Why are my dog's paw pads shedding like reptile skin? Is it normal?

Depigmentation can be normal, but if the skin is also thick or crusty or there are other skin lesions it might also be a sign of an autoimmune skin disease. If Iker has scabs or crusts on his paw pads that aren't obvious in the picture, if he seems itchy or if he has other skin problems I'd recommend having your vet take a look.

Flaky paws can be normal and related to dry skin or irritation of the paws from rough surfaces. In your picture it looks like the crusting might be a little more severe - if this is the case then there are some autoimmune diseases that would be a concern. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Theo's feet and determine if autoimmune disease might be a concern. If so they may recommend checking blood work or taking a biopsy.

Normal hydration can be maintained in these cases by applying vaseline on the pads and protect them as much as possible from licking. Your veterinarian can possibly prescribed some anti-inflammatory ointment (usually acetylsalicylic acid based) to try to reduce peeling and keratin overgrowth.

It could have been a thermal injury if the sidewalk was hot on recent walks. If you haven't taken Vinny on any walks recently, then I would recommend having him evaluated by a vet, some types of infections or autoimmune diseases can cause sloughing of the paw pads. Continue to make sure that Vinny doesn't lick at all. Don't try to pull of the dark part, as it is protecting the more delicate tissue underneath - it will fall off on its own. If you take Vinny outside, use dog booties to protect the pads. Don't apply any ointment unless directly advised by your vet.

Crusting and scabs like this on the paw pads can sometimes be a sign of autoimmune disease. I'd recommend having your vet take a look - if they are concerned about a dermatologic disease they might recommend taking a biopsy sample. If Rope licks his paws it could also be a bacterial infection. The location isn't classic for trauma or heat injury.

According to the photos it looks like a mild abrasion in the central pad that is healing. For now I would just monitor unless signs of infection (redness, pus, foul smell, pain) or if any lameness present then I would suggest to contact your vet.

Oh wow that does look painful. Lesions on the foot/footpad are most commonly either from chronic irritation, immune mediated, a symptom of disease elsewhere (such as hepatocutaneous syndrome from liver disease), allergy (although this looks quite severe for that), vasculitis, or cancer. I would recommend that your girl be seen for bloodwork, needle sampling of the lesions on her head, and likely skin biopsies of her feet. This is th best way to get to the bottom of this painful process for her and get the correct treatment prescribed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!