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Dog paws go through a lot. Whether it's a muddy walk, digging or just having a scratch, paws are an important part of how canines experience the world.
But they're also a hotspot for infection, pain and other problems. It's why learning how to clean dog paws and maintain them over the long term is important; it'll help keep your dog healthy, happy and in tune with whatever the world throws its way.
Thankfully, maintaining dog paws isn't too hard. We'll show you how.
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The 30-second summary: essential dog paw care
Healthy paws takes proactivity, which means routine hygiene and protection. You should:
Clean and dry paws after walks
Maintain paw care by trimming fur
Consider protecting paws with doggie boots and protective balm during the cold
Change when you walk your dog to avoid extreme weather (later in the day during the summer when temperatures are cooler, or when the sun is out in winter).
Monitor paw health and your dog closely, looking for odours, redness or excessive licking.
Make sure you see a vet if you notice any concerning symptoms, which we've listed below.
How to maintain healthy, clean dog paws
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Maintaining healthy paws comes down to one key area: proactive care.
It's important that if you notice anything wrong with your dog's paws, like a strong odour, discolouration to the fur or reddened skin, or your dog's experiencing obvious signs of pain, then take them to a vet.
Maintenance
Regularly cleaning, trimming and maintaining your dog's paws is the best way to keep them healthy.
We already have a dedicated guide on how to trim dog nails which will help you out.
As for cleaning them after a muddy walk, we recommend the following:
Wash them well with lukewarm water. If you need to use a shampoo then choose a good pH balanced dog shampoo - wet your dog's paws, lather with shampoo and rinse. Dedicated paw cleaners are pretty good too.
Use wipes. We recommend unscented, natural and dog-friendly ones.
Use a damp cloth. Make sure it's clean, and gently wipe your dog's paws.
Dog grooming is essential, and it should be the cornerstone of any owner's preventative care.
You should also make sure that your dog is happy having their feet handled.
Start from an early age, giving your pet praise and rewards for letting you touch and hold their feet.
Should you trim the hair between a dog's pads?
Yes, we recommend trimming the hair between a dog's pads. There are a few reasons for this:
It helps prevent foreign bodies, like grass seeds, from getting caught up in the fur. These have a habit of then working their way into your dog’s skin.
Trimming reduces the volume of dirt, mud, snow and anything else stuck between your dog's paw pads.
It stops the fur matting between their toes, leading to discomfort.
Nutrition
A good quality, complete diet is essential to your pet's overall health, including their paws. Diets rich in essential fatty acids can help to improve skin and coat condition which can be particularly helpful for dogs with nail and skin complaints, including allergies.
Good habits
Alongside your nail-cutting schedule, get into good habits. After long walks, particularly in wet weather, dry off your dog's paws and make sure they're clean.
Combine this with regular bathing and grooming, and you'll reduce the chances of paw infections and problems. It'll also mean you'll spot any issues early on, making them easier to treat.
Being perceptive
If you’re familiar with how your dog’s paws look normally, then you can identify any developing problems much more quickly. The sooner you spot things and get your dog checked out by the vet, the more successful the treatment is likely to be.
Paw symptoms to look out for
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Paw-related symptoms that can indicate a health problem include:
Bleeding, scabs, or sores
Damaged or overlong nails
Dry, cracked paw pads
Excessive licking and chewing
Hair loss around the paws
Lameness or limping
Odour
Redness
Swellings between the toes
Warts and cysts
These can indicate anything from allergies and bacterial infections to burns and ingrowing toenails, which is why it's important to note down any changes to your dog's paws (or anywhere else) and report them to your vet.
Preventative pet care is the best way to keep your dog healthy, and you can't do that unless you give them a regular once-over.
Healthy paws v concerning paws: quick comparison
| Feature | Healthy paw | Concerning paw |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Firm, leathery, and intact | Spongy, weeping, or cracked |
| Colour | Black, pink, or spotted (consistent) | Angry red, purple, or dark brown staining |
| Scent | Neutral or mildly earthy | Sour, musty, or "cheesy" |
| Temperature | Warm to the touch | Hot (inflammation) or icy cold (circulation) |
Protecting dog paws in winter
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While most of the advice in this article applies year around, you'll need to take extra care in the winter. There are additional hazards like:
De-icer
Ice
Road salt
Snow
So, what are the best ways to protect dog paws in winter? There are a few things you can try:
Avoiding risky places, like car parks
Give higher risk areas which are treated with road salt, like car parks and popular roads, a miss.
Clean/dry paws thoroughly
Cleaning and drying your dog's paws thoroughly after being outside can help reduce chemicals, ice and salt. Problems arise when dogs lick chemicals and salt off of their feet, so rinsing their paws after a walk can help to prevent this.
Dog booties
These are the best paw protection for dogs in winter. It's not just about stopping your dog's cold feet - it provides essential protection from chemicals, ice and road salt. We recommend picking waterproof ones that are breathable and fit well.
Make changes to your dog's exercise routine
Try to walk your dog at brighter, warmer times of the day when conditions will be more comfortable for their paws. If you're walking in the cold or at night, prepare accordingly.
Trimming fur
Keep the fur around your dog's nails and paws trimmed to stop snow clumping up around it.
Vaseline
Putting a small amount of petroleum jelly on your dog's paw pads can help sooth and protect them, though specific paw balm products are also available.
When to call a vet
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Emergency concerns
Chemical burns - Pads that have chemical burns need immediate attention.
Deep cuts - Any deep cuts, particularly ones that won't stop bleeding after five minutes, need immediate attention.
Foreign splinters and objects - Any large objects, like glass or thick splinters, needs veterinary attention.
Sudden lameness - If your dog is limping heavily and refuses to put any weight on a paw at all, go to a vet.
Non-emergency (make an appointment)
Cracked, peeling pads and persistent dryness.
Cysts and fleshy, red bumps.
Persistent chewing and licking - the paw will look stained brown or pink.
Red or swollen nails.
Strong smell, which indicates a bacterial or yeast problem.
How dog insurance helps
Dog insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, like sudden issues with your dog's paws and other health issues.
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