What should I check if my dog has cracked paw pads on both front paws?
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Overview
If your dog has cracked paw pads on both front paws, it’s worth checking for dryness, irritation, rough surfaces or something in the environment rubbing the paws. It’s often something you can start to manage at home, but there may be more than one cause, so a close look at the pads and your dog’s routine is the best place to begin.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the cracking is worse after walks, exercise, or time on certain surfaces such as hot pavements, gravel, salt, or rough paths.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, bleeding, discharge, scabs, heat, or a bad smell around the pads.
3. Compare both front paws and the back paws. If only the front paws are affected, think about where your dog puts most of their weight, what they walk on, and whether they scratch or drag their feet.
4. Check between the toes and around the nails for trapped debris, small cuts, foreign material, or signs of licking and chewing.
5. Consider whether recent changes could be involved, such as new shampoo, floor cleaner, lawn treatment, grooming products, or a different walking route.
6. Look at your dog’s overall skin. Cracked pads alongside itchiness, redness, or repeated licking can point to a wider skin irritation issue.
7. Notice whether your dog is sore on walks, limping, or avoiding certain ground surfaces, as that can help judge how uncomfortable the paws are.
Common Causes
The most common reason is simple dryness or wear from frequent contact with hard or rough ground. Pads can also crack if they’re exposed to hot, cold, salty, or chemically treated surfaces.
Some dogs develop irritation from licking, allergies, or contact with an irritant such as a cleaning product or lawn treatment. Less commonly, cracked pads can be linked with infection, a foreign body, or an underlying skin condition that needs a vet’s help to identify.
What To Do
Gently clean the paws with lukewarm water after walks if they’ve been on dusty, salty, muddy or gritty ground, then dry them well, especially between the toes.
Reduce exposure to rough or irritating surfaces for a few days if you can, and keep an eye on whether the cracking improves or keeps returning.
Try to stop your dog licking or chewing the paws if possible, as that can make cracks harder to settle. Keeping nails trimmed can also help reduce extra pressure on the pads.
If the pads are only mildly dry, regular monitoring and a calmer walking routine may be enough. If the cracking keeps coming back, worsens, or your dog seems painful, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice.
Products That May Help
Supportive paw care and gentle cleaning can be useful as part of a home routine, especially if your dog’s pads are getting dry or gritty after walks.
Related Questions
Why are my dog’s paw pads dry and cracked?
Can I walk my dog if their paw pads are cracked?
How do I clean my dog’s paws after walks?
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.