Why is my dog's paw pad peeling or flaking? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s paw pad is peeling or flaking, it’s often due to dryness, wear and tear, irritation or a minor surface injury. Sometimes it’s just temporary roughening, but if there’s redness, pain, limping or discharge, there may be more going on.
In many cases, you can check the paw at home first and look for clues in your dog’s routine, environment and activity level.
Things To Check
1. Check whether it’s one paw or several, as that can help show if it’s a local injury or a more general dryness issue.
2. Look closely for cuts, cracks, bleeding, redness, swelling, discharge, scabs or a bad smell.
3. Feel whether the pad is warmer than usual, which can suggest irritation or inflammation.
4. Think about recent walks, hot pavements, rough ground, sand, grit or icy conditions that may have worn the pad.
5. Check whether your dog has been licking, biting or chewing the paw more than usual.
6. Look between the toes for trapped grass seeds, small thorns, mud, debris or signs of soreness.
7. Consider whether the peeling started after a bath, shampoo, cleaning product or exposure to a new surface.
Common Causes
Dry skin and simple wear are common reasons for paw pads to flake, especially in active dogs or in very hot, cold or dry weather.
Minor abrasions or cracks from rough ground, long walks or repeated friction can also cause peeling.
Irritation from grass, cleaning products, road salt, shampoo or other environmental contact may lead to flaking, redness or licking.
Less commonly, paw changes can be linked to an infection, allergies, a foreign body, or a skin condition affecting the pads.
What To Do
Gently inspect the paw and remove any visible loose dirt or debris if your dog allows it.
Keep walks shorter for a few days if the pad looks sore or worn, and avoid hot pavements or rough terrain.
Rinse the paw with lukewarm water after muddy or gritty walks, then dry it carefully, including between the toes.
Try to stop licking or chewing if possible, because that can make peeling worse and delay healing.
Keep an eye on whether the area improves over a few days or whether it becomes more red, cracked or painful.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the paw pad is deeply cracked, bleeding, very painful, swollen, oozing, or if your dog is limping or keeping the paw off the ground. It’s also sensible to get advice if the problem keeps returning, involves several paws, or doesn’t start to settle with simple care.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s paws are getting dry, dirty or irritated, a gentle paw and coat care routine can be useful as part of day-to-day hygiene and monitoring.
Related Questions
Why does my dog keep licking one paw?
Should I wash my dog’s paws after walks?
When is a cracked dog paw pad an emergency?
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.