Dogs’ paw pads are designed to be very durable, allowing them to walk and run on a variety of surfaces without damage. However, these parts of their paws are equally sensitive and require special attention. Without proper care, the pads can become sore, cracked, or burned .
In this post, you will learn how to protect and care for your dog’s paw pads, ensuring they remain healthy and well cared for at all times.
What are dog paw pads and why are they important?
A dog’s paw pads are the thick, padded parts located on the bottom of each of their paws. These pads contain fatty deposits that provide elasticity, important for reducing impact when walking or running, and help cushion shock, thus protecting their joints and bones during physical activity.
In addition, the pads have sweat glands that play a vital role in maintaining the necessary moisture to prevent them from drying out and cracking, and also in regulating the temperature of the paws in different weather conditions.
Most common problems or injuries in dogs’ paw pads
Dogs’ paw pads, despite their resilience, can face various health problems. Here we tell you what the most common injuries are and how to treat them properly.
Sharp object injuries
The pads can be easily damaged by sharp objects such as glass or sharp stones .
If your dog has a superficial wound, clean the area with water and mild soap to remove dirt and prevent infection. Then, apply a special pad cream to promote hydration and healing, and cover the wound with gauze to protect it and prevent the dog from licking it.
If your dog has suffered a deeper cut , it is best to take your dog to the vet so they can tell you how to act and heal the wound.
Cracked pads
Cracks are common in cold climates due to dryness and loss of elasticity, as well as excessive wear.
Treat cracks with betadine and warm salt water baths , which act as disinfectants. Applying pure Vaseline can help heal cracks. To prevent this, keep the pads moisturized with creams suitable for dogs.
Abrasion burn pad
Not only can the paw pads be damaged by a sharp object wound or cracked due to lack of hydration . Temperature also has a big influence on this tough skin that acts as a shoe for the dog. Hot asphalt or concrete in summer, as well as walking on an icy area, can cause serious abrasion burns .
Burns on pads due to high temperatures
In summer, hot asphalt can reach extreme temperatures, causing severe burns to the paw pads . Avoid walking your dog during the hottest hours and opt for shaded areas or gardens. You should also be careful with the sand on the beach . To do this, check the temperature yourself to see if it burns too much before exposing your dog.
Frostbite on pads
Walking on icy surfaces can cause abrasions and burns due to extreme cold. Exposure to cold and wet snow can cause burns on dogs’ paw pads, as well as chafing and cracking. In these cases, the use of paw pad protectors is often recommended.
If your dog has a minor burn from any of these causes , keep his paws moisturized and apply a healing cream . It is best to visit the vet so he can recommend an antibiotic cream and, if necessary, put a bandage on the burn to protect it.
Pads damaged by erosion
Constant rubbing and wear and tear from walking on hard floors or doing a lot of exercise can lead to erosion of the pads. On the other hand, lack of activity can also cause the skin on the pads to become softer and more vulnerable . It is important to maintain a proper balance of activity to prevent both wear and weakening of the pads.
Tips for daily care of pads
Here are a few tips for daily care of your dog’s paw pads:
- Using pad protectors and moisturizers : Irritations and cracks in the pads can be prevented by the regular application of moisturizing creams and pad protectors for dogs. These products help keep the skin elastic and resistant to cracking.
- void dangerous surfaces : Avoid walking your dog on hot asphalt, sand, rough rocks, and icy surfaces. These terrains can cause burns, cuts, or abrasions on the paw pads.
- Keep your exercise balanced : Neither excessive exercise nor a sedentary lifestyle is beneficial. It is vital to toughen up the pads by gradually exposing them to different surfaces. Alternate walks between asphalt, sand, rock and grassy areas so that the pads get used to different types of terrain.
- Importance of Hydration : Hydration not only affects your dog’s internal health, but also the condition of his paw pads. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain the elasticity and health of the skin.
- Grooming : Keeping the hair between the toes well trimmed is essential to avoid knots and deformities that can affect the way your dog walks. In addition, proper nail trimming is essential to ensure that your dog walks correctly and does not negatively affect its joints. We leave you an article in which we explain step by step how to cut your dog’s nails correctly .
How to protect dogs’ paw pads?
Dogs’ paw pads are vital to their daily mobility, but they’re also susceptible to damage from extreme weather conditions. Here’s how to protect your dog’s paw pads from both heat and cold:
Protect pads from heat
- Avoid hot asphalt : These surfaces can reach temperatures that would burn your own hands or feet, so they’re sure to burn your dog’s paw pads, too.
- Appropriate times for walking : Schedule walks for early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are lower.
- Use paw protectors : Consider using dog boots designed to protect their paws from the heat of the ground.
- Hydration and frequent breaks : Make sure your dog is well hydrated and takes frequent breaks in the shade to avoid overheating.
For more tips on how to protect your dog from the sun and heat , we invite you to visit our detailed post on this topic.
Protect the pads from the cold
- Boots for the cold : As with heat, there are boots specifically designed to protect dogs’ paws in cold conditions.
- Avoid icy surfaces : Like hot surfaces, frost can cause damage such as cracks and abrasions on the pads.
- Protective Creams : Before heading out on cold days, you can apply a protective cream designed to protect your pads from the drying effects of cold and road salt.
- Cleaning after walks : Always clean your dog’s paws after a walk in the snow or on salt-treated surfaces. This not only removes irritants and chemicals, but also prevents your dog from ingesting these substances by licking his paws.
For more tips on how to care for your dog during the colder months, check out our post on “ tips for protecting your dog from the cold .”
How to heal a dog’s paw pads?
Dogs’ paw pads can be easily injured, so it’s essential to know how to properly treat them to facilitate quick healing and prevent infection . Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to heal your dog’s paw pads:
- Wash the wound with warm water and soap , removing any dirt, sand granules or pebbles.
- You can use betadine, chlorhexidine or warm water with salt to disinfect the area with the help of a gauze.
- Apply a healing ointment or cream and protect the wound until it heals.
- If necessary, you can bandage the wound so that nothing interferes with healing as the paw remains in constant contact with the ground. Change the bandage 2-3 times a day and repeat the dressing each time.
- If your dog has a lot of hair around the pads, trim it to facilitate healing and prevent infection.
My dog licks his paw pads a lot
If you notice your dog licking his paw pads a lot, this can be indicative of several problems that require attention.
- Checking the pads : Inspect your dog’s pads for signs of irritation, sores, foreign bodies such as thorns or pebbles, or even infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Possible allergies : Excessive licking may be a reaction to environmental allergies or food allergies and intolerances that cause itchy skin. Consider whether the symptoms coincide with a change in season that may increase exposure to allergens such as pollen, or after the introduction of new foods.
- Dryness or cracks : Dry, cracked pads may cause your dog to lick themselves in an attempt to relieve the irritation.
- Stress or boredom : Licking can also be a compulsive behavior that stems from stress or boredom. Make sure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. And don’t miss our post on the causes and how to treat stress in dogs .
- Parasites or fungal diseases : Excessive licking can be a symptom of problems caused by parasites. We invite you to visit our guide to deworming an adult dog correctly .
