Check your dog’s paws daily for cuts, cracks, and foreign objects. Apply paw balm before walks in extreme weather. In summer, test pavement temperature with the back of your hand — if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog. In winter, rinse paws after walks to remove road salt.
- Why Is Paw Care Important for Dogs?
- How to Check Your Dog’s Paws
- Summer Paw Care: Hot Pavement Protection
- Winter Paw Care: Cold, Ice, and Road Salt
- First Aid for Paw Injuries
- Seasonal Paw Care Calendar
- Recommended Products
- Product Comparison
- Key Terms / Glossary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources & References
Why Is Paw Care Important for Dogs?
A dog’s paws are their primary point of contact with the world. They endure hot surfaces, cold ground, rough terrain, and chemical exposure daily. The PDSA highlights that paw injuries are common but largely preventable with regular care.
Paw pads contain sweat glands (one of the few places dogs can sweat), provide cushioning, and offer traction. Damage to paw pads can cause significant pain and lameness.
How to Check Your Dog’s Paws?
Make paw checks a daily habit, especially after walks:
- Look between the toes for grass seeds, thorns, or small stones
- Check paw pads for cuts, cracks, blisters, or swelling
- Examine nails for damage, splitting, or excessive length
- Feel for lumps, bumps, or areas of tenderness
- Check for redness or signs of irritation between the toes
What Is the Summer Paw Care: Hot Pavement Protection?
Pavement can reach temperatures exceeding 50°C in direct summer sun — hot enough to cause burns within seconds.
- The 7-second test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Walk during cooler hours: Early morning and late evening walks avoid the worst heat.
- Stick to grass and shade: Natural surfaces stay much cooler than tarmac or concrete.
- Paw balm: Apply a wax-based paw balm before walks to add a protective layer.
What Is the Winter Paw Care: Cold, Ice, and Road Salt?
Winter presents several hazards for dog paws:
- Road salt: Sodium chloride irritates paw pads and is toxic if licked. Rinse paws after every walk on gritted surfaces.
- Ice and snow: Ice balls can form between toes, especially in long-haired breeds. Trim the fur between paw pads to prevent this.
- Cracking: Cold, dry air causes paw pads to crack. Regular application of paw balm keeps pads supple.
- Antifreeze: Ethylene glycol is extremely toxic and attractive to dogs. Avoid areas where puddles of antifreeze may be present.
The RSPCA provides additional winter safety advice for dog owners.
What Are the First Aid for Paw Injuries?
For minor paw injuries:
- Clean the wound gently with lukewarm water
- Remove any visible debris with tweezers
- Apply an antiseptic solution safe for dogs
- Cover with a clean bandage if the wound is bleeding
- Prevent licking with an Elizabethan collar if needed
Seek veterinary attention for deep cuts, persistent bleeding, embedded objects, or if your dog is refusing to put weight on the paw.
What Is the Seasonal Paw Care Calendar?
Spring: Watch for grass seeds in meadows and parks. Check between toes after every walk. Allergens may cause itchy paws — contact your vet if your dog licks paws excessively.
Summer: Hot pavement check before every walk. Paw balm application. Check for burns after walks.
Autumn: Harvest mites can affect paws. Trim fur between pads as conditions get muddier. Watch for fallen conkers and acorns which are mildly toxic.
Winter: Paw wax before walks. Rinse salt after walks. Check for cracking daily. Keep paw fur trimmed to prevent ice balls.
Related Dog Care Guides
What Are the Recommended Products?
These products may help with the topics covered in this guide. Links are affiliate links to Amazon UK — if you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Musher’s Secret Paw Wax
All-season paw protection wax. Forms breathable, semi-permeable barrier against heat, cold, and salt.
Ruff Wear Grip Trex Dog Boots
Durable, weather-resistant dog boots with Vibram outsole for extreme conditions.
Natural Dog Company PawTection Balm
Organic paw balm with SPF protection for summer heat and winter cold.
PawZ Rubber Dog Boots
Disposable, waterproof rubber boots for wet weather and post-surgery paw protection.
What Is the Product Comparison?
| Product | Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musher’s Secret | Paw wax | All-season protection | £12–£18 |
| Ruff Wear Grip Trex | Dog boots | Extreme conditions | £50–£70 |
| PawTection Balm | Organic balm | Daily maintenance | £10–£16 |
| PawZ Rubber Boots | Disposable boots | Wet weather | £10–£15 |
What Is the Key Terms / Glossary?
- Paw pad
- The tough, cushioned area on the underside of a dog’s foot that provides shock absorption and traction.
- Interdigital cyst
- A painful, fluid-filled swelling between a dog’s toes, often caused by infection, foreign bodies, or allergies.
- Hyperkeratosis
- Excessive growth of keratin on the paw pads, causing a rough, crusty appearance.
- Grass seed
- The seed head of certain grasses that can pierce a dog’s skin and migrate, causing infection. Most common in summer.
- Dew claw
- An extra digit on the inner side of a dog’s leg, located higher than the other toes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if pavement is too hot for my dog?
Use the 7-second rule: place the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you cannot comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws. Pavement can be 20–30°C hotter than the air temperature on sunny days.
Should my dog wear boots?
Dog boots are not necessary for most dogs in normal conditions, but they can be helpful in extreme heat, deep snow, icy terrain, or after paw injuries. Some dogs need time to adjust to wearing them.
How do I remove a grass seed from my dog’s paw?
If the grass seed is visible, gently remove it with tweezers and clean the area. If the seed has burrowed into the skin, do not attempt to remove it yourself as this can push it deeper. Veterinary attention is needed as embedded grass seeds can migrate and cause serious infections.
Why are my dog’s paw pads cracked?
Cracked paw pads can result from walking on hot or rough surfaces, exposure to road salt, dry weather, allergies, or nutritional deficiencies. Regular application of paw balm helps prevent and heal cracks.
Is road salt dangerous for dogs?
Free Download: Seasonal Pet Care Calendar
Month-by-month guide: spring, summer, autumn, winter care for UK pets. Never miss a health task.
Yes. Road salt irritates paw pads and can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities through paw licking. Symptoms of salt ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, and lethargy. Always rinse paws after walks on gritted roads.
Sources & References
Written by the PetHub Online editorial team. Our writers research and compile information from leading UK animal welfare organisations including the PDSA, RSPCA, Blue Cross, BVA, and RCVS to provide accurate, helpful guides for dog owners.
Visit PetHub Online for more expert dog care guides, product recommendations, and advice for UK dog owners.
For more on this topic, see our guide to Dog Shedding Solutions: Managing Excessive Hair Loss.
