Dog Paw Care 101: Cracked Pads, Hot Pavement, and Winter Protection
Learn how to protect your dog's paws year-round, from hot summer pavement to winter salt, plus tips for treating dry, cracked pads.
Dog Paw Care 101: Cracked Pads, Hot Pavement, and Winter Protection
I used to think dog paws were basically indestructible. They look like little leather boots, right? It wasn't until Alice, my chow shepherd, started limping after a summer walk a few years ago that I realized how sensitive they actually are. Her pads were dry, cracked, and clearly bothering her. Now that I have Dodo, my mini chowdoodle puppy, I'm hyper-aware of what they're walking on. Dodo's paws are still so soft, and Alice's older paws need more maintenance than they used to.
Paw care isn't just about making their feet look nice. It's about preventing injuries that can take weeks to heal and keeping them comfortable on every walk. Here is what I've learned about protecting those little toe beans year-round.
The Reality of Hot Pavement
Summer in Los Angeles means the pavement gets dangerously hot. If the air temperature is 85 degrees, the asphalt can easily be over 130 degrees. That is hot enough to cause severe burns in less than a minute.
I always use the seven-second rule. I place the back of my hand flat on the pavement. If I can't comfortably hold it there for a full seven seconds, it is too hot for Alice and Dodo to walk on. When it's that hot, we stick to early morning or late evening walks. If we absolutely have to go out during the day, I keep them strictly on the grass or dirt.
You can also look into summer booties, though getting a dog used to them is a whole separate project. Alice tolerates them if she knows we are going somewhere fun, but Dodo is still in the phase where she high-steps like a show pony the second I put them on her. If you go the bootie route, make sure they are breathable. Dogs sweat through their paw pads, so heavy winter boots in the summer will just cause them to overheat.
Winter Protection and Salt
Winter brings its own set of problems. Even if you don't live somewhere with heavy snow, the cold air dries out their pads just like it dries out our skin. If you do live in a snowy area, the real danger isn't just the ice—it's the salt and chemical de-icers used on sidewalks.
Those chemicals can cause chemical burns on their pads. Even worse, dogs naturally lick their paws when they come inside, which means they end up ingesting those toxic de-icers.
When I take the dogs to visit family in colder climates, I always wipe their paws down with a damp cloth the second we get back inside. It takes thirty seconds and prevents so many issues. This is also where winter booties actually shine. They keep the salt off entirely and provide traction on the ice.
Dealing with Dry and Cracked Pads
Just like our heels get dry and cracked, dog pads do too. This is especially common for older dogs like Alice. When her pads get too dry, they can split, which is incredibly painful and prone to infection.
I keep a tin of paw balm by the door. Palmer's makes a great cocoa butter swivel stick that is technically for humans but works perfectly for dog paws, and it's much cheaper than the boutique dog brands. Musher's Secret is the classic choice and works incredibly well as a barrier against both heat and snow.
I apply a thin layer to their pads right before bed. If I do it before a walk, dirt just sticks to it, and if I do it during the day, they just lick it off and leave greasy paw prints on the hardwood floors. Putting it on right as they are settling down for the night gives it time to absorb.
Signs of Paw Injury
Dogs are stoic. They will often hide pain until it is severe. You have to pay attention to the subtle signs that something is wrong with their feet.
Limping is the obvious one, but excessive licking or chewing at a specific paw is usually the first indicator. If Dodo is obsessively grooming one foot, I know I need to check it. I look for cuts, cracks, blisters, or anything stuck between her toes. Foxtails are a massive problem where we live, and they can burrow straight into the skin between the toes.
I also check the color of their pads. While pad color varies by dog, any sudden redness, swelling, or raw-looking patches means we are taking a break from long walks until it heals. If a crack looks deep or seems infected, that is an immediate trip to the vet. Paw injuries heal notoriously slowly because dogs have to walk on them, so catching issues early is critical.
Taking care of their paws just becomes part of the routine. It takes a few extra seconds before and after a walk, but it keeps them moving comfortably. And honestly, there are few things better than a dog with healthy, happy paws curled up next to you at the end of the day.
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