Why Are My Dog's Paws Dry and Cracked?
This is something that comes up quite a lot, and there are a few different reasons why.
You may not know that the skin on your dog’s paws is very different to the skin on the rest of their body. It is much thicker and more keratinised, plus it has a thick layer of fatty tissue underneath which helps with shock absorption and insulation.
This is what allows dogs to walk on all sorts of surfaces and cope better with very cold ground, although they can still be affected by more extreme temperatures.
Their paws also play a small role in cooling. Dogs have sweat glands in their paw pads, so they do sweat through them (but not through any other part of the body), but this works alongside panting, which is still their main way of regulating temperature.
In a nutshell, the paw pads are designed to deal with a lot, but they are not invincible.
What your dog’s paws go through day to day
Your dog’s paws deal with more than we often think about.
They are walking on pavements, rough ground, sand and mud. In warmer weather, they may be on hot surfaces. In winter, they are dealing with frozen ground, grit and salt on the roads.
Then there is the constant cycle of getting wet and drying out again.
All of that can take its toll and is often a big reason why paws become dry or start to crack.
Why your dog’s paws may be dry or cracking
Sometimes it is environmental, as above. Temperature, surfaces and general wear and tear all play a part.
Other times it might be down to damage. I have seen dogs skid on rough ground when chasing a ball and end up with grazed, sore paws. It is more common than people might realise. A change of walking area is a big one too - especially for dogs who are used to field walks and then perhaps go on holiday to an area where the terrain is different or are out and about more frequently.
When we first acquired one of our dogs as a rescue many years ago, she found the transition to pebble beaches really quite tough initially, whereas my spaniels had been bombing around on them for years and the difference between them was quite astounding until Willow got used to it.
Irritation from allergies is another big one. Some dogs are quite prone to paw allergies, this may be down to diet, seasonal or other reasons, which makes them lick and chew. That then makes the skin sore and can lead to cracking.
There can be underlying factors that are not quite as clear. Things like thickened skin on the pads or other health related issues can contribute. I am not a vet, so it is not for me to say what might be causing it in those cases, but it is worth bearing it in mind. Examples I have seen include Split Pad Disease which is thankfully rare, and hyperkeratosis, where the skin becomes thickened and crusty.
From my time dog grooming, there never really seemed to be a clear pattern in the dogs that suffer with paw problems. It was not a case of certain breeds or sizes of dog being more prone than others.
I think it is a bit like us. Some dogs are just more sensitive than others. I have got skin like a rhino and can put my hands and feet through anything, but other people are completely different. They are more reactive and more prone to irritation. Others sail through life with no problems at all. You will know your dog best.
My own collie is a bit of a drama queen when it comes to her paws. If she stands on anything slightly uncomfortable, she is limping for a few steps just to make sure I know about it. My old spaniels were the complete opposite. They had to practically have a hole in their paw before I noticed anything was wrong.
When to take a closer look at your dog’s paws
It is worth keeping an eye on your dog’s paws, especially if they are prone to issues.
Things like licking, chewing, cracks, redness or thickened skin are all signs to pay attention.
If you are seeing deep cracks, bleeding, limping, or anything that does not seem quite right, it is always best to get it checked by a vet or if you have any concerns at all. Some allergies may also need additional support, constant chewing and paw nibbling is not normal behavior. For minor issues however take a look at my Herbal Soothing Salve.
How to treat your dog’s dry and cracked paws
If it is mild dryness, there are a few simple things that can help.
Rinsing your dog’s paws after walks in winter to remove salt and grit can make a difference. Making sure they are properly dried afterwards is just as important.
In terms of products, this is where a paw balm can be really useful.
In my experience, applying a balm a couple of times a day is a good place to start. If you need some advice on how to apply it without your dog licking it straight off, I have covered that in another blog which you can take a look at here.
What to put on a dog’s dry or cracked paws?
A frequently asked question and my answer will always be that a purpose made balm is a better option than something like Vaseline.
Vaseline works by sitting on the surface and acting as a barrier, but it does not really do anything for the skin underneath. A balm is designed to do more than that.
Most well made balms combine a few different types of ingredients, and each one is there for a reason. There will usually be a liquid oil which soaks into the paw pad and helps soften and support the skin. There will be a butter, such as shea butter, which is thicker, nourishing and soothing. And there will also be a wax, which creates a protective layer and helps seal in moisture while protecting against the elements as well as giving the balm structure.
My paw balm is a really simple product, but each part of it is there for a reason, as described above, plus you may find some extra additives. In mine, for example, there is hemp oil, which is high in omega 3 and helps support skin health.
So rather than just coating the paw, you are helping to care for it properly and protect it at the same time.
If your dog's paws need a little TLC you can grab a tin of my nose and paw balm here and use code TRY10 at the checkout for 10% off too.
If you want to read more
If you want to look into this in a bit more detail, it is worth reading up on
- Dog paw pad structure and function
- How dogs regulate temperature
- General paw care advice from veterinary sources
Good places to start are veterinary resources such as the Royal Veterinary College, VCA Animal Hospitals or the Merck Veterinary Manual.