Dog Paw Care Through the Seasons

Good paw care comes down to a few habits: check your dog's paws after walks, wash off salt and dirt, keep pads moisturized but not greasy, test hot surfaces with your hand, and trim the nails about once a month. See a vet for burns, deep cuts, bleeding that will not stop, or paws your dog keeps licking.

Paws take a lot of punishment. They meet ice in January, scorching asphalt in July and gravel all year. This guide walks through the routine season by season.

Do a quick paw check

Gently spread your dog's toes and look at each pad, between the toes and under the nails. You are checking for cuts, scrapes, cracked or dry pads, redness, swelling and anything stuck in the fur, such as gum, tape, burrs or small stones. Make it a calm routine after walks and reward your dog with a treat so they learn to enjoy it.

Limping, licking the foot and bleeding are the usual signs that something is wrong. If your dog is limping and you cannot find a cause, see our page on limping in dogs.

Clean paws after walks

For muddy, sandy or salty paws, use pet-safe wipes. For heavy mess, a warm, soapy washcloth does the job. Small dogs can have their paws washed in the sink, and larger dogs in a tub with a detachable shower head. Dry the paws thoroughly, including between the toes, before your dog heads back out or walks on a slippery floor.

Choose wipes labeled safe for pets, and avoid anything not made for dogs.

Winter: salt, ice and snowballs

Cold weather can dry out and crack pads, and ice can cause cuts and scrapes. Road salt and de-icers can irritate paws and harm your dog if licked off, so rinse paws after walks and choose dog-safe ice melt at home. We cover the dangers in more detail in our guide to winter hazards for dogs.

Snowballs form between the pads, particularly on long-haired breeds. Do not pull the ice out. Instead, gently massage the pad with a towel soaked in warm water to melt and loosen it. A groomer can trim the hair between the pads to reduce the problem. Boots or a protective wax help, and our guide to dog gear for cold weather explains how to choose them.

Summer: hot pavement

Asphalt, concrete, sand and metal can all burn paws. The easiest test is your own hand. Place it flat on the surface, and if you cannot comfortably hold it there for ten seconds, it is too hot for your dog. The AKC's chief veterinarian says that at 85°F (29°C) or above, if the pavement has not had a chance to cool, the surface may be too hot for a safe walk. The AKC also cites figures reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association: at an air temperature of 86°F (30°C), asphalt measured 135°F (57°C).

Walk early in the morning or in the evening.
Choose grass or shaded routes.
Take the first long walk of the warm season slowly, because pads that are not used to pavement can blister.
Consider well-fitting boots for hot days.

Burned pads may look red, swollen or blistered. Burns of any kind need a vet's attention.

Dry or cracked pads

Pads dry out and crack for many reasons. Rough surfaces, hot or cold weather, de-icing salts, floor cleaners and lawn fertilizers can all play a part. Sometimes the cause is a nutrition gap or an underlying health problem such as allergies, liver disease or an autoimmune condition.

For minor, non-bleeding cracks, clean the paws after walks, keep the pads moist and apply a thick balm made for dogs. Balms and butters tend to last longer than creams. Waterproof boots can protect pads while they heal.

Avoid products that are not made for dogs. Petroleum jelly is sometimes suggested as a paw barrier, but PetMD advises against it because licking it off can cause a serious stomach upset. Coconut oil is also a poor choice: eaten, it can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis, and it can trigger an allergic reaction.

If the cracks are bleeding, if the pads are swollen, or if dryness shows up for the first time, book a vet visit. Your vet may run blood tests, such as liver enzymes and thyroid hormone levels, to look for an underlying cause, and may prescribe antibiotics or medicated wipes if there is an infection.

Nails and fur between the pads

Most dogs need their nails trimmed about once a month. Dogs that often walk on pavement or concrete may go a bit longer, because hard, rough ground helps wear nails down. Inactive dogs may need a trim about every three weeks.

Nails that touch the ground or click on hard floors are too long. Dewclaws never touch the ground, so they can overgrow and even curve around into the pad. If a nail tears, press firmly on it to slow the bleeding, and call your vet if it keeps bleeding. Long-haired breeds may also benefit from having the hair between the pads trimmed.

Minor paw injuries

Start by checking the bottom of the foot for something simple, such as gum or tape stuck in the fur. For a minor wound, trim away the surrounding fur, clean it with pet-safe soap and remove shallow debris. Do not dig for anything deep. Watch for redness, swelling, pus or ongoing pain, and use a cone if your dog keeps licking the spot.

When to see your vet

Call your vet if your dog has:

Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure
Deep cuts, punctures or a foreign object that is stuck
A burn of any kind
Redness, swelling or pus that suggests infection
Cracked or dry pads that appear for the first time, since this can point to an underlying condition
Constant licking, chewing or limping

Frequently asked questions

How often should I check my dog's paws?

Make it a habit after every walk, and look more closely after snow, salt, hot pavement or rough trails. Spread the toes and check the pads, between the toes and around the nails for cuts, cracks, redness and anything stuck in the fur.

How can I tell if pavement is too hot for my dog?

Place your hand flat on the surface. If you cannot comfortably keep it there for ten seconds, it is too hot for bare paws. Walk early or late, stick to grass and shade, or choose a different time.

Can I put petroleum jelly or coconut oil on my dog's paws?

A balm made for dogs is the safer pick. Petroleum jelly is sometimes suggested as a pre-walk barrier, but PetMD advises against it because dogs lick their paws and swallowing it can cause a serious stomach upset. PetMD also advises against coconut oil on cracked paws, since eating it can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.

How often do my dog's nails need trimming?

Most dogs need a trim about once a month. Dogs that walk often on pavement may go a little longer, since hard surfaces wear nails down, and inactive dogs may need trims about every three weeks.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy