Guide: dog paw care
Dog Paw Care: Pads, Nails, Hot Pavement and Winter Salt
Good dog paw care takes a few minutes a week. Check the pads and between the toes, keep the nails and foot hair short, and protect the paws from hot pavement in summer and from ice and road salt in winter. Small, fluffy-footed dogs need this most.
A weekly dog paw care check
Sit with your dog in good light and look at each foot. The ASPCA advises inspecting the feet regularly for dirt and debris (ASPCA). Look for:
- Cuts, cracks or blisters on the pads
- Burrs, pebbles or grass seeds between the toes
- Red or damp skin between the pads
- Mats in the hair between the toes
- Nails that touch the ground
Handle the paws often, with treats, from the day your puppy comes home. As a result, checks and nail trims stay easy.
Trimming the hair and nails
Poodle mixes grow hair between their pads. Left long, it mats, collects mud and makes smooth floors slippery. The ASPCA recommends trimming the hair between the toes so that it is even with the pads. Most groomers do this at every visit.
Nails matter just as much. Long nails change the way a dog stands and can curl into the pad. See how to trim puppy nails for the method.
Dog paw care in summer: hot pavement
The ASPCA warns that hot pavement and sand can burn and blister paw pads. Its hot weather guide adds that dogs should not linger on hot asphalt, because a body that close to the ground heats up quickly as well (ASPCA).
Therefore, in hot weather:
- Walk early in the morning or in the evening.
- Choose grass or shade over asphalt.
- Carry a small dog across hot parking lots.
- Check the pads after every walk.
Heat harms more than the paws. Our guide to heatstroke in dogs covers the warning signs.
Dog paw care in winter: ice, snow and salt
Winter brings three problems, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). First, snow packs into balls of ice between the pads, which is uncomfortable. Second, a dog that chews the ice balls out may swallow de-icer or road salt. Third, cold air outside and dry air inside can crack the pads.
| Problem | What helps |
|---|---|
| Ice balls between the toes | Keep the hair between the pads trimmed |
| Salt and de-icer on the feet | Wash the paws in warm water after walks |
| Cold, rough ground | Dog boots, if your dog accepts them |
| Dry, cracked pads | A paw balm or protective wax |
| De-icer at home | An ice melt labeled as safe for dogs |
Here in Utah, we get both seasons in full: salted sidewalks in winter and very hot pavement in summer. So wiping paws at the door is a good habit all year.
Moisturizing dry or cracked pads
Pads are meant to be tough, but they can dry out and crack. The ASPCA advises using a pad moisturizer recommended by your veterinarian, and it warns against human hand creams, which can soften the pads too much and lead to injury.
The AKC also suggests a paw balm or wax before winter walks. Rub in a thin layer, and then distract your dog for a few minutes so it is not licked off.
When to call the vet
- A cut that is deep or will not stop bleeding
- Limping that lasts more than a day
- Blisters or raw skin after a walk on a hot surface
- Swelling, or a lump between the toes
- Constant licking or chewing at the feet
- A torn or broken nail
Constant licking often points to something else, such as allergies or a foreign body, so it is worth a visit.
Related guides
- Havapoo Grooming: Brushing, Haircuts and a Simple Schedule
- Dog Dental Care: Brushing, Chews and Professional Cleanings
- Puppy Coat Change: When Puppies Lose Their Puppy Coat
- Matted Dog Hair: How to Remove Mats and Stop Them Coming Back
- First Grooming Appointment for a Puppy: When to Go and What to Expect
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- ASPCA. Dog Grooming Tips. aspca.org
- ASPCA. Hot Weather Safety Tips. aspca.org
- American Kennel Club. How to Clean and Care for Your Dog’s Paws. akc.org
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Puppy Bath and Nail Trim Tips. vcahospitals.com
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.
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