Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My small dog's paw pads are cracked. What's the cause and fix?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 15 lbs

My small dog has cracked pads,she’s only 1 and a half and has no health problems,she’s a mixed breed of rat terrier and chiuauwa,what might have caused the cracks?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 1st, 2018

Dry skin, hot ground and genetic disposition all can cause cracked and dry pads. You can help her by getting some Musher's Secret Paw Wax or bag balm and put it on her paws. This should eliminate the cracks and help her heal.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 23rd, 2017
This is from the pads getting dry and walking on rough surfaces over time. You can try to keep them moist and put Vaseline to soften them without letting him lick it. They typically callus and get hard and cracked over time from wear and tear though. If you can limit hot surfaces and limit hard, rough environmental factors it will help
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 17th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Tina, and for providing pictures of her paws. They are very helpful. I see what you mean about the cracks, and it may be that she has an infection causing this cracks. An infection would explain why the paw butter isn't helping and they are getting worse. It's time to see a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing these paw cracks and can prescribe medication to treat them. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog's paw pad is white and cracked. Why doesn't it bother her?

This rough, white spot could be due to exposure to the elements outside, or it could be due to running and walking on rough surfaces such as concrete. I'd get Musher's Secret to put on Macey's paws to protect them.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's paws are cracked from running. What home remedies help?

Poor Sabre! An emollient cream such as e45 or vaseline can help to soften and reduce such cracks, you should lase rest her for at least 5-7days to allow the feet to heal and consider putting boots (such as used for security dogs for broken glass etc) on her if she must cross rough terrain or tarmac for extended lengths of time in the future

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy's paws are dry and cracked from snow and salt. What to do?

It is likely that the cold conditions, low humidity, and salt on the ground has caused his paws to dry out and become cracked/sore. Consider looking into getting winter booties for Kiba. Ruffwear makes wonderful dog boots for the cold weather. You can also try a paw protectant like Musher's Secret to help prevent injury to his paws.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paws are red and cracked. What's wrong and how to help?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's paws are dry and cracked. What's the best treatment?

Hello. We need to know why Max's feet are dry & cracked. This could indicate a bacterial or even a fungal cause. Until you can have him evaluated, you can wash his feet in a skin antiseptic like Hibiclens ( available at all pharmacies ), dry well & then apply a very light coating of Vaseline. Try to do this at least 1-2 times a day. If no response within a couple of weeks, do see your veterinarian for further recommendations. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has rough paw pads. Is it normal? What if moisturizer fails?

Phoenix's paw pads may benefit from a change in diet. Royal Canin diets are fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for the coat and skin. They make a diet for sensitive skin (you may need to look online for the product) and this one would be a good option. It will take about 4 weeks to see if they improve with a new diet. You could also try a product such as Baely's Paw Shield. This balm may help to heal the cracked skin. Lastly, avoid rough surfaces and dry the paws well when they get wet. If the skin starts looking red, bleeding, scabbing or if he seems bothered, have hime seen by his vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's paw pads are cracked. How to fix and use Mushers Secret?

Thanks for using PetCaoch! I can’t tell for certain without looking in person, but Timber’s paw pads actually don’t look serious to me. Shallow cracks are not a concern. If they are deeper, bleed, or seem to hurt him, do the Mushers secret every 2-3 days. If he’ll tolerate it you can also try a dog bootie for protection during walks (many dogs hate these). You can also skip walks for a day or two (if he won’t go crazy) to give the paws a rest. Best of luck to you and Timber!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share