How to Moisturize & Protect Dry, Cracked Dog Paws

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Everything you need to know to prevent and treat dry paws
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Are you trying to get ahead of the rough weather to keep your dog’s paws safe? Wondering how you can treat dry or cracked paw pads? There are a variety of easy ways to keep your furry friend’s paws safe and moisturized. In this article, we’ll help you pick the right moisturizer for your needs and explain how to apply it. We’ve also got the best tips to help you keep your pup’s paws healthy all year long.

Good Moisturizers for Dog Paws

Use a non-toxic moisturizer like coconut oil, vitamin E cream, or paw balm a few times a week. Petroleum jelly is also a good option when used in moderation to protect paws during cold-weather walks. Rub a pea-sized amount into your dog's paw pads and between their toes until it’s absorbed.

Section 1 of 6:

Choosing a Moisturizer for Dog Paws

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  1. For a fast solution, grab some coconut oil to moisturize your dog’s paws. It’s natural and digestible if your pup starts licking their paws. [1] Plus, coconut oil is great for soothing irritation from a damaged paw. This is an easy way to go when you’re in a pinch and want to relieve dry paw pads.
  2. To make your own paw balm, melt 2 ounces (2 tbsp.) of olive oil, 2 ounces (2 tbsp.) of coconut oil, 1 ounce (1 tbsp.) of shea butter , and ½ ounce (4 tsp.) of beeswax in a small pan. [2] Stir thoroughly until it has a uniform texture, and let it cool off a bit. Pour the mixture into tins or tubes and let it cool. Voila! Organic DIY paw balm.
    • Use sunflower or sweet almond oil instead of olive oil if you prefer.
    • Store the balm at room temperature. It’s usually good for 1-2 years.
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  3. When it comes to repairing blistered, cracked, or dried-out paw pad skin, vitamin E cream is a great choice. Pick up a vitamin E cream designed specifically for dogs and apply it whenever you want your dog’s paws to heal while moisturizing. [3]
    • Use a vitamin E cream designed specifically for dogs. Any cream meant for people will be too strong for a dog’s sensitive paws.
  4. Paw balm is a protective and restorative solution formulated for canines. Think of it kind of like a human moisturizer but for dogs. You can pick one of these balms up at any pet store or order online. [4]
    • Use paw wax if you prefer. Paw wax and balm don’t tend to be dramatically different.
  5. Petroleum jelly helps to moisturize your dog’s paw pads while creating a protective barrier. This can be especially helpful in winter to keep snow, ice, and salt from getting between their toes. [5]
    • Petroleum jelly can make dogs sick if they eat too much. Only use as much as you need to spread a thin layer on your pup’s paws. For the average dog, this is only about a pea-sized amount.
    • Rub the product into your dog’s paw pads and between their toes before going outside. Then, wipe off their paws as soon as you come back in.
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Section 2 of 6:

Can you put lotion for humans on dog paws?

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  1. Lotions designed for human use may contain chemicals or other ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Since dogs have a habit of licking any product you put on their feet, it’s best to use products that are safe for them to consume. [6]
    • Your dog’s skin also has a different pH level than human skin, so the same ingredients will not be as effective for them. [7]
    • Moisturizer or lotion designed for people can also make a dog’s paw pads too soft, making them prone to injury.
Section 3 of 6:

