How to prevent cracks in your dog's paw pads
Paw pads are one of the body areas that work the hardest every day. Each walk, run, or play session involves constant wear that, over time, can lead to dryness and the appearance of cracks.
Although many people only act when an injury appears, the best solution is always prevention. Maintaining healthy paw pads is much simpler than recovering damaged paws.
With a few habits, you can reduce the risk of cracks and improve your dog's well-being throughout the year.
Why do cracks appear?
Cracks usually occur when the skin loses hydration and elasticity.
When walking, that hardened skin endures thousands of small impacts that eventually cause fissures.
Among the most common causes are:
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Lack of hydration.
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Walking on hot asphalt.
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Very abrasive terrain.
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Snow and ice.
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Salt used in winter.
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Walks that are too long.
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Wear and tear due to age.
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Intense physical activity.
In most cases, it is possible to prevent them from appearing by following a basic care routine.
Check the paws frequently
One of the best ways to prevent problems is to observe the paw pads after walks.
It doesn't take much time.
Simply check that there are no:
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Cuts.
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Stones.
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Burrs.
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Cracks.
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Reddened areas.
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Dirt residue.
Detecting a small injury in time prevents it from ending up as a bigger problem.
Keep the paw pads hydrated
Hydration is the most important care.
When the skin retains its elasticity, it withstands daily wear much better.
Applying a specific balm helps to:
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Maintain natural moisture.
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Reduce dryness.
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Prevent cracks from appearing.
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Improve skin flexibility.
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Protect against chafing.
Regular application usually offers better results than using large quantities only when a problem appears.
Avoid asphalt during the hottest hours
In summer, the ground can reach very high temperatures.
Whenever possible:
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Walk early.
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Avoid the middle of the day.
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Look for grass or dirt areas.
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Carry water during walks.
These small measures help to reduce wear on the paw pads.
Take care of the paws in winter, too
Cold also dries out the skin.
After walking on snow or streets where salt has been used, it is advisable to:
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Clean the paws.
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Dry them completely.
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Check the paw pads.
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Apply a moisturizing product if necessary.
Avoid overexertion
If your dog is not used to long walks, increase the activity progressively.
The paw pads also need to adapt to exercise.
Going from short walks to routes of several hours can promote the appearance of small injuries.
Keep nails in good condition
Nails that are too long change the way a dog places its paws.
This causes incorrect weight distribution and increases pressure on certain areas of the paw pads.
Checking the nails periodically is also part of paw care.
Nutrition and hydration
A balanced diet and proper hydration also contribute to the good condition of the skin.
Although the paw pads endure great external wear, maintaining good general health helps keep them strong and flexible.
Warning signs
Even if you follow a care routine, it is advisable to be alert if you observe:
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Deep cracks.
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Bleeding.
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Inflammation.
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Limping.
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Pain when walking.
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Bad odor.
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Discharge.
In these cases, it is advisable to go to the vet.
Mistakes that promote cracks
Some habits increase the risk of injuries.
The most common are:
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Walking on very hot asphalt.
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Not checking the paws.
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Waiting for a crack to appear to start moisturizing them.
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Not cleaning the paw pads after an excursion.
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Thinking that they only need care in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all cracks be prevented?
Not always, but a good care routine considerably reduces the risk.
How often should I check the paw pads?
The ideal is to do it after long walks and, at a minimum, several times a week.
Does cold also cause cracks?
Yes. Snow, ice, and salt dry out the skin and promote the appearance of small fissures.
Is it better to prevent than to treat?
Without a doubt. Keeping paw pads hydrated and protected avoids most common problems.
Conclusion
Cracks in paw pads can be avoided in many cases with simple care. Checking the paws, maintaining good hydration, and adapting walks to terrain conditions will help keep paw pads strong and resistant.
Devoting a few minutes to this care not only improves the health of the paws but also allows your dog to enjoy every walk with greater comfort.