Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome 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

How to prevent my puppy's paw pads from tearing open on walks?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 3 months and 29 days old | 71.2 lbs

Meet Nova. Nova is an energetic 4 month old puppy, and she Loves going for walks. The only problem is, when she goes for walks she tears her pads open. I am not sure how she is doing it. I try to keep her in the grass now. But it makes her painful obviously for the next several days. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? She won't wear anything on her feet. I was looking at a preventative was to out on her pads but I am skeptical of it.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Davis

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2017

I have not had good success with applying anything to the pads to protect them. If Nova won't walk in dog boots you can try applying Vaseline to her pads to soften them and keep them from cracking. You are doing a good job keeping her walking on the grass or soft dirt. As she grows her pads should thicken and give her more protection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Nova.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share

Styled arrow button