How To Heal Dogs Dry Paