Paw pads are one of the most overlooked parts of a dog's body. They absorb impact with every step, make contact with hot pavement in summer and salt-treated roads in winter, and have no protection other than their own tough skin. When that skin cracks, it hurts — and it can become a pathway for infection if left untreated.

Why Paw Pads Crack

The most common causes of cracked paw pads are:

Hot pavement: Asphalt can reach 60 to 70 degrees Celsius on a 30-degree day. Even a short walk can cause surface burns and drying.
Road salt and de-icing chemicals: These are highly desiccating and can cause chemical irritation on top of physical drying.
Cold and dry air: Low humidity in winter strips moisture from the pads just as it does from human skin.
Nutritional deficiency: A diet low in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) can manifest as dry, cracked skin throughout the body, including the pads.
Over-exposure to water: Paradoxically, frequent swimming or walking in wet conditions without drying can cause the pads to soften and then crack when they dry out.

How to Treat Cracked Pads

For mild cracking and dryness, a topical balm applied daily will resolve the issue within one to two weeks. The key ingredients to look for are:

Beeswax: Creates a physical barrier on the pad surface, locking in moisture and protecting against further environmental damage. It's solid enough to stay on the pad during normal activity.

Shea butter: A rich emollient that penetrates the skin and provides deep moisturisation. It also contains triterpene alcohols with mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut oil: Provides medium-chain fatty acids that support the skin barrier and have mild antimicrobial properties — useful if the cracks are at risk of secondary infection.

Vitamin E (tocopherol): An antioxidant that supports skin repair and reduces oxidative damage.

Apply the balm after walks, when the pads are clean and dry. Massage it in gently and allow a few minutes for absorption before letting your dog walk on hard floors.

When to See a Vet

Most cracked paw pads are a cosmetic and comfort issue that resolves with consistent topical care. However, see your vet if:

The cracks are deep, bleeding, or showing signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge)
Your dog is limping or refusing to walk
The cracking is severe and widespread across all four paws
The condition doesn't improve after two weeks of consistent treatment

In some cases, cracked pads are a symptom of an underlying condition such as hyperkeratosis, zinc-responsive dermatosis, or autoimmune disease. A vet can rule these out and recommend appropriate treatment.

Prevention Year-Round

The best approach is consistent maintenance rather than reactive treatment. A paw balm applied two to three times per week keeps the pads supple and resistant to cracking. After walks on hot pavement or salted roads, rinse the pads with clean water and dry them thoroughly before applying balm.

Scruff Co's Paw Balm uses beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E in a simple, five-ingredient formula. It's solid enough to stay on the pad during a walk, and the ingredients are non-toxic if your dog licks their paws — which they will.