Why are my dog’s paw pads peeling and cracking? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Dog paw pads can peel or crack for several reasons, and it’s often linked to dryness, wear and tear, or irritation from surfaces and weather. Sometimes it’s just mild surface damage, but it can also happen alongside skin issues, allergies, infection or a foreign body, so it’s worth checking the paws properly.
Things To Check
1. Check when you first noticed the peeling or cracking and whether it follows a walk, run, grooming session or time outdoors.
2. Look for redness, swelling, heat, bleeding, discharge, scabs or a bad smell around the pads or between the toes.
3. Check whether your dog is licking, chewing, favouring the paw or showing signs of soreness on hard floors.
4. Inspect for grit, small stones, grass seeds, thorns or anything else stuck in the paw.
5. Think about recent changes in weather, such as hot pavements, icy ground, salt, mud or very dry conditions.
6. Consider whether the problem is on one paw or several, as that can sometimes give a useful clue about the cause.
7. Check whether your dog has also had itchy skin, ear trouble or other signs that could suggest a wider skin issue.
Common Causes
The most common reason is simple wear and dryness, especially after lots of walking, running on rough ground, or exposure to hot, cold or salted surfaces.
Irritation from mud, cleaning products, shampoo residue or repeated licking can also leave the pads dry and flaky.
Less often, peeling and cracking may be linked to allergies, infection, a foreign body, or a skin condition affecting the paws.
What To Do
Wash the paws gently with lukewarm water if they’re dirty, then dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
Reduce exposure to rough, very hot, frozen or salted surfaces where you can, and keep an eye on whether the cracking settles with gentler conditions.
Try to stop repeated licking or chewing, because that can make the pads more sore and delay healing.
Keep a brief note of which paws are affected, what they look like and whether it’s getting better or worse over a few days.
If the cracking is mild, clean and dry, and your dog is otherwise comfortable, careful monitoring is often a sensible first step.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the pads are deeply cracked, bleeding, swollen, very painful, or if your dog is limping, licking constantly, or seems unwell. You should also get advice if the problem keeps coming back or doesn’t improve with simple home care.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s paws need regular washing or gentle grooming as part of day-to-day care, this collection may be useful for keeping that routine simple and comfortable.
Related Questions
Why is my dog licking its paws so much?
How do I clean my dog’s paws after a walk?
Can hot pavements damage dog paw pads?
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.