Applying the Moisturizer to Your Dog’s Paws

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  1. To apply the moisturizer, simply work a pea-sized chunk of the oil or balm directly into the paw pads. Work the moisturizer in between your dog’s individual pads and toes. Continue massaging the oil or balm until there’s nothing left on the surface of the pads and skin. Repeat this process for each of your dog’s paws. [8]
    • If your dog goes immediately to lick the oil or balm off of their paws, distract your pup with treats or playtime for a few minutes.
  2. Dried-out paw pads may look chalky or feel dusty. There may even be physical cracks or blemishes. Grab your oil or balm and work it into your pup’s paws whenever you notice dry paw pads. Do this every day until their paw pads are restored and they feel firm but semi-smooth and uniform in color. [9]
    • It is possible to over-moisturize, but you don’t need to worry about that until the signs of dry paws are totally gone.
    • You can also tell if your dog’s paws are too dry if they lick them frequently.
  3. Your pup’s pads should be firm and callused enough to handle rough terrain but soft enough that they aren’t cracking or drying out entirely. Some dogs can go months without their paws needing to be moisturized. For a pup whose pads tend to dry out, you likely want to apply moisturizer a few times a week. [10]
    • Different breeds and energy levels require different levels of attention. A laid-back bulldog who takes calm strolls will likely need less moisturizing than a hyper border collie who runs miles daily.
  4. Cold ground, snow, and salt can dry your pup’s pads out and cause cracks. In the warmer months, hot pavement can scuff and irritate your dog’s paws. Before you go on your walks, work some paw balm or oil into each of your dog’s feet. [11] This will keep them from getting worn out or damaged on your walks.
    • Brush your pup’s paws off with a clean cloth if you go out in the snow or rain. The moisturizer may cause debris or dirt to stick to your dog’s paw pads.
  5. A dog’s paws are designed to be tough enough for the terrain. If you moisturize so often that your pup’s paw pads are super soft and malleable, they’ll be more likely to cut their paw pads on your walks. Many dogs (if not most) do not require daily moisturizing in normal circumstances. [12]
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Section 4 of 6:

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws

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  1. These two surfaces will keep your dog’s paws healthy. Concrete or pavement will help toughen your dog’s paw pads so they don’t get hurt easily, and it will help file your dog’s nails and keep them an appropriate length. Soft grass or dirt will give your dog’s paws a break (and give them time to use the bathroom and do some sniffing). Don’t overdo it on either surface for best results. [13]
    • Stay away from trash piles or loose asphalt. These surfaces can wedge all kinds of contaminants and junk in between your dog’s pads.
    • Keep an eye out for shattered glass on your walks—especially if you live in a city. It can be hard to see translucent glass on the ground, but it can seriously hurt your dog’s paws.
  2. You don’t need to get crazy here—just grab a clean cloth and give your furry friend’s paws a wipe. If they pick up something nasty on their walks, a quick wipe should dislodge it and remove the issue. This is a particularly good idea if your dog has allergies or they go walking in the snow or rain. [14]
    • You can use a little bit of water to remove any caked-on dirt or dust if you’d like.
  3. Take a few extra steps to care for your dog in winter. Slip dog booties on your pup to keep their paws warm and safe when it’s extremely cold out, which is an especially dangerous time for a dog’s paws. Find some cute dog booties with protective soles that fit your dog and throw them on before you trek out in the winter. [15]
    • Go slow the first few times you put booties on your dog. Many dogs get a little freaked out and confused when you put boots on them for the first time.
  4. Your dog’s paw fur shouldn’t stick out past the pads. Check your dog’s paws every few weeks to see if the fur has grown too far. When grooming your dog, use a small pair of scissors to trim the fur back when it gets too long. This prevents your dog’s fur from getting matted or knotted on long walks, which will cause irritation or damage to your dog’s paws over time. [16]
    • You can take your pup to a groomer if your dog doesn’t sit still for you to do this.
  5. If your dog is behaving strangely, limping, bleeding, or constantly licking its paws, take them to the vet. It can be difficult to heal a dog’s paw at home, but it will be exceptionally easy for a medical professional to solve the problem. [17]
    • Discoloration or visible damage is another sign that your dog needs medical attention.
    • If you ever need to perform first aid for your pup’s paw, flush it with cold water or use a cold compress to soothe symptoms and carry your dog to the vet.
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Section 5 of 6:

Symptoms of Dry & Cracked Dog Paws

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  1. One of the first signs that your dog’s paw pads need moisture is the presence of cracks. If left untreated, these cracks can get larger until they are fissures, or deep cracks, in the paw pad. These cracks are usually superficial. For more extensive damage, see your veterinarian to receive treatment or determine if there are underlying health issues. [18] Other signs that your dog’s paw pads need attention are:
    • Rough, dry patches
    • Redness
    • Inflammation/swelling
    • Discoloration on paw pads
    • Bleeding
    • Limping or holding a paw up (avoiding pressure)
    • Excessive licking or chewing of paws
    • Changes in behavior/lethargy
Section 6 of 6:

Causes of Dry & Cracked Dog Paws

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  1. A dog’s paw pads are tougher than the skin on the rest of their body, but they can still be affected by extreme heat and cold, chemicals, and especially rough terrain. Keep your pup’s paws safe from the elements with a paw balm or booties. [19]
    • Exposure to Chemicals: In the wintertime, road salt and other deicers can cause irritation, sores, and even blistering or infection. Plus, when your dog licks their paws they can ingest a toxic chemical. Wipe your dog's paws with warm water after walks to help prevent issues.
    • Extreme Weather: Extremely hot or cold days can be hard on your dog’s paws due to heating or cooling the surface they walk on. Boots are the best way to protect dog paws in extremely cold weather. For excessive heat, test the walking surface by placing your bare foot on it for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup. Try taking walks in the mornings and evenings or sticking to grassy areas.
    • Rough Terrain: Hiking with your best fuzzy buddy can be a lot of fun, but make sure you pay attention to the terrain. Too much walking on rough ground can cause tears in paw pads. Try booties or check their paws often.
    • Allergies: Dog have allergies, too. They can be allergic to something they come into contact with, breathe in, or eat. In many cases, their allergies can result in dry skin. Wiping and moisturizing your dog’s paws after walking can help with contact allergies, but if that doesn’t help, it might be time to visit your vet.
  2. Autoimmune and liver disease can cause issues with the paw pads, including cracks and fissures. [20] Nutritional or hormonal imbalances may also contribute to dry skin and paw pads. If you suspect your dog’s dry paw pads are due to a medical issue, it’s time to see your vet for treatment.
    • Hyperkeratosis is a genetic disorder inherited by some dogs that causes hair-like growths on their paw pads. This disorder can also cause painful fissures that lead to infection. [21]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I desensitize my dog to touch her paws?
    Beverly Ulbrich
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.
    Beverly Ulbrich
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Ultimately, you need to get your dog used to being touched on her paws. In nature, nobody grabs a dog's paws or touches their paw pads, so dogs aren't used to that type of motion. It can help to start touching your dog's paws when she's a young puppy, so she gets used to the feeling.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/ask-the-vet/coconut-oil-for-dogs
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-make-your-own-paw-balm-for-winter/
      3. ↑ https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/vitamin-e-for-is-good-for-dogs/
      4. ↑ https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/maintaining-and-protecting-your-dogs-paws-during-winter/
      5. ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/protect-your-dogs-paws-winter-weather
      6. ↑ https://www.newsweek.com/should-you-moisturize-your-pet-dog-dry-skin-1758903
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC227028/
      8. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/protect-dogs-paws-snow-ice-salt/
      1. ↑ https://betterpet.com/dry-dog-paws-home-remedies/
      2. ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/protect-your-dogs-paws-winter-weather
      3. ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/keeping-dogs-paws-healthy.html
      4. ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/keeping-dogs-paws-healthy.html
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips
      6. ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/protect-your-dogs-paws-winter-weather
      7. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-groom-your-dog-home
      8. ↑ https://www.foxla.com/news/vet-issues-summer-walk-warning-after-treating-dog-with-burned-off-paw-pads
      9. ↑ https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/dog-paw-cuts-and-scrapes-how-to-treat-a-paw-injury/
      10. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips
      11. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/canine-skin-autoimmune-diseases
      12. ↑ https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/top-5-causes-crusted-paw-dogs

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