📄 Article Highlights
- Paw pads protect a dog's bones and joints and provide traction, but they contain very little fat and are therefore vulnerable to both heat and cold.
- In summer, asphalt can reach 60°C when the air temperature is 30°C: the hand test (5 seconds on the ground) helps determine if a walk is safe.
- In winter, de-icing salt, packed snow between the toes, and frost damage paw pads; rinsing and drying paws after every walk limits irritation.
- Daily inspection, gentle cleaning, and regular moisturizing with a suitable balm are usually enough to prevent injuries in most cases.
- A wound that does not heal, persistent limping, or a discolored paw pad should always be shown to a veterinarian.
Paw pads are a part of your dog's body that we often tend to overlook, until the day a limp, a burn, or a small wound reminds us how hard they work, on every outing, on all types of surfaces. Here is what you need to know to protect them all year round, without falling into excessive worry.
What are paw pads actually used for?
Paw pads are not just simple "soles": they are structures made of thick skin, fatty tissue, and elastic fibers that absorb shock with every step, protect bones and joints, and provide the necessary grip for running, braking, or changing direction. They also contain many nerve endings, which explains why a small cut or burn can be very painful for your dog, even if the injury looks superficial from the outside.
Contrary to popular belief, paw pads are not naturally insulated against extreme temperatures: they contain less fat and have a different blood circulation than the rest of the body, which makes them sensitive to both the heat of asphalt in the summer and the biting cold of winter.
Heat: summer's most underestimated danger
Every year, dogs burn their paw pads by walking on asphalt, sand, or paving stones in direct sunlight. The phenomenon is often more serious than one might imagine: at an ambient temperature of 30°C, asphalt can reach about 60°C, enough heat to cause burns after just a few minutes of walking.
The hand test: a simple reflex
Before taking your dog out during the hottest hours, place the back of your hand on the pavement or asphalt for about 5 seconds. If you cannot hold it there for that long without discomfort, the ground is too hot for your dog's paws as well. It is a very simple gesture, but it prevents a large portion of the burns seen in veterinary clinics every summer.
The right reflexes during hot weather
Prioritize walks early in the morning or late in the evening, when the ground has had time to cool down. Whenever possible, choose dirt paths, grass, or shaded trails rather than asphalt in direct sunlight. Also, consider protective booties for inevitable outings on hot surfaces, especially for dogs living in cities during the summer.
Recognizing a paw pad burn
The warning signs are quite characteristic: the dog limps, hesitates to move forward, or outright refuses to walk; the paw pads look darker or an unusual color; you may see blisters, marked redness, or even an area where the skin seems torn; and the dog licks or nibbles at its paws insistently after the walk.
Cold, snow, and de-icing salt
Winter presents its own dangers for paw pads, often less dramatic than summer burns but just as unpleasant for your companion. Salt and de-icing products contain compounds (sodium chloride, calcium or magnesium chloride) that severely irritate the skin and can cause chapping or even small wounds if contact continues without rinsing.
Snow itself is not harmless: it sometimes forms small ice blocks stuck between the toes, which eventually injure the skin if left in place for too long. Frost, meanwhile, reduces blood circulation in an area that is already poorly vascularized, increasing the risk of frostbite in dogs that remain outside for long periods in extreme cold.
Signs that a paw pad is suffering from the cold
A dog that lifts one paw after the other while walking, adopts a hesitant gait on snow or ice, shivers, or starts licking its paw pads repeatedly after a winter outing is likely expressing discomfort related to the cold. Dry, cracked, reddened, or swollen paw pads are also signals to take seriously.
How to protect paws in winter
After every outing in salty or snowy areas, rinse the paws with lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply a protective balm made of natural ingredients (shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax) before the walk to form a barrier, and reapply regularly during extreme cold. For small, short-haired, or elderly dogs, or for certain brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) that are more sensitive to cold, booties can make a real difference in comfort during winter walks.
Common paw pad injuries, beyond heat and cold
Beyond extreme temperatures, paw pads can be injured by abrasive surfaces like rough asphalt, rocks, or concrete, by sharp objects (glass, flint, thorns), by chemical products encountered on walks or stored at home (cleaning products, solvents), or even by hot liquids accidentally spilled indoors.
Highly active, athletic dogs, or those involved in canicross, agility, or long hikes are also more exposed: repeated jumping, changes in direction, and prolonged exertion on hard ground put heavy strain on the paw pads, especially if they are not gradually accustomed to this type of effort.
