Why Are My Dog’s Paws Dry and Cracked?

Dog paw problems can be annoying for you and your dog. It’s difficult to know if they’re undergoing any pain or discomfort, and solving them may be a mystery to you. The last thing you want to do is put off addressing your dog’s dry, cracked, or sore paws.

We’re breaking down exactly what paw problems mean, what they say about your dog’s lifestyle, and what to do about them.

IS MY DOG IN PAIN?

Understanding the Severity of Your Dog’s Paw Problems

Unlike horses, dogs can feel pain through their paw pads. In fact, in some cases, these areas can be quite sensitive for them, especially if they have suffered damage in the past.

Paw pads are often an overlooked part of your dog. Without occasional observation, paw pads can tear, crack and hold rocks or debris.

When clipping your dog’s nails, be sure to also give their paw pads a check.

Dogs come in many different personalities. Some dogs are vocal when they’re in pain while others are silent. Some lash out and others resort to bad habits. Watching your dog’s body language, behaviour, lifestyle choices and more is the key to understanding if something is wrong with your dog.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Excessive paw licking
• Whining
• Changes in eating, drinking or sleep habits
• Changes in breathing patterns
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Yelping
• Frequently shifting posture
• Shaking
• Acting out
  • Getting into trash
  • Running away
  • Growling
  • Ignoring
  • Aggressive behaviour
  • Indifference to food or treats
  • Sensitivity to being touched
  • Refusal to go outside or walk
  • Hiding
  • Energy changes

One of these symptoms alone may not indicate something is wrong. However, the key is to watch for repetition, cause and combination with other symptoms.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY DOG’S PAWS?

Symptoms and Preventative Measures

Your dog’s paws may be:

• Dry
• Cracked
• Sore
• Rough
• Cut or scraped
• Debris-filled
• Stiff
• Sensitive

There are a few different causes for these various symptoms. Specifically when it comes to paws, watch to see how your dog moves and if your dog is constantly licking. Licking paws is a normal part of grooming, but excessive licking may be a sign something else is going on. Try to prevent your dog from over-licking or get to the source of their discomfort quickly, as too much moisture buildup can cause infections.

In some cases, paw problems are seasonal.

In the warmer months, your dog may be walking across hot pavement, which burns and dries out their paws. When walking your dog at this time of the year, ensure they are walking on grass, light surfaces, soft surfaces or cool surfaces. Blacktop pavement is a major culprit of paw burning. As mentioned earlier, paw pads are still sensitive like human feet. If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on a surface, your dog shouldn’t.

In the colder months, walking on ice, rain, chemicals, de-icing salts and snow can dry out your dog’s paws. These factors can lead to cracked paws. Take extra measures to keep your dog’s paws moisturised and looked after during these weather patterns.

In other cases, paw problems can be breed-dependent.

Greyhound puppies have finer paw pads and can be more susceptible to paw cracking.

Breeds from warmer climates tend to have paws sensitive to cold and icy conditions. These breeds include but are not limited to:

• Terriers
• Golden Retrievers
• Rhodesian Ridgebacks
• Dobermans
• Dalmatians
• Border Collies
• Vizslas
• Great Danes

And more.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Siberian Husky and other breeds can be particularly sensitive to cold or dry air. Accompanying signals will be a flaky or dry nose.

Dehydration, allergies and hard surfaces can also cause rough paws. To learn more about allergies and skin problems, see our related blog: Why is My Dog Constantly Scratching or Itchy?

WHAT TO DO ABOUT MY DOG’S DRY, CRACKED, OR SORE PAWS

Treatments, Solutions and Shopping Lists

A good checklist to refer to when dealing with dry or cracked paws:

• Diet
  • Is your dog getting all the nutrients it needs, especially fatty acids?
• Protective measures
  • Do I need to invest in booties or wraps for my dog’s paws?
• Hydration
• Balms
  • These products can prevent and soothe.
  • Check out our Dog Nose and Paw Balm, paraben free and natural.
• Cleaning
  • Wipe your dog’s paws down after walks
  • Watch what products you use during bathtime. Are you using soaps with synthetic ingredients or ingredients that irritate sensitive skin?
  • Watch for detergents your dog may be allergic to
• Maintenance
  • Are you keeping debris and infections out of your dog’s paws?
  • Are you regularly clipping their fur and nails?
  • Are you bathing them and checking their fur and skin?
• Other symptoms
  • Are dry or cracked paws coupled with other symptoms?
  • Have I discussed this with my veterinarian?
• Stop allowing licking

To quell many symptoms, our Dog Nose and Paw Balm is an inexpensive and efficient way to quickly help your dog. Don’t worry, it’s human-tested, made with natural ingredients and essential oils, sustainably made, and crafted for nose and paw discomfort.

To browse more goodies for your dog, take a look at our Dog Range. May you and your pooch enjoy happy, healthy paws!