Cracked Dog Paws: How to Soothe and Treat Cracked Paws

Cracked dog paws refer to an injured, split or worn paw pad. (The paw pad is a trio of fatty tissue and fibers located on the underside of a dog’s feet). A thick layer of a dog’s skin covers a dog’s pads, which helps protect them from rough surfaces and cold weather while also absorbing stress and pressure during movement. Over time, a variety of external conditions, as well as several dog health problems, may cause a cracked paw pad, which can be painful for your pet.

According to the American Kennel Club, certain dog breeds, such as beagles, poodles, West Highland terriers, and bichon frise, are more likely to develop cracked paw pads. Fortunately, dog owners have many options for paw care, including home remedies and over-the-counter treatments.

A number of different factors cause dogs’ paws to crack. They include:

• Allergies: Seasonal allergies, as well as allergies to certain types of food, might leave dogs with itchy feet, which dogs attempt to soothe through excessive licking or biting. When a dog licks its feet too much, it often experiences red, irritated, or cracked paws.
• Climates: Hot and cold temperatures are among the frequent causes of cracked dog pads. The American Humane Society notes that cold weather and exposure to salt and deicing chemicals often leave dogs with cracked, dry paws. Hot pavement during summer months can also result in paw dryness and even blisters.
• Contact irritation: Your dog’s feet come in contact with any number of possible irritants in your home or around your neighborhood that cause cracked dog paws. Harsh chemicals used to clean floors, lawn fertilizer, and plants such as burr chervil or foxtail, all present hazards for dogs’ paws.
• Health issues: Limping, excessive licking, and dryness also indicate that the cause of your dog’s cracked paws may be a health issue. Wounds on a dog’s paw that won’t heal may be a sign of liver disease, while cracked or swollen paws may indicate an autoimmune disease or hormonal conditions like Cushing’s disease. Skin conditions, such as hyperkeratosis, which results in thickened paw pads in senior dogs, are also common health problems related to dogs’ paws.
• Nutrition: Cracked and crusty dog paws may also indicate a lack of certain nutrients in a dog’s diet. It’s one of the key symptoms of a zinc deficiency, along with shedding and gastrointestinal problems. Supplements with omega-3 fatty acids often correct nutrition-related problems, but always check your prescribed by your doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) first before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.

There are a number of treatment options to soothe cracked dog paws. Among them are:

• Skincare remedies: Many skincare items you have in your house are also useful for treating cracked dog paws. Shea butter and Vitamin E lotion moisturize and soothe cracked, dry, and blistered dog paw pads. Be sure that these products are all-natural and have no chemical ingredients or artificial scents.
• Oils and waxes: Beeswax, olive oil, and coconut oil also offer effective, all-natural paw protection for cracked paw pads. All three also contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory elements that keep pads healthy and free of infection.
• Paw balms: Apply paw balms to your dog’s paw pads to treat dry or cracked skin or after long walks. Paw balms not only soothe dog paws but form a protective layer over the paw pads to prevent further exposure and damage. There are many all-natural brands of paw balms available to pet parents.

Treat cracked dog paws by following these step-by-step instructions:

1. 1. Wash the paws. Use warm water and dog-friendly soap. Rinse away any residue or visible irritants, and dry with a soft towel.
2. 2. Treat the cracked paws. Apply a soothing agent—such as a dog-safe moisturizer, oils, and paw balm—to the affected areas on the dog’s paws. If wounds are visible, treat with an antibacterial product as well. Ask your DVM for the best antibacterial treatments for dogs.
3. 3. Wrap or cover the paws. Seal in the soothing treatment by gently wrapping gauze around the affected paws, or covering them with a soft sock. Prevent your dog from chewing on the gauze or socks, and check the treatment regularly to ensure that the wounds are healing.

Here are a few ways to prevent dry paw pads:

• Dog boots: Keep paws protected from hot pavements and icy streets with dog booties. Your pup may not take immediately to boots, but regular practice and positive reinforcement with rewards will help acclimate them to their new footwear and keep their paws safe. Paw wax is an easy-to-apply alternative to dog boots.
• Grooming: Keep the fur around your dog’s toes and between the paw pads short through regular grooming. Trimming the fur allows you to easily inspect your dog’s paw for irritants while also preventing the build-up of matted hair, which can be painful to untangle, and keeps their paws free from ice or debris from the sidewalk.
• Safety: Keep walks brief on very cold days, and steer your pet onto grass and off hot pavement in warmer weather. Avoid areas with visible debris, which may contain glass shards or sharp rocks, or patches of heavy weed growth.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.