Cracked Dog Paws: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies

Keep your pup’s pads soft and protected with trusted home remedies and expert advice.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Keep your pup’s pads soft and protected with trusted home remedies and expert advice.

Cracked and dry dog paws are a common, yet often overlooked, concern for many pet owners. Paw pad damage can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection if left untreated. Understanding why dog paws crack, how to treat them safely, and what preventive measures to implement is essential for ensuring your pup’s comfort and well-being.

Understanding Cracked Dog Paws

A dog’s paw pads are tough, resilient, and built to withstand various surfacesâyet, they are not invincible. When the protective layer of the paw pad becomes compromised, your dog may experience dryness, cracks, or even bleeding.

Cracked paws can signal underlying health problems or simply result from exposure to environmental irritants. Regular paw inspections should be an integral part of your dog’s grooming routine to catch issues early.

Main Causes of Cracked Dog Paws

Several factors can contribute to cracked dog paw pads. The most common causes include:

Exposure to Harsh Chemicals: Ice melt, fertilizers, pesticides, and household cleaning agents may irritate the paw pads, leading to dryness and cracking.
Extreme Weather: Walking on hot pavement or rough terrain in summer can cause burns and cracks. Cold winter conditions may result in dryness and fissures.
Wear and Tear: Frequent walks on rocky, rough surfaces or excessive activity can stress the paw pads, eventually causing damage.
Allergies: Food, environmental, or contact allergies cause dogs to lick, chew, and bite their feet, exacerbating paw pad damage.
Underlying Medical Issues: Conditions like hyperkeratosis (overgrowth of keratin), autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances (e.g., Cushingâs disease, hypothyroidism), and nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency, may manifest as chronic paw cracking.
Localized Infections and Injuries: Splinters, cuts, or the build-up of dirt and debris can create minor wounds that lead to infection and cracks.

Cause Comparison Table

Cause	Symptoms	Common Triggers
Harsh Chemicals	Redness, cracks, licking	Ice melt, cleaners, pesticides
Extreme Weather	Dryness, burns, cracking	Hot pavement, freezing conditions
Wear & Tear	Callouses, splitting, soreness	Long walks, hiking, rocky terrain
Allergies	Itchiness, inflammation, secondary infection	Pollen, food, contact irritants
Medical Conditions	Persistent cracking, thickened pads, slow healing	Hyperkeratosis, hormonal imbalance
Nutritional Deficiencies	Cracks, lethargy, poor growth	Lack of zinc, other diet issues

Symptoms and When to Worry

Cracked paws can range from superficial dryness to deep fissures and open wounds. Watch for these signs:

Dry, flaky skin on the pads
Visible cracks or splits
Bleeding or scabs
Limping or reluctance to walk
Frequent licking, chewing, or biting the paws
Swelling or redness

If you observe deep cracks, bleeding, or signs of infection (such as pus or severe inflammation), consult your veterinarian immediately as these could indicate a more serious problem or require prescription treatment.

Daily Paw Care Routine

Proactive daily care is key to keeping your dog’s paws healthy. Consider the following steps:

Inspect paws daily: Look for cracks, redness, foreign objects, or signs of injury.
Clean paw pads: Use a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap (antibacterial is best), then dry thoroughly.
Moisturize: Apply a dog-safe paw balm or coconut oil to keep pads soft and hydrated.
Trim fur and nails: Prevent debris accumulation and injury by keeping paw fur and nails trimmed.
Check after walks: Clean and inspect paws especially after exposure to rough terrain, chemicals, salt, or extreme temperatures.
Avoid harsh surfaces: Opt for grassy or shaded routes during hot or icy weather.

Treatment Options for Cracked Dog Paws

The right treatment depends on the severity and cause of the cracks:

Mild Cracks: Clean the paws, pat dry, and apply an emollient like petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or specially formulated paw balm.
Paw Wax: Protects and moisturizes pads, especially before walks in harsh weather.
Bandages: For deeper cracks, use paw pad bandages to prevent licking and further injury.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Oral supplements can improve skin health and reduce inflammation due to allergies.
Veterinary Care: Severe or infected cracks require vet attention. Your vet may prescribe topical treatments, antibiotics, or recommend additional testing for underlying health issues.

