently clean between the toes and pad surfaces.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Try to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening during summer months to avoid hot pavement. In the winter, use protective paw wax or consider dog booties to guard against cold and salt. Additionally, encouraging your dog to wear booties during hot weather can help protect their paws from burns and injury.
Limit Exposure to Irritants
If your dog walks on treated lawns or sidewalks, rinse their paws immediately afterward. Chemical exposure can dry out and damage the skin quickly.
If your dog continues to lick their paws after exposure to irritants, using an Elizabethan collar may be necessary to prevent further irritation and allow proper healing.
Protective Gear for Healthy Paw Pads
One of the best ways to protect your dog’s paw pads from damage is by using protective gear like dog booties. Dog booties act as a barrier between your dog’s paws and rough surfaces, hot pavement, or icy sidewalks, helping to prevent cracked paws and dry, itchy pads. They’re especially useful for dog owners who walk their pups in extreme weather or on abrasive terrain, as they can shield sensitive paw pads from injury and irritation.
Dog booties also provide extra traction on slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls—especially important for senior dogs or pups with mobility issues. When choosing dog booties, look for a comfortable fit and materials that allow your dog’s paws to breathe. Some booties are designed with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep paws dry, which can help prevent cracked pads and itchy paws. By making dog booties part of your routine, you can help protect your dog from common paw problems and even reduce the risk of underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, that can be triggered by repeated irritation or injury.
How to Prevent Dry Paw Pads Long Term
Prevention is key when it comes to paw health. Regularly inspecting your dog's feet allows you to catch early signs of problems such as dryness, injuries, or infections. Incorporating paw checks into your regular wellness routine helps you stay ahead of issues before they turn into something more serious. Preventing dry paw pads also means addressing any underlying cause, such as allergies or medical conditions, to ensure your dog's feet remain healthy.
Schedule Routine Wellness Care
Regular check-ins with a wellness provider help catch early signs of paw issues, along with other skin and nail concerns. As part of routine care, remember to check your dog's nails, since overgrown nails can affect mobility and traction. A consistent care plan makes it easier to support your dog’s comfort and health through every season.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration
Dry skin—including on the paws—can be a sign of nutritional deficiency or dehydration. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water and is eating a balanced diet, rich in essential fatty acids. Zinc deficiency can also contribute to dry, cracked paw pads, so ensure your dog's nutrition includes adequate zinc to support healthy skin.
Keep Nails Trimmed
Overgrown nails can change the way your dog walks, putting more pressure on the pads and increasing the risk of cracks or injury. Regular nail care protects paw structure and function.
Traction and Mobility: Helping Your Dog Move Comfortably
Your dog’s ability to move comfortably depends on healthy paw pads and well-maintained nails. Paw pads provide natural traction, helping your dog grip surfaces and stay steady on their feet, whether they’re running in the park or navigating slippery floors at home. However, hot pavement, rough terrain, or even smooth indoor surfaces can challenge your dog’s traction and mobility.
To help your dog maintain good traction, consider applying a thin layer of coconut oil or paw wax to their paw pads. These products can moisturize the skin and create a protective barrier, making it easier for your dog to walk on different surfaces. Regular nail trims are also essential—overgrown nails can change your dog’s gait and put extra pressure on the paw pads, leading to discomfort or even injury.
After walks, especially in winter when de-icing salts are common, be sure to wipe your dog’s paws clean. This simple step helps prevent your dog from ingesting harmful substances and keeps their paw pads healthy. By taking these precautions, dog owners can support their dog’s mobility, provide traction, and help their pups move confidently and safely every day.
When to Seek Veterinary Care for Paw Pad Issues
While many cases of dry or cracked paw pads can be managed at home, there are times when it’s important to seek help from your vet. If your furry friend’s paw pads are severely cracked, bleeding, or not healing despite your care, it’s time to consult a professional. Signs like persistent licking, limping, or an allergic reaction—such as swelling or redness—should also prompt a visit to the vet.
Some paw pad problems can be linked to underlying medical conditions, including liver disease or autoimmune diseases, which require specialized treatment. Your vet can diagnose the root cause of your dog’s paw issues and recommend the best course of action to prevent severe damage and promote healing. By acting quickly and getting the right treatment, dog owners can help ensure their dog’s paw pads are properly cared for and completely healed, keeping their furry friend comfortable and active.
How Scenthound Supports Paw and Skin Health
At Scenthound, our mission is to help dog parents stay ahead of common health concerns, including dry, cracked paw pads. Our monthly wellness program is built around the five core areas of dog health: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth.
Our team is trained to identify early signs of paw dryness, nail overgrowth, or irritation, and we give dog parents the information and support they need to take action. If your dog has ongoing paw pad issues, Scenthound can help develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs. We also help maintain healthy paws through regular nail trims and moisture-supportive practices, so your dog’s feet stay comfortable and protected year-round.
Whether your dog is an active adventurer or a laid-back lapdog, Scenthound provides the tools you need to be a more confident and proactive dog parent.
Protect Your Dog's Paws with Consistent Care
Your dog depends on their paws every day for walking, running, playing, and exploring the world. Caring for your pup's paws, is essential for their comfort and well-being. Dry or cracked paw pads can slow them down, cause pain, or lead to bigger issues if ignored. By learning the signs of paw pad dryness and staying consistent with care, you can keep your dog feeling comfortable and supported every step of the way.
At Scenthound, we’re here to help you become the informed, attentive dog parent your best friend deserves. From paw checks to monthly wellness care, we help you care for the small things that make a big difference in your dog’s life. Regular care helps keep your dog's paw healthy, providing protection, traction, and shock absorption for every adventure.
Dry paw pads are a common but preventable issue in dogs. With the right routine, some simple changes, and support from Scenthound, you can keep your dog’s paws healthy, hydrated, and ready for whatever adventures come next. Take action early, stay consistent, and let Scenthound guide you in caring for your dog from the ground up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your dog’s paw pads is essential for their comfort, mobility, and overall health. By understanding the importance of dog paw care, using protective gear like dog booties, and regularly inspecting your dog’s paws, you can prevent common issues such as cracked paws and dry pads. Don’t forget to support your dog’s traction and mobility with regular nail trims and moisturizing treatments, and always seek veterinary care if you notice signs of severe damage or underlying medical conditions.
With a proactive approach, dog owners can help their pups enjoy every walk, run, and adventure without pain or discomfort. Prioritizing your dog’s paw health means giving them the best chance at a happy, active life—one step at a time.