Why are my dog’s paw pads cracked after walking on hot pavement?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Hot pavement can dry out and damage your dog’s paw pads, so cracks after a walk are often caused by heat, friction or simple dryness. The pads may also be already a bit rough or vulnerable, which makes them more likely to split on a warm surface. It’s sensible to check them closely, but this doesn’t automatically mean anything serious.

Things To Check

1. Look at whether the cracking appeared after a walk on hot ground, rough tarmac or a long outing.

2. Check for redness, swelling, bleeding, limping or any sign your dog is avoiding putting weight on the paw.

3. Feel the pads gently for heat, soreness or areas that seem thicker, very dry or split.

4. Look between the toes for debris, grit, a small stone, a thorn or signs of irritation.

5. Check whether all paws are affected or just one, as that can give you a clue about surface contact or a single injured pad.

6. Think about recent changes such as more exercise, longer walks, new routes or walking at the hottest part of the day.

7. Notice whether your dog is licking or chewing the paws more than usual, which can make cracking look worse.

Common Causes

The most common reason is heat and friction from hot pavement, especially on longer walks or after repeated exposure. Dry weather and naturally dry pads can also make the skin less flexible, so it’s more likely to crack.

Minor rubbing from rough surfaces, salt, grit or small bits of debris can contribute too. Less commonly, ongoing licking, skin irritation or an underlying paw problem can leave the pads more prone to splitting.

What To Do

Let your dog rest from hot surfaces for a day or two if the pads look sore or split. Keep walks shorter and choose cooler ground where possible, especially at peak heat. If you can’t comfortably hold the back of your hand to the pavement for several seconds, it’s usually too hot for paws.

Gently rinse away grit with lukewarm water after walks and pat the paws dry. Avoid trimming the pads or picking at loose skin. If the cracking is mild, keep an eye on whether it improves with reduced heat exposure and shorter walks.

If your dog seems comfortable, you can also build in better paw checks after exercise so you spot changes early. A calm, consistent paw-care routine is often enough for mild, surface-related cracking.

Products That May Help

For owners managing routine paw care, the right cleaning and grooming products can make it easier to keep paws clean, dry and comfortable after walks.

Pet Care

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