How to Treat Cracked Dog Paw Pads (And Prevent Them Coming Back)

# How to Treat Cracked Dog Paw Pads (And Prevent Them Coming Back) Cracked paw pads are one of the most common complaints from dog owners, and they're often preventable. Hot pavement, cold concrete, salt on footpaths, and dry indoor air all strip moisture from the pads — leaving them rough, cracked, and sometimes bleeding. ## Signs Your Dog Has Cracked Paw Pads - Licking or chewing at their paws excessively - Visible cracks or flaking on the pad surface - Limping or reluctance to walk on hard surfaces - Redness or swelling around the pad edges ## What Causes Cracked Paw Pads? **Heat:** Hot pavement in Australian summers can reach 70°C+ on a 35°C day. If you can't hold your hand on the surface for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's pads. **Cold and dry air:** Winter indoors with heating running dries out the pads just like it dries human skin. **Salt and chemicals:** Footpath salt and cleaning products strip the natural oils from the pads. **Nutritional deficiency:** Low zinc or essential fatty acids can contribute to dry, cracked skin. ## How to Treat Cracked Paw Pads at Home 1. **Clean the pads** gently with warm water. Remove any debris from the cracks. 2. **Apply a paw balm** with coconut oil and shea butter. These penetrate quickly and don't leave a greasy residue. 3. **Let it absorb** — 10–15 minutes before your dog walks on hard surfaces. 4. **Repeat daily** until the cracks heal, then 2–3 times per week for maintenance. Scruff Co™ Paw Balm is formulated with coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. It's food-safe — licking is fine — and comes in a no-mess stick format. [View the Paw Balm →](/products/paw-balm) ## Prevention - Walk dogs in the early morning or evening during summer - Rinse paws after walks on treated surfaces - Apply paw balm 2–3 times per week as a preventive measure - Check pads weekly for early signs of cracking ## When to See a Vet If the cracks are deep, bleeding, or showing signs of infection (swelling, discharge, strong odour), see a vet. Severe cracking can also be a sign of an underlying condition like hyperkeratosis or autoimmune disease.