First aid in case of injury
If you notice a burn or a cut on a paw pad, the first actions count for a lot in limiting pain and preventing the wound from worsening:
- Rinse the area with cool (not ice-cold) water for 10 to 15 minutes if you suspect a burn; if running water is unavailable, a clean cold compress can work temporarily.
- Keep your dog in a cool, quiet place, and avoid making them walk more than necessary until the wound has been assessed.
- Protect the area with a clean bandage if needed, and use an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from licking the wound, which would delay healing.
- Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if the burn seems extensive, if a cut is deep, or if a foreign object remains stuck in the paw pad.
A simple maintenance routine, all year round
The good news is that most paw pad injuries can be prevented with a few simple habits, to be integrated into your routine rather than reserved for high-risk periods.
Daily inspection
Make it a habit, after every walk or at least once a day, to take a quick look at your dog's paws: check for cuts, thorns, pebbles stuck between the pads, redness, or abnormally hot areas. This inspection takes a few seconds once it becomes a habit, and allows you to spot a problem before it gets worse.
Cleaning and moisturizing
Regular cleaning with lukewarm water and mild soap, followed by complete drying (especially between the toes, where moisture encourages irritation and fungal infections), helps keep paw pads healthy. Applying a moisturizing balm, made of natural ingredients and without harsh perfumes, a few times a week, prevents dryness and cracking, especially in dogs that go out a lot or live in extreme climates.
Nutrition: an often forgotten ally
Skin health, including that of the paw pads, depends partly on diet. Sufficient intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, zinc, and biotin contributes to more resilient skin and better healing in the event of minor injuries. Good general hydration also counts: an active dog needs about 50 to 100 ml of water per kilo of body weight each day, even more in hot weather or during sustained exertion.
Active and athletic dogs: strengthening paw pads gradually
If your dog engages in intense physical activity (canicross, long hikes, agility, working with hunting or sled dogs), their paw pads need an adaptation period, just like muscles or joints. A gradual increase in the duration and intensity of outings, starting on soft surfaces like grass or dirt before introducing harder ground, allows the paw pads to thicken naturally and better resist repeated friction.
Conversely, an unconditioned dog taken suddenly on a long hike on rocky terrain faces a real risk of injury, even without any particular fault on the owner's part: paw pads, like skin in general, need time to strengthen.
Special cases: puppies, elderly dogs, and sensitive breeds
Puppies have pads that are still thin and not yet toughened: it is better to limit prolonged outings on abrasive or very hot surfaces during the first few months, and favor shorter but more frequent walks. Elderly dogs often have thinner skin and less efficient blood circulation, making them more vulnerable to both the cold and minor wounds that heal more slowly. Certain breeds (Greyhounds, dogs with very short hair, brachycephalic breeds) are naturally more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and especially benefit from increased vigilance and, if necessary, wearing booties during extreme outings.
When to consult the veterinarian
Most minor scrapes heal very well at home with careful cleaning and some rest. However, certain signs justify a consultation without delay: a wound that does not heal after several days, a limp that persists or worsens, marked discoloration of the paw pad, the presence of pus or an unusual odor, a dog that completely refuses to put weight on the paw, or a foreign object you cannot remove yourself safely. When in doubt, a veterinary opinion is always the safest solution for your companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put booties on my dog even if they don't seem bothered?
Not automatically. Many dogs adapt naturally to temperature variations without any particular issues. Booties are mainly useful during extreme heat or cold, on salted ground, or for dogs that have already had paw pad injuries, rather than as a permanent accessory.
My dog licks their paws a lot; is it serious?
Occasional licking after a walk is normal. However, insistent, localized, and repeated licking can indicate irritation, a small wound, an allergy, or discomfort that is worth examining if it persists for several days.
Can I use hand cream on my dog's paw pads?
This is not recommended: many human creams contain perfumes, essential oils, or compounds that can be irritating or even toxic if the dog licks them. It is better to use a balm specifically designed for animals, with simple and natural ingredients.
How long does it take for a paw pad to heal?
This depends on the depth of the injury: a small, superficial cut can heal in a few days with proper care, while a more extensive burn or a deep wound may require several weeks and veterinary follow-up, particularly to avoid infections.
Are cracked paw pads always related to the climate?
Climate is a frequent cause, but not the only one: a lack of hydration, nutritional deficiency, certain skin diseases, or natural skin aging can also cause cracking. If the problem persists despite a suitable care routine, a veterinary opinion can rule out an underlying cause.
To take care of your dog's paws every day, find our dedicated selection in the Dog Hygiene collection.