Caring for dog paws

One important detail in basic dog wellness is paw care. The parts of a dog's paw that require attention include the pads, paw hair, nails, and nail beds.

Pads

Pads are thick tissue on the bottom of a dog's paw. Typically, pads are black, but some puppies may have cute pink pads, which usually darken as the pads thicken over time. Healthy pads are flexible, soft, and resilient, without sores or cracks.

Pads function like shock absorbers. They cushion and reduce stress on the dog's joints, which helps prevent joint problems. Pads are crucial for a dog’s balance and movement on various surfaces. They prevent slipping and protect the dog from physical injuries, such as muscle strains from slipping. Pads are made up of connective and fatty tissues. Fatty tissue provides insulation, helping regulate the temperature of the paws, such as against the cold.

Nails and Nail Beds

Dog nails are made of keratin, the same substance as human nails. Regular trimming of dog nails is important because overgrown nails are uncomfortable and can even be painful. In the worst cases, they can twist the paw into an abnormal position or grow into a "hook" that presses against the pad, causing painful wounds. Keeping nails short also withstands normal wear better and reduces the risk of chipping, which can damage the nail's outer layer.

TIP! For more details on nail trimming, we have written a detailed guide HERE >

Basic Paw Care

Preventing problems is easier than treating them. Therefore, keeping the paws clean and inspecting them regularly is important. It is crucial to ensure that the dog does not walk on hot surfaces like summer asphalt, as this can cause severe burns. If a surface is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for the dog's pads. Avoid walking on chemicals, as substances like road salt or de-icers can be harmful to paw health, causing severe irritation and dryness.

Keeping paw hair short supports the overall condition of the pads. Long hair can become tangled, restricting normal movement of the toes. Long hair and tangles can also rub the skin, making it susceptible to various infections. Additionally, long hair is a great way to collect dirt, snow, and moisture, which poses health risks to the dog and increases cleaning needs at home. Paw hair can be trimmed best with rounded-tip dog grooming scissors or a suitably small grooming machine.

Dryness of Paws

A common issue is dryness of the paws. Quick relief can be achieved by applying moisturizer. There are numerous paw balms on the market, we warmly recommend FINNERO Betula birch salve, which can be a great help with many problems.
Paw balm is an essential supply for dogs and should be available at home, whether it is summer or winter.
Moisturizing helps, but the cause of the dryness should be identified. Perhaps the season is particularly demanding for the paws? For example, during winter months, frost and dry indoor air can cause paw dryness. Alternatively, the cause might be related to diet and a lack of fatty acids. In this case, it is good to check the dog’s diet and, if necessary, provide supplements like fish oil, which contains important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for the general condition of the pads.

If Problems Arise

Despite best efforts, paw problems can still occur. Common paw health issues include wounds, cracks, and various infections. Wounds can occur if the dog walks on sharp stones or other challenging surfaces. First aid involves cleaning the wound with a pet-safe antiseptic. It is good to use a protective boot while the area heals. If the wound bleeds heavily, veterinary attention is needed, and follow-up care should be done according to the veterinarian's instructions.

Infections

Dog paws can develop various infections due to several reasons. Infections can be triggered by poorly managed wounds, food allergies, structural defects, improper posture, certain diseases, fungal infections, and mange. A relatively common issue, especially in heavy-set dogs, is called "false pad", which can be exacerbated by overweight and/or incorrect paw posture. A false pad forms when the pad and the hairy part of the paw both touch the ground. The skin of the hairy part thickens, the hair wears away, and the skin starts to resemble a pad—hence the name false pad. Despite its appearance, the skin of a false pad still has hair follicles that secrete sebum and sweat. When these cannot be expelled, the situation can develop into an inflammatory reaction called furunculosis, which always requires veterinary evaluation.

Boots as a Great Help

One way to ensure paw well-being is to use proper dog boots. Dog boots are becoming increasingly popular among dog owners due to their many benefits.

One of the main purposes of dog boots is to protect the pads from extreme weather conditions. During winter, paws can suffer from frostbite if the pads are not protected from snow and ice. Boots also prevent snow from packing between the pads.
Similarly, in hot weather, dogs can burn their paws on hot asphalt and sand. Boots provide insulation and protect paws from heat.
Dog boots also protect dogs from rough terrain. Dogs love to explore and run, but rough surfaces like gravel and rocks can cause injuries to their paws. Boots with durable soles offer protection against cuts and abrasions.
Some dogs may be sensitive to walking on certain surfaces or in unfamiliar environments. Boots can provide a sense of security, reducing anxiety.
Additionally, boots can improve hygiene and cleanliness. They prevent dirt from being carried into the home, reducing cleaning needs.
Most importantly, boots can protect paws from bacteria and infections, maintaining paw health. Cleanliness is particularly important if the dog has wounds or other issues on its paws.

Various types of dog boots are available, each designed for specific purposes. You can explore FINNERON's boot selection HERE >

Frequently Asked Questions – Dog Paw Care

How often should I check my dog's paws?

Your dog's paws should be checked regularly, ideally every day, especially if your dog is active outdoors. Check the paw pads, nails, paw hair, and look for cuts, cracks, or foreign objects.

Why do dogs' paw pads become dry?

Dry paw pads can be caused by cold weather, dry indoor air, hot pavement, road salt, or insufficient intake of essential fatty acids. Regular use of a paw balm may help keep the pads moisturized.

When should I use paw balm on my dog's paws?

Paw balm is especially useful when the paw pads feel dry, rough, or start developing cracks. It can be used year-round, but is particularly beneficial during winter and dry summer conditions.

Should paw hair be trimmed?

Yes. Long hair between the paw pads can collect dirt, moisture, snow, and ice, and may become tangled. Keeping the hair trimmed helps maintain paw hygiene and reduces the risk of skin irritation.

Can hot pavement damage a dog's paws?

Yes. Hot pavement, sand, and other heated surfaces can cause painful burns to a dog's paw pads. If the surface feels too hot for your hand, it is usually too hot for your dog's paws as well.

How does road salt affect a dog's paws?

Road salt can dry out and irritate the skin on the paws and may contribute to cracked paw pads. During winter, it is a good idea to rinse your dog's paws after walks and use protective boots or paw balm when needed.

When should I take my dog to the veterinarian for a paw problem?

You should contact a veterinarian if your dog has a deep wound, significant limping, swelling, discharge, persistent licking, or signs of infection. Long-lasting paw problems should also be professionally evaluated.

What are dog boots used for?

Dog boots help protect paws from hot pavement, snow, ice, road salt, gravel, and other rough surfaces. They can also provide protection for injured paws or healing wounds.

Do all dogs need boots?

Not necessarily. Many dogs do well without boots in normal conditions. However, boots can be particularly useful for active dogs and whenever weather or terrain places extra stress on the paws.

Can nutrition affect paw health?

Yes. Adequate intake of high-quality fatty acids helps support healthy skin, coat, and paw pads. If your dog's paws are constantly dry or the skin condition is poor, it may be worth reviewing the diet.