Dog Paw Pad Care Guide: Protect, Clean and Moisturize

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Paw pads are a dog's shoes, shock absorbers and traction all at once. They take a pounding every day, and a small amount of care keeps them comfortable.

Anatomy of a healthy paw

Pads are thick, tough skin with a layer of fat for cushioning. A healthy pad is firm, slightly rough and free of cracks. The skin between the toes should be clean and dry, and the nails neatly trimmed.

Weekly paw check

1. Spread the toes and look between them.
2. Inspect each pad for cuts, cracks, blisters and punctures.
3. Look for foreign material, such as grass seeds, thorns or glass.
4. Check for redness, swelling or odor between the toes.
5. Look at the nails and the skin around them.

Cleaning after walks

Wipe paws with a damp cloth or dog-safe wipe, especially after walking on salted, chemically treated or dirty surfaces. In muddy weather, rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly, including between toes. Damp paws encourage yeast and bacteria. See how to dry a dog after a bath.

Heat

Pavement, sand and artificial turf can burn paws. Test the surface with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog. Walk early or late, or on grass. See summer grooming tips and dog hot weather safety.

Cold, ice and salt

Cold ground and ice can crack pads. Road salt and de-icers irritate and can be toxic if licked. Rinse and dry paws after walks, and consider boots or protective balm. See how to protect dog paws from road salt and winter grooming tips.

Dry and cracked pads

Dryness can result from weather, hard surfaces, indoor heating, allergies or health problems. See how to treat dry, cracked dog paw pads and do dogs need paw balm or wax.

Hair, nails and dewclaws

Trim hair between the pads to prevent mats, ice balls and debris. See how to trim hair between dog paw pads. Keep nails short. See how to trim dog nails safely.

Signs of trouble

See your vet if you notice:

• Limping or reluctance to walk
• Bleeding, deep cuts or punctures
• Persistent licking or chewing
• Swelling, redness, discharge or odor
• Blisters, ulcers or peeling pads
• Changes in color or growths

First aid for minor cuts

Rinse with clean water, apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a clean bandage if needed. Contact your vet for anything deep, bleeding heavily or not improving.

Building tough pads

Gradual exposure to varied surfaces helps pads toughen. Avoid long walks on hot or rough ground after a period of rest.

Paw care for different lifestyles

• City dogs: wipe after every walk to remove grit, chemicals and spills.
• Hikers: check pads and between toes after each trip for cuts and seeds.
• Beach dogs: rinse salt and sand, check for burns on hot sand.
• Indoor dogs: have softer pads and may crack on sudden long walks.
• Senior dogs: drag their paws more and wear nails and pads unevenly.

Nail and pad balance

Overgrown nails push a dog back onto the pads and change how weight is carried. Regular trims protect the pads and joints. See how often to trim dog nails.

The takeaway

Check weekly, clean after walks, protect against heat, cold and chemicals and see your vet for injuries and persistent licking.