You’d probably never think about all the work your dog’s paws do until something goes wrong. Those four little feet are constantly in motion, hitting the ground over and over, carrying your dog through all their adventures. We’re talking about everything from hot sidewalks to icy trails, from muddy puddles to rough gravel. That’s a lot of stress on such small areas.
Here’s the thing though: most paw problems are totally preventable. With a little routine care and some smart habits, you can keep your dog’s paws in great shape year-round. Let’s dive into six practical ways to protect those precious paws.
Keep Those Nails Trimmed
Nail trims are very important! Honestly, I think this is the most overlooked part of paw care. Overgrown nails can disrupt the natural angle of a dog’s toes against the ground, affecting their posture, movement, and balance. When nails get too long, your dog’s whole gait changes, and they start putting weight in all the wrong places.
This imbalance adds strain to bones and joints, potentially worsening conditions like arthritis over time. Your dog’s nails shouldn’t touch the ground when they are standing on a flat surface, and in general, nails should be trimmed monthly.
Inspect Paws Regularly
Make it a habit to check your dog’s paws after every outdoor adventure. Foreign objects like pebbles, weeds, thorns, and bits of glass can get lodged in paws, so try to check your dog’s paws regularly, especially after being outdoors. You’d be surprised what can get stuck in there.
The single best way that you can care for your dog’s paws is to look over them regularly, checking for foreign objects, such as thorns, weeds, pebbles, glass, or something else. Look between the toes and around the pads for any cuts, swelling, or signs of irritation. Catching problems early makes a huge difference.
Clean Them After Walks
Wipe or wash your dog’s paws as soon as they come in from outside, and in winter, this will remove any de-icing products or ice that has gotten stuck. It seems like a small thing, but it really matters. Your dog’s paws pick up a lot of bacteria, dirt, and other foreign matter from the environment, especially outdoors, so wipe your dog’s paws with a clean, damp cloth or pet wipes every time they come inside.
Use a damp cloth for most dogs rather than harsh products, and keep hair between the pads trimmed short so debris is less likely to stick. This simple routine prevents all sorts of issues from developing.
Use Protective Wax or Balm
Regular use of paw wax helps keep paw pads moisturized, reducing the risk of cracking and chafing. Think of it like lip balm for your dog’s feet. An effective way to prevent cuts and damage to paw pads in the winter is by using a natural paw wax, as this wax forms a protective layer on the pad and helps soothe dry, irritated pads.
Applying a layer of wax to your dog’s paws creates a semi-permeable barrier that helps protect the pad. Just be careful not to overdo it if your dog already has soft pads, since too much moisture can make them more vulnerable to tearing.
Protect From Extreme Temperatures
It’s important to remember that the sidewalk and asphalt can be dangerously hot for your dog’s paws, and if it’s too hot for bare feet, it’s too hot for paws. You can easily check to see if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on by placing the back of your hand flat on the pavement and trying to hold it there for 7 seconds, and if it’s too hot for you to keep it there for the full time, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on!
Dry and cold winter air can result in cracked paws, and the exposed skin on paw pads is also at risk of frostbite. Choose cooler walking times in summer, such as early morning or late evening, and use shaded routes whenever possible for comfort and safety.
Consider Dog Booties for Extra Protection
Dog booties may look a bit silly, but they’re great for protecting paws from ice, snow, salt, and de-icing chemicals. They’re especially useful if you’re going somewhere with rough terrain or extreme conditions. The best way to protect your dog’s paw pads from injury is to have them wear dog booties when walking, hiking, and playing on rough terrain or in extreme temperatures.
Not every dog loves wearing them at first, I’ll admit. It may take a little time for your dog to get used to wearing dog booties, but with patience and rewards, most dogs adapt just fine. Start slowly with positive reinforcement, and your dog might surprise you.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog’s paws healthy doesn’t require hours of work or fancy equipment. It’s really about building simple habits into your routine: regular nail trims, quick paw checks, wiping after walks, and protecting those pads from harsh conditions. Caring for your dog’s paws is simple but essential, and by following a consistent dog paw care routine, you can prevent injuries, keep your pup comfortable, and ensure long-term health.
Your dog depends on those four paws for everything they love to do. A little preventive care now saves you both from painful problems down the road. What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments how you !
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
