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Cracked and Dry Dog Paws: Causes and Treatment in the UK

Cracked, dry or rough paw pads are common in UK dogs, particularly during winter (grit salt damage) and summer (hot pavements and dry conditions). While mild dryness is cosmetic, deep cracks can be painful and prone to infection. Here's how to recognise the difference and what to do.

Why Dog Paw Pads Crack

Dog paw pads are naturally tough, but repeated exposure to harsh conditions causes them to dry out and crack. In winter, grit salt used on roads and pavements draws moisture from the pad surface and causes micro-cracking. The repeated freeze-thaw cycle of wet pads in cold weather compounds this damage.

In summer, hot pavements and abrasive surfaces cause superficial burning and wear to pad surfaces. Prolonged swimming (particularly in chlorinated pools or salty sea water) can also strip natural oils from the pads, leading to dryness.

Nutritional deficiencies — particularly in omega fatty acids and zinc — can contribute to dry, cracked pads. A balanced diet with appropriate fatty acids is part of good skin and coat health overall, including paw pads.

Hyperkeratosis: A More Significant Cause

Hyperkeratosis is excessive keratin production causing the paw pads to develop a rough, crusty, layered appearance — sometimes described as 'hairy feet' due to the frond-like keratin overgrowths. It can be idiopathic (no identified cause), hereditary in certain breeds (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Dogues de Bordeaux), or secondary to underlying conditions including distemper virus, leishmaniasis, zinc-responsive dermatosis and autoimmune diseases.

Hyperkeratosis is distinct from routine dryness — the pads develop thickened, hard keratin deposits rather than simply becoming rough or cracked. It doesn't resolve with standard moisturising and requires veterinary investigation to identify whether there's an underlying cause.

Management involves regular softening and removal of excess keratin (using veterinary preparations or warm soaks), with treatment of any underlying condition identified. Breed-related idiopathic hyperkeratosis requires ongoing management throughout the dog's life.

Treating Mild Cracked Paws at Home

For mild to moderate dryness and superficial cracking, paw balms and moisturising products are effective. Pet-specific products designed for this purpose include Musher's Secret, Paw Medic (by Animology), and Natural Dog Company Paw Soother. These contain natural waxes and oils that penetrate and moisturise the pad surface.

Avoid using human hand cream or petroleum products containing artificial fragrances, as dogs will lick their paws and ingest whatever is applied. Products should be pet-safe and formulated for oral-safe contact.

Apply balm after walks and before bed — overnight application (when the dog is less likely to lick immediately) allows better absorption. For more significantly cracked pads, covering the paw with a sock after application and monitoring that the dog doesn't remove it can extend contact time.

When Cracked Paws Need Veterinary Attention

Seek veterinary attention if: cracks are deep and bleeding or showing signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge, odour); the dog is limping or reluctant to walk on the affected paw; the pads have a pronounced thickened, layered or rough overgrowth suggesting hyperkeratosis; or the pads are not improving with home care after 2–3 weeks.

Infected cracked pads may require antibiotic treatment (topical or systemic), wound cleaning and, temporarily, bandaging to protect the pad during healing. Your vet may also recommend investigation of underlying causes if the cracking is severe, bilateral and not explained by environmental exposure.

For dogs prone to recurring pad problems, a consultation with your vet to discuss dietary supplementation (omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, zinc) and ongoing management strategies is worthwhile.

Prevention: Year-Round Paw Care

A simple paw care routine prevents most seasonal pad damage. In winter: wash paws with warm water after every walk on salted surfaces and apply balm before bed. In summer: avoid walking on hot pavements during the hottest part of the day (test the surface with the back of your hand — if uncomfortable after five seconds, it's too hot).

Regular nail trimming is part of overall paw health — overly long nails change the way a dog distributes weight on the pad and can contribute to uneven wear and cracking. Groomers or vet nurses can trim nails if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

Check between the toes as part of any paw care routine — grass seeds, gravel and other debris can lodge in the interdigital spaces and cause significant problems if not removed.

Find a Vet Near You

If your dog's paw pads aren't responding to home treatment, or if cracks are deep or infected, a vet visit is the right next step. Use CompareMyVet at app.comparemyvet.uk to find and compare vet practices near you.