Natural Remedies

Homemade Paw Balm: Combine beeswax and coconut oil for a dog-safe balm.
Coconut oil: Apply directly to cracked pads for soothing and moisturizing effect.
Avoid human lotions: Many contain chemicals unsafe for pets.

Always ensure homemade remedies are safe and vet-approved, especially if your dog is at risk for allergies or other sensitivities.

When Is Veterinary Care Necessary?

Persistent or severe cracking that doesnât respond to home treatment
Bleeding, infection, or open wounds
Signs of limping, pain, or inability to bear weight
Unusual thickening or “hair” growth on pads, indicating hyperkeratosis
Multiple symptoms indicating underlying disease (lethargy, poor coat, skin lesions)

A veterinarian may order tests for autoimmune, endocrine, or liver disease, and recommend appropriate medical intervention. They may also perform a biopsy in rare cases to confirm diagnoses like hyperkeratosis or autoimmune skin disorders.

Prevention Tips for Happy, Healthy Paws

Preventing cracked paws is more effective than treating them after damage occurs. Hereâs how you can protect your dogâs paws year-round:

Protect from harsh terrain: Avoid walking on hot pavement, ice, or sharp rocky trails; use booties in extreme conditions.
Moisturize regularly: Daily application of a paw balm keeps pads soft and resilient.
Proper nutrition: Ensure your dogâs diet includes balanced vitamins and minerals, particularly zinc.
Regular grooming: Trim paw fur and nails; clean pads after outdoor play.
Avoid irritants: Rinse paws after walks on treated sidewalks or lawns.
Monitor allergies: Work with your vet to manage food and environmental allergies; consider hypoallergenic wipes.

Paw Care Dos and Donâts

Do: Examine paws regularly, keep them clean, and moisturize.
Donât: Use human lotion or creams unless directed by your vet.
Do: Seek veterinary help for severe or persistent cracks.
Donât: Ignore signs of pain, infection, or lameness.

Advanced Medical Causes: Hyperkeratosis and More

Some chronic diseases lead to cracked, painful paw pads:

Hyperkeratosis: Thickened, calloused pads with abnormal keratin build-up; common in senior dogs or those with immune or metabolic disorders.
Cushingâs Disease and Hypothyroidism: Hormonal imbalances resulting in dryness, scaling, and cracking.
Liver and Autoimmune Diseases: These may require biopsy for diagnosis and can present as non-healing paw injuries.

If you suspect your dog has an underlying condition, early diagnosis is critical. Treatment may involve ongoing management and medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Seasonal Paw Care: Adjusting Your Routine

Winter: Rinse off ice melt and salts after every walk; moisturize well.
Summer: Avoid walking on hot surfaces; walk early or late to prevent burns.
Rainy/Fall: Clean paws to prevent mud build-up and fungal infections.

Booties may be a good preventive solution for dogs living in climates with frequent extremes, and regular cleaning helps maintain pad health regardless of season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What home remedy soothes and heals cracked dog paws?

A: Coconut oil and homemade paw balm (beeswax and coconut oil) can help moisturize and repair mild cracks. Always check with your vet before trying new remedies.

Q: How often should I clean my dogâs paws?

A: Daily if your dog walks on harsh surfaces or in extreme weather, and always after exposure to chemicals or mud.

Q: Can cracked paw pads heal without treatment?

A: Minor cracks may heal on their own with regular cleaning and moisturizing, but deeper or persistent cracks require veterinary care to prevent infection.

Q: Are some breeds more prone to cracked paws?

A: Yes. Senior dogs, breeds prone to allergies, and active working or sporting dogs that spend more time outdoors may be more susceptible.

Q: Is it safe to walk my dog if their paw pads are cracked?

A: Avoid strenuous walks on harsh terrain until the pads heal. If necessary, use protective booties and consult your vet for advice.

Final Thoughts: Caring for Your Dogâs Paws

Cracked dog paws are uncomfortable and, if neglected, can lead to infections and more serious complications. Routine inspection, daily cleaning, regular moisturizing, and prompt attention to injuries can help keep paws healthy. If you notice persistent, severe, or recurrent cracking, consult your veterinarian for advanced diagnostics and targeted treatment. With a simple, consistent care routine, your dogâs paws can stay comfortable, strong, and ready for adventureâevery single day.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman