·6 min read
Dog Paw Care: Protecting Your Dog's Feet in Every Season
Your dog's paws are their shoes, shock absorbers, and temperature sensors all in one. They walk barefoot on surfaces that would send us to the ER. A little preventive care goes a long way.
Summer Paw Care
- Test the pavement with your hand (5-second rule) before every summer walk
- Walk on grass when possible — it can be 40°F cooler than asphalt
- Apply paw wax before walks to create a protective barrier (it won't prevent burns from extremely hot surfaces, but helps with warm pavement)
- Check for burrs and foxtails after walking through tall grass — they can embed between toes
Winter Paw Care
- Wipe paws after every walk to remove road salt and chemical de-icers
- Trim fur between pads — Long fur collects ice balls that are painful and cause limping
- Apply paw balm to prevent cracking from dry, cold air
- Consider booties for extended winter walks, especially on treated sidewalks
Year-Round Maintenance
- Nail trims: Overgrown nails change your dog's gait and cause joint pain. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they're too long.
- Pad checks: After walks, give paws a quick look for cuts, cracks, foreign objects, or swelling.
- Moisturize: Paw pads should be tough but not cracked. Use pet-safe paw balm (not human lotion, which softens pads too much).
- Hair trim: Keep the fur between paw pads trimmed to prevent matting and improve traction.
When to See the Vet
Minor cracks and scrapes can be treated at home with antiseptic and rest. See your vet if you notice:
- Persistent limping after rest
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Swelling, redness, or discharge between toes (possible infection or foxtail)
- Blisters or peeling pads
- A cracked nail that exposes the quick