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

It could be that Kiba has a piece of ice pierce his paw when walking outside, and it's a very small wound you can't see, or he could have strained a ligament that causes him pain when he walks on it. I would recommend resting Kiba for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. Carry him out if needed, and put him on a spot with little to no snow. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

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

Poor Sky! Sure to always touch the concrete to make sure it is not too hot as pets can get serious injury. Avoid walking Sky during the hot time of the day. Walk in the very early mornings or in the evenings after the temperature has dropped. Booties can help as well to protect her feet from hot temperatures. Also make sure she does not lick at the feet (have her wear an elizabethan collar at all times) and keep her on soft surfaces with no walks, running or jumping until the tissue is fully healed. You can apply a dab of coconut oil and rub it in well. Make sure she does not lick this as it can cause GI upset. You can also purchase the balm that mushers use on sled dogs. If the area does not start looking better or if it begins to look worse at any point, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello. The only way to prevent these is to use booties on Jack's paws, but if he is not licking his feet, nor does he seem uncomfortable or limps, then I do not think he needs the booties. I would be washing his feet every day, either with a dilute Povidone Iodine or Chlorhexidine solution. Wipe his feet with the solution, then dry with a soft towel without rinsing. Continue to test or avoid hot concrete or asphalt surfaces & I think Jack should do just fine. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bentley. It is worth having him evaluated by his veterinarian to determine if his paws require treatment. If they are painful, this will make him not want you to put anything over them. He may need antibiotics and pain medications for them to heal. Otherwise, is there any place else you can take him to go potty? Could you carry him across the icy area to snowy or grassy place? You can buy protective hiking boots, but as with the socks I am not sure if he would wear them. You can go slowly and give treats while applying them. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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.

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.