Paw pads put up with a lot every day. Walking on paving slabs, gravel, hot surfaces, wet grass and dirt asks a lot of the skin. A little roughness is often normal, but cracks, bleeding, lots of licking, limping or other signs of stress in dogs are not. A quick check after a walk goes a long way: look for dirt and small wounds, gently clean dirty paws, pat everything dry, trim excess hair around the paw pad and protect sensitive paws temporarily if needed. Do you see open wounds, deep cracks, obvious pain or complaints that keep coming back? Then home care is not enough and it is time to involve your vet. Too-long nails can also change paw posture and put extra strain on the pads; learn how to trim safely in Nagels van je hond veilig knippen.
Seeing this on your dog's paws? Then the paw pads need extra attention
These signs quickly show whether the paw pads need more than a normal clean.
| Sign | What you see | What to look out for |
|---|---|---|
| Small cracks or dry edges | Small splits, flakes or a stiff, rough surface | Surface roughness can happen; deep cracks need more attention |
| Bleeding or loose skin | A red, damaged pad or a flap of skin | Open spots can become irritated again more easily when walking |
| Lots of licking or biting | Your dog keeps focusing on the same paw, especially after being outside | This can point to irritation, rubbing or a small wound you cannot see straight away |
| Walking differently | Cautious on paving slabs, gravel or tarmac, sometimes easier on grass or smooth floors | Hard or abrasive surfaces often make overworked paw pads more obvious |
| Problems between the toes | Redness, moisture, dirt or sore spots between the toes | Do not just look at the pad itself, but also at the skin in between |
Excessive paw licking can also stem from under-stimulation at home. Need ideas to keep your dog engaged? See Verveelt je hond zich? Zo voorkom je overmatig pootlikken.
First things first: cleaning and drying properly
For caring for your dog's paw pads, the basics do not have to be complicated:
- After a walk, quickly check for dirt, small stones, twigs and irritation.
- Rinse only if the paw is really dirty or reacts sensitively. Getting it wet unnecessarily can cause extra friction.
- Use lukewarm water or saline solution. It is best not to use strong disinfectants, alcohol, household products or bicarbonate of soda on irritated skin, unless your vet advises otherwise.
- Pat dry well, especially between the toes. Moisture easily stays there, which can cause the skin to soften and rub.
Dry or rough? Here's how to make paw pads comfortable again
If the paw pads are mainly dry, stiff or superficially rough, a dog-safe paw balm or ointment can be soothing. This suits dry paws, light wear and small cracks that are not open or weeping. Apply the product thinly to clean, dry pads. More is not better: a thick layer is more likely to pick up dust and dirt, and some dogs will actually lick more because of it. Supporting the skin from within can help too; see Zalmolie voor huid en vacht.
If you do not see a clear improvement after a few days, do not keep switching endlessly between all sorts of products. Recurring dryness can also be linked to lots of rubbing, hot road surfaces or a skin problem such as Hooikoorts bij honden: jeukende poten en wat je kunt doen that needs a closer look. Pay extra attention if an area is red, wet, warm or swollen. A spot like that needs a different approach from simple dry-skin care and should not be treated with balm alone. If you suspect food sensitivity is involved, consider switching rewards to Hypoallergene hondensnacks to help reduce itching and licking. If there are open wounds, inflamed skin or obvious pain, it is wiser to have your vet take a look.
Hair between the paw pads? Here's how to trim it safely
Hair between the paws is completely normal, especially in long-haired dogs. It only becomes a problem when it sticks out under the paw, as it can trap dirt, reduce grip and cause discomfort.
- Choose a calm moment when your dog is relaxed; filling a lick mat for your dog can help keep him occupied during grooming.
- First lift the hair with a comb or brush so you can clearly see what is actually sticking out.
- Use scissors with rounded tips and only trim the hair that sticks out past the underside of the paw.
- Do not cut deep between the pads. That can cause irritation and, when it grows back, can actually prick or rub more.
- Work in short stages and reward in between with small, natural training treats, so paw care stays positive.
For a complete grooming routine, including tidying paw and toe hair, see Vachtverzorgingstips (inclusief poot- en teenhaar bijwerken).
Out and about without extra irritation: protection during walks and recovery
Damaged paw pads feel rough surfaces even more. Hot tarmac, gravel, paving slabs and other hard paths can pull small cracks further open or keep irritating a sensitive spot. If you notice your dog walks more cautiously outside than on grass or indoors on a smooth floor, adjust the route temporarily. Choose shorter walks on softer ground and avoid the hottest times on warm days.
Socks, bandages or dog boots can be temporarily useful during recovery or on a short walk over difficult ground. But they do need to fit well, stay dry and not rub anywhere. Wet or sandy protective gear can actually cause more friction. So use protection to support recovery, not as an excuse to keep walking on a painful paw. Gradually build up walking on harder surfaces again once the skin looks stronger. If your dog starts limping, does not want to put the paw down or every step seems painful, stop the walk and check the paw again.
Still painful or keeps coming back? Then it's time for the vet
Go to the vet for deep cracks, bleeding paw pads, loose skin, obvious pain, limping and wounds between the toes. Also, if your dog will not let you touch the paw, keeps licking constantly or if a spot stays dirty and weeping, home care is often no longer enough.
Problems that recover only slowly or keep coming back do not always fit normal wear and tear. There may be more going on, such as an infection, eczema-like skin irritation or another underlying cause that needs to be investigated. The vet can clean the paw properly, assess whether a dressing is needed and explain whether an area is better kept covered or aired. You will also get specific advice on how much rest is needed, when you can gradually build walks back up again and how training treats for your dog can help teach paw care in a positive way. This helps prevent a small paw problem from turning into a persistent issue.
