What should I do if my dog has a cracked paw pad? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog has a cracked paw pad, start by checking how deep it is, whether it’s bleeding, and whether your dog is limping or licking it a lot. Small surface cracks are often related to dry skin, rough ground, or wear and tear, but more painful splits can sometimes need veterinary attention.

Try to keep the paw clean, dry and rested while you assess it. If the crack is deep, painful, or not improving, it’s sensible to speak to your vet.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the crack is shallow or deep, and whether the pad has split open.

2. Look for bleeding, swelling, redness, discharge, scabs or any obvious heat around the paw.

3. See if your dog is licking, chewing, holding the paw up, or limping.

4. Check for something trapped in the pad or between the toes, such as a thorn, grit or small stone.

5. Think about where the problem started, such as after a walk, on hot pavements, rough ground, icy surfaces or after a bath.

6. Compare the other paws to see if the pads look unusually dry, worn or cracked in more than one place.

7. Watch for signs your dog seems generally unwell, such as reduced appetite, tiredness or unusual discomfort.

Common Causes

The most common causes are dry, worn or irritated paw pads from weather, surface type, or regular abrasion. Cracks can also happen if the pad has been cut by a sharp object or if something has become stuck in the skin.

Less commonly, repeated licking, skin irritation, infection, or an underlying foot problem may make the pad more prone to splitting. In some cases, pads can crack because they’ve been exposed to heat, ice, salt, chemicals or very rough ground.

What To Do

Gently rinse the paw with lukewarm water if it’s dirty, then pat it dry. Keep your dog from licking the area as much as possible, and limit long walks or rough exercise until it settles.

Check the paw regularly for changes, especially if the crack was caused by a walk or a change in surface. If the area is just dry and mildly cracked, keeping the paw clean and reducing wear may help support recovery.

Try to avoid letting your dog walk on hot, icy or gritty surfaces until the pad looks more comfortable. If you’re unsure whether the crack is simple dryness or something more, your vet can advise on the next step.

Products That May Help

For routine paw care, gentle washing and regular grooming can help you keep an eye on the area and make it easier to clean away dirt after walks.

Pet Care

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