Perhaps one of the most common causes of cracked paws is wear and tear.
Dog paw pads cracked peeling.
However a variety of factors including hot pavement wintery conditions chemicals dry air exposure to rough surfaces and excessive licking can cause dry cracked paw pads.
Additionally walking on hot pavement can cause paws to blister and rough rocky terrain can cause cuts in the pads.
Moisture is key in preventing dog paws from becoming dry and cracking.
Winter weather not so fun fact.
Inspecting paws should take place at the same time as grooming since the act of grooming includes brushing the fur around the toes and clipping the nails.
Your dog s paw pads may crack for several reasons depending on your environment and the type of activity he engages in.
You can even diy it at home.
Paw moisturizers are great for this type of scenario.
How to care for your dog s cracked and dry paws injuries.
Harsh chemicals like ice melt and floor cleaners can cause your dog s paws to become irritated and cracked says dr.
Dry paw pads in dogs are prone to cracking which can eventually lead to peeling paw pads in dogs in severe cases.
Reason 1 for peeling pads.
Be careful not to overdo it if your dog already has soft paw pads moisturizing them can make them more susceptible to tearing or ripping when they walk on rough surfaces.
A little bit of peeling is nothing to worry about it s part of a paw s normal wear.
Typically paw cracks are a result of contact irritation so paw checks after every walk are important.
There s no shortage of paw balm available in pet stores and online.
Inspection of dog paws.
To help dry paws that are cracking and peeling it s important to restore moisture and heal the cracks.
If your dog is limping or he is favoring one foot over the other it may be easy to spot an injury such as a.
Peeling can be due to minor chemical burns from walking on salt.
Paw pads peeling away of the paw pad is often the most visible injury in which the thick outer covering is peeled away due running or skidding on hard or rough areas and the tender inner part becomes exposed.
Dry and cracked paws can be painful and put your pet at a risk for infection.
Peeling attributed to these things is.
This can happen due to it being worn away or due to burning or blistering that causes the pads to peel.
If the dog winces in pain when the foot pad is touched it is time for closer inspection.
The earlier these injuries are detected the faster you can help him recover.
The pads should be soft to the touch.
You should moisturize your dog s paw pads if they are cracked peeling or too dry.
Pets paw pads are supposed to be rough so they can get traction on smooth surfaces.
But if your dog doesn t want to put weight on the paw or licks it obsessively take a closer look for lacerations burns or signs of infection redness and swelling.
The foot pads should be inspected for embedded debris including thorns small stones and such.
