Dog paw pads (also known as toe beans) need care and attention from time to time. If you think about it, they really are barefoot and on their toes all day – and shoes aren\u2019t really part of the routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019re going to explain what dog paw pads are, and give you tips on how to care for your dog\u2019s paws whether it\u2019s winter, summer, or in-between seasons. We\u2019ll also answer the famous question of the century:\u00a0 \u2018should my dog wear boots in winter\u2019 . It comes up every year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For much more information and guidance on your puppy\u2019s training journey, download the Zigzag app<\/a> today. You\u2019ll get step-by-step lessons and training plans targeting everything from toilet training, to socialization and habituation, to basic manners, and much, much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also be able to access our new Ziggy Ai – Ai Powered Zigzag approved, or talk to our coaches<\/a> – they\u2019re fully qualified dog trainers and behaviorists that will always be happy to pull you out of trouble 24\/7 via our in-app chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dog paw pads are the soft cushiony and furless part of your dog\u2019s feet. They provide support, traction and padding when walking and carrying their weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dog paw pads are made of skin, connective tissue, fat, and keratin and consist of a digital pad (the beans or toes) the metacarpal pad (the larger bit in the middle) and also the carpal pad (that weird bit hanging off at the top – it might have been a thumb!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dog\u2019s front paw pads are called metacarpal or palmar pads, and their back paw pads are called metatarsal or plantar pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog bite their paws? Yup, it can happen. Learn why in our article: why does my dog bite their paws?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To care for your dog\u2019s paw pads, you should check them regularly for any signs of irritation, cuts or cracks. Check in-between their toes and trim the fur if your dog has longer hair so that they keep their grip on harder surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the winter, continue checking between their toes and looking over their paw pads to spot any signs of a dog paw pad injury. It depends on where you live; but winters can sometimes be very intense in some places. We recommend trimming the fur around their paws so they don\u2019t build ice and keep traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s some more tips for paw care in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the summer, sidewalks and floors can get incredibly hot. Here are some tips on how to prevent any burns or issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There will come a time when your dog has issues with their paws. That\u2019s ok, it\u2019s part of life! Among some of the most common ones are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cracked and dry pads:<\/strong> These can particularly be a problem if the paw pads split or the skin becomes broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cuts and burns:<\/strong> If your dog walks on hot surfaces or runs around on rough ground, it can cause burns or friction burns to the surface of the paw. Ouch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fungal or Bacterial infections:<\/strong> Yep that\u2019s right, dogs can often experience fungal or other skin infections between their toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allergic reactions:<\/strong> If you see your dog licking their paws<\/a> or redness, it might mean they are allergic to something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overgrooming causing skin problems:<\/strong> Pain, stress or other discomfort can make your dog lick their paws a lot. Licking can mean a build-up of bacteria though, which can make them sore or even infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overgrown nails:<\/strong> Claws are not always worn down enough. Overgrown nails can often cause problems to the paws to the point where they can even change the way your dog will walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning some basic first aid for your dog\u2019s paws will always come in \u2018handy\u2019. If they hurt their paw, while we do recommend you seek the help from experts like your vet, here are some bits you can do at home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cuts and broken skin:<\/strong> Clean the area up with a salt solution and then keep it clean and dry. Common products used to help skin heal are Manuka honey and colloidal silver. If you put these on, you should definitely wrap their paw up in a bandage, otherwise your dog will take no time in licking everything off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dry sore skin:<\/strong> Keep the area clean and use a dog-safe moisturizer or wax to help hydrate and soothe sore skin. You could also wrap or use a paw boot to cushion walking around and prevent them overlicking their paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Burns: <\/strong>Cool the area as soon as possible by running it under cold water, and seek veterinary advice immediately after. They may give you painkillers or suggest your dog\u2019s paws to be treated further with an antibiotic ointment or something similar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To protect and care for your dog’s paw days day to day, here are some things that are easy and simple for you do to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Download the Zigzag app today<\/a>, and you\u2019ll get a step-by-step training program whether it\u2019s for your puppy, older dog or rescue – we\u2019ve got you covered. If you ever run into any trouble, our team of professional dog trainers<\/a> are ready to help you out, every step of the way, 24 hours a day. If you\u2019re not feeling chatty, you might want to talk to our new Ziggy AI instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you moisturize a puppies paw pads? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paw pads are generally self-cleaning and the oils in their skin should help keep them moisturized by themselves. If they are too soft from using too much moisturizer, they risk getting damaged when walking on rough surfaces\u2026which we don’t want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/strong> Practicing handling exercises like paw checking and nail trimming should be taught with positive reinforcement. This is very simple to do; get ahead of the game by reading our health articles<\/a> or by downloading the Zigzag app.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Should I buy dog boots?<\/strong> They\u2019re not super necessary unless you live in particularly cold weather where they salt the sidewalks and roads. But if you want to train your dog to wear them, it\u2019s better to start early before the winter hits to ease them into it and make sure they have a good time wearing them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are paw pads?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dog paw pad care guidance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Paw pad care in the winter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Paw pad care in the summer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common paw pad issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to do if your dog injures their paw pads<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to care for your dog’s paw pads <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FAQs:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>How do I get my dog used to checking their paws?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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