Dog Paw Care: Cracked Paw Pads, Interdigital Dermatitis, and Winter Maintenance

A dog's paw pads are like their "shoes," bearing the pressure of walking, running, and jumping every day. Healthy paw pads should be plump and elastic, with a smooth surface and no odor. However, environmental factors, moisture, dryness, or injuries can all cause problems. Learning proper paw care can help your dog avoid the troubles of interdigital dermatitis and cracked pads.

## Understanding Paw Pad Functions

A dog's paw pads do more than just help them walk—they serve many important functions:

* Absorb impact to protect joints and bones
* Provide traction for stable walking on various surfaces
* Regulate body temperature—paw pads are one of the few areas where dogs can release heat
* Sense ground conditions through abundant nerve endings

Because paw pads are so important, daily care should not be neglected.

## Interdigital Dermatitis: The Most Common Paw Problem

Interdigital dermatitis (pododermatitis) is a common skin condition in dogs, with front paws usually more affected than back paws.

### Common Symptoms

* Frequent licking or chewing of paws
* Red, inflamed skin between toes
* Small pustules or bumps appearing
* Paw fur on light-colored dogs stained reddish-brown from saliva
* Nail beds becoming red and swollen with hair loss
* In severe cases, ulceration or foul odor

### Main Causes

The causes of interdigital dermatitis are complex and commonly include:

1. **Moisture**: This is the primary cause—not drying paws after bathing or stepping in water
2. **Bacterial or fungal infection**: Damp environments easily harbor pathogens
3. **Allergies**: Food or environmental allergies may manifest on paws
4. **Foreign objects**: Grass seeds or small stones lodged between toes
5. **Psychological factors**: Anxiety, boredom, or being left alone too long leading to excessive licking

### Treatment and Care

For mild symptoms, keeping the area dry and clean combined with topical ointments prescribed by a veterinarian usually shows improvement within 3 days to a week. Deep infections may require 6 to 8 weeks or more of antibiotic treatment—be sure to follow medical advice and complete the entire course without stopping medication prematurely.

For severe licking, use an e-collar to prevent secondary infection.

## Causes and Prevention of Cracked Paw Pads

Cracked paw pads are painful like dry, cracked human hands, though dogs usually don't show obvious signs of discomfort.

### Common Causes

* **Winter dryness**: Cold, dry weather causes paw pads to lose moisture
* **Summer burns**: Asphalt surfaces can reach over 60°C (140°F) in direct sunlight
* **Rough surfaces**: Long-term wear from gravel or concrete
* **Chemical substances**: Road de-icing agents or cleaning product residue
* **Age factors**: Senior dogs' paw pads tend to become dry and keratinized more easily

### Prevention Methods

* Test ground temperature with the back of your hand before going out—if it's too hot, don't let your dog walk on it
* Regularly use pet-specific paw balm to moisturize pads
* Avoid walking on surfaces recently sprayed with herbicides or de-icing agents
* Wipe paws with a damp cloth after returning home

## Daily Paw Care Essentials

Developing good care habits can significantly reduce paw problems:

### Keep Them Dry

* After bathing, thoroughly dry between the toes
* Use a towel to dry paws after stepping in water outside
* Moisture is the biggest culprit for interdigital dermatitis

### Regular Inspection

* Check paw pads weekly for wounds, cracks, or foreign objects
* Look for redness, swelling, or odor between toes
* Watch if your dog is frequently licking their paws

### Appropriate Trimming

* Regularly trim the fur on paw bottoms to prevent dirt buildup
* Keep nails at an appropriate length—overly long nails affect walking posture

### Choose Suitable Surfaces

* Avoid prolonged walking on surfaces that are too hot or too cold
* Consider using dog booties for protection on rough terrain

## Special Winter Care

Winter is peak season for paw problems and requires special attention:

* Clean paws after coming home to remove de-icing agent residue
* Apply paw balm for moisture after drying
* Reduce time spent on cold concrete surfaces
* Maintain appropriate indoor humidity to prevent excessive dryness

## When to See a Veterinarian

If you notice any of the following conditions, take your dog to the vet promptly:

* Obvious wounds or bleeding on paw pads
* Redness and swelling between toes persisting more than 3 days
* Pustules or abnormal discharge appearing
* Dog limping or refusing to put weight on a paw
* Frequent licking that cannot be controlled

Although dog paw pads appear tough and durable, they actually need careful care. Developing the habit of checking and cleaning after outings, along with regular moisturizing, will keep your dog's paw pads healthy so they can happily walk more miles with you.

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**References:**
* [Dogcatstar - Dog Interdigital Dermatitis Treatment and Daily Care](https://www.dogcatstar.com/blog/dog-pododermatitis/)
* [Downybelly - Dog Paw Pad Care Guide](https://www.downybelly.com/blog/posts/dogs-paw-care)
* [SofyDOG - Secrets of Dog Paw Pads: 3 Tips for Paw Care](https://www.sofydog.com/tw/SofyDOG/blog-detail/330/)
* [SofyDOG - Dog Constantly Licking Paws? May Have Interdigital Dermatitis](https://www.sofydog.com/tw/SofyDOG/blog-detail/296/)

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