Dry, Cracked Dog Paws: Causes & Treatment

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Common Causes of Dry, Cracked Dog Paws

Weather Extremes

Hot summer pavement can burn your dog's paws, while winter brings its challenges with freezing temperatures, ice, and road salt. Both extremes strip moisture from paw pads and leave them vulnerable to cracking.

Rough Terrain & Surfaces

Concrete, gravel, rocky trails, and even rough indoor surfaces can gradually wear down paw pads. Dogs who spend lots of time on hard surfaces without gradually building up their protective "paw calluses" are especially prone to drying and cracking.

Chemical Irritants

Road salt, ice melts, household cleaners, and lawn chemicals can irritate sensitive paw pads. Even swimming in chlorinated pools can contribute to dryness if paws aren't rinsed afterward.

Allergies & Sensitivities

Just like with skin elsewhere on their body, dogs can develop sensitivities to environmental allergens, certain foods, or materials they come into contact with. This can show up as dry, itchy, or inflamed paw pads.

Environmental factors like hot pavement, chemicals, and rough surfaces are common culprits behind cracked paw pads.

Age & Breed Factors

Senior dogs often have thinner, more delicate paw pads that crack more easily. Breeds with naturally softer or thinner paw pads, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, and Japanese Chins, or those bred for softer terrain like Maltese and Shih Tzus, may also be more susceptible to cracking.

Lack of Moisture & Nutrition

Poor nutrition, dehydration, or underlying health conditions can affect skin health throughout your dog's body, including their paw pads. 

How to Inspect & Monitor Your Dog's Paws

Make paw checks part of your routine, especially after walks or outdoor adventures. Here's what to look for:

• Physical signs: Dry, flaky skin, visible cracks, cuts, swelling, redness, or foreign objects stuck between toes.
• Behavioral signs: Limping, favoring one paw, excessive licking or chewing at paws, reluctance to walk on certain surfaces, or whimpering when paws are touched.
• Texture changes: Paw pads that feel unusually hard, rough, or hot to the touch.

Prevention & Protective Care

Paw Protection Strategies

Protect paws from extreme temperatures by avoiding hot pavement during peak sun hours and using dog booties or paw wax before winter walks. If your dog won't wear booties, try building up their tolerance gradually or stick to grassy areas when possible.

Environmental Management

Rinse paws with clean water after walks, especially if you've been on salted roads or chemically treated surfaces. Keep a towel by the door for quick paw cleaning, and consider using pet-safe balms or booties to create a protective barrier against harsh conditions.

Proper Nutrition for Skin Health

A balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids supports healthy skin and paw pads from the inside out. Omega-3s found in salmon, sardines, chia seeds, and flaxseed help preserve the natural oils that keep paw pads supple and resilient. 

For pet owners looking for a more convenient option, Bailey’s Omega Hemp CBD Soft Chews provide a veterinarian-formulated blend of calming CBD and omega-3s, providing support for skin, coat, and paw health in an easy daily supplement.

Treatment & Home Remedies

Safe At-Home Care Options

For minor dryness and small cracks, these gentle remedies can provide relief:

• A tiny amount of coconut oil rubbed into clean, dry paw pads can provide moisture and has natural antibacterial properties. Use it sparingly, as too much can make floors slippery!
• Mix plain, uncooked oatmeal with warm water to create a soothing paste. Let your dog's paws soak for a few minutes, then rinse gently.
• Look for dog-specific paw balms with natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter. For example, at Bailey’s CBD, our CBD Paw & Nose Balm is made with single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, Colorado, using gentle subcritical CO₂ extraction. Every batch is third-party lab tested for purity, so you can trust it to safely support your dog’s paw and nose health.

Bailey’s CBD products are lab-tested for purity to ensure the health and safety of your dogs.

Moisturizing Techniques

Apply moisturizing treatments when paws are clean and dry, ideally when your dog is settled for the evening, so they won't immediately walk on treated paws. Gently massage into paw pads, but avoid getting product between toes where it might cause irritation.

Gentle Cleaning Methods

Use lukewarm water and a soft cloth to clean paws. Avoid harsh soaps or human products that can strip natural oils and worsen dryness.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't ignore persistent cracks or signs of infection like excessive swelling, discharge, or odor.
• Don't use human moisturizers and petroleum jelly, which can be harmful if your dog licks their paws.
• Don't let your dog walk on extremely hot or cold surfaces without protection.
• Don't pick at or try to "peel" loose skin from cracked paws—this can create larger wounds and invite infection.

Why Bailey's CBD is Your Best Bet for Paw Health

When your dog's paws need extra support, you want something that works naturally and safely. Bailey's CBD offers a comprehensive approach to supporting your dog's comfort and well-being, which can be especially helpful for dogs dealing with paw problems.

We use single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, Colorado to ensure consistent quality. Our products are also crafted using a subcritical CO₂ extraction process at a specialized lab in the same location. This process removes harsh solvents while preserving the natural cannabinoids that make our hemp so effective. 

We’re also licensed by the Department of Health, and every batch is third-party lab tested for heavy metals and pesticides, giving you complete confidence in safety and quality.

Our CBD Oil for Dogs promotes calmness and may help soothe stress-related paw licking that often makes cracked pads worse. It has:

• Full Spectrum Hemp Extract which promotes relaxation and supports overall wellness, helping reduce stress-driven behaviors like excessive licking.
• Organic Coconut Oil that helps nourish skin and coat from within, providing healthy fats that help restore moisture to dry paw pads.

For dogs that prefer treats, our Calming CBD Yummies offer similar benefits in a tasty chew. Each chew includes:

• Chamomile, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, helps soothe paw irritation.
• Chia Seed, rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support healthy, resilient paw pads and skin.

Together, these formulas support calm behavior while delivering skin- and paw-friendly nutrients from the inside out.

For topical care, our gentle CBD Pet Shampoo contains soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal that can help calm irritated skin during bath time and support healthy skin from the outside. It’s also enriched with aloe vera and coconut oil that may help restore moisture and shine to fur and skin.

Our CBD Pet Shampoo can help nourish the skin and improve the overall well-being of your dog. 

With over 1,533 verified reviews and a 4.5 TrustScore on Trustpilot, Bailey's CBD has earned the trust of pet parents who've seen real results. When your dog's paws need extra care, choose the brand that combines proven quality with genuine commitment to pet wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for cracked dog paws to heal?

Minor cracks typically improve within a week or two with consistent care and protection. Deeper cracks or those complicated by infection may take several weeks to heal completely. The key is consistent treatment and preventing further damage during the healing process.

Can I use human moisturizer on my dog's cracked paws?

No, human moisturizers often contain ingredients that can be harmful if ingested when your dog licks its paws. Stick to products specifically formulated for dogs, or use safe options like plain coconut oil in small amounts.

Should I use dog booties for cracked paws?

Booties can be helpful for protection during healing, but they need to fit properly and allow air circulation to prevent moisture buildup. Not all dogs tolerate booties well, so introduce them gradually. For many dogs, avoiding harsh surfaces and using protective balms works just as well.

When should I see a vet about my dog's cracked paws?

Contact your veterinarian if you notice deep cracks, bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., swelling, discharge, odor), if your dog is limping significantly, or if home treatment hasn't improved the condition after a week. Persistent paw problems can indicate underlying health issues that need professional attention.

How can Bailey's CBD help with my dog's paw problems?

Bailey's CBD products contain ingredients like CBD, passion flower, and omega-3 that may help reduce stress-related paw licking, potentially preventing further irritation to existing cracks while supporting overall skin health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.