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

Why is my dog's paw pad peeling, licking, and walking slowly?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 27 lbs

I noticed my dog licking his paws quite a bit. When I went to look, it looks like he has parts of the skin of his paw pad falling off and a soft layer underneath. He is being protective of his paws and is walking slowly.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 23rd, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Nugget may have blistered his feet from running outside or from chewing his feet from allergies. You have a couple of options. The first would be to take him to the veterinarian to be examined and to have the paw pad that is falling off trimmed away from the foot so it does not catch on anything in the environment. The second option would be to soak his feet in epsom salt soaks twice daily 10 minutes at a time and wait for the pad tissue to fall off on its own. I would also have him wear protective booties and applying a wound cream such as Sentry Wound ointment (can be found at Petco) while the feet are healing. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog's paw pad is peeling after playing outside. Is it serious?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about your dog. Thank you also for providing the pictures, they are very helpful. That has really peeled back, and likely will need to be removed. I would not try to remove it yourself, it could hurt him and he may bite in pain. I'd take him into a vet now to get this part of his pad removed, to get pain medication, and to get antibiotics. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paw pads are peeling, but he's not limping. What's wrong?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why are my dog's paw pads peeling after running? What can I do?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Hammy and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. I see what you mean about his paw pads peeling. It may be too hot for him. To test if it's too hot, put the back of your hand on the track. If you can't hold it there for at least five seconds, it's too hot. It could also be he is running too hard and too often. For now, I would rest him. Allow his paw pads to heal before taking him back to running. I'd apply Musher's Secret to his paws to help then heal. The Musher's Secret, which is a pad balm, can help protect his pads as well when they heal. You can find it online. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paw pad is torn. What are the protruding pieces? Vet or home?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This does not require stitches in my opinion. The spot at the top of the picture appears to be a cut or abrasion. The protruding pieces are likely pieces of pad that have not fallen off on their own. I would recommend soaking this in a betadine / saline mixture (mixed to give a light brown solution). I would soak this for 5-10 minutes twice daily until healed. I would also apply Sentry Wound ointment, which you can find at PetCo and apply twice daily. If this does not improve or it worsens, please have Bane examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's paw pad is sore. What are the best at-home treatments?

Try soaking it in some warm water with Epsom salt if he will allow it-- this is easiest to do by putting the water and epsom salt in a plastic bag and putting his paw into the plastic bag. If you can do this for about 10 minutes or so, that may help if he has any debris , sticker, grass seed, etc that is embedded in the skin. If he is licking at it, be sure to put an Ecollar (cone of shame) on him. Dry it with a towel then allow to air dry, then you can use this product on it: If it is not improving within a couple of days, take him in to your vet. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Dog's paw pad scraped, hanging. Vet needed? Can he still walk?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Alfie! If the scraps are superficial (first layer is scraped off) and it isn't a full thickness laceration then I would trim the flap hanging off (like a blister on our feet). Sometimes if the dog is painful it is best to see your vet for oral antibiotics and pain medications. I recommend soaking the feet in an Eposom salt bath twice daily and NOT walking them on hard surfaces (grass only) and keep walks short and to the point until the pads have healed. I wish Alfie the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my puppy licking her paws? Are they burned? What can I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Prevent Ellie from licking her paws. This may require an e-collar. If there are no open wounds soak her feet in a epsom salt soak for a few minutes and rinse well. If there is any open wounds, peeling of paw pads or oozing then she need to see a vet. There are booties you can buy to protect her feet if she is out playing on rough ground. Do not walk her on pavement if it is hot to the touch. Some dogs may lick their feed due to allergies or contact irritation. Keep her feet clean and dry. Wiping her feet with a damp cloth after walking can help remove surface irritants.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share