What should I check before deciding my dog’s paw pads are burnt? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Before deciding your dog’s paw pads are burnt, check whether the soreness only appears after hot ground, long walks, roadwork or other exposure. Paw pads can also look irritated for other reasons, including friction, rough surfaces, mud, trapped debris or contact with something irritating, so it’s worth looking closely rather than assuming heat damage straight away.
Things To Check
1. Check when the problem started and whether it follows a walk, run, beach trip, hot pavement or time on a rough surface.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, peeling, cracks, blisters, scabs, discharge or areas that seem tender to touch.
3. Compare both front paws and both back paws to see if one area is affected more than the others.
4. Check the spaces between the toes for grit, sticks, grass seeds or other bits that could be causing irritation.
5. Think about recent grooming, cleaning products, floor cleaners, salt, garden chemicals or new surfaces your dog may have walked on.
6. Notice whether your dog is licking, chewing, holding a paw up, slowing down or seeming reluctant to walk normally.
7. Feel the paw pads gently for unusual heat, but remember that warmth alone doesn’t confirm a burn.
Common Causes
The most common cause is contact irritation from hot ground, rough paths or repeated friction on hard surfaces. Mild cuts, grazes, trapped debris or cracked pads can look similar at first.
Sometimes the skin on the feet reacts to something your dog has walked through, such as a cleaner, salt, fertiliser or another irritant. Less commonly, an infection, allergy flare-up or another skin problem can make the pads look sore or inflamed.
What To Do
Move your dog onto a cool, clean surface and stop any activity that might be making the pads worse. Gently rinse away loose dirt with lukewarm water if needed, then dry the feet carefully.
Keep an eye on how your dog is walking, licking or reacting over the next day or so. Try to avoid hot pavements, rough ground and anything that seems to trigger the soreness until the pads look and feel more settled.
If the skin is only mildly irritated, practical rest and sensible surface management may be enough while you monitor closely. If things are not improving, or you’re unsure what caused it, a vet can help check whether there’s a more specific problem.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the pads are blistered, bleeding, very swollen, deeply cracked, or if your dog is clearly in pain, limping, or not wanting to put weight on the foot. It’s also sensible to call if the problem is spreading, smells bad, or hasn’t improved after a short period of rest and gentle home care.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s paws need regular washing or gentle routine care after walks, the Pet Care collection may be useful as part of that everyday maintenance.
Related Questions
How can I tell if my dog’s paw pads are just dry or actually damaged?
What should I do straight after my dog walks on hot pavement?
When does a sore paw need a vet check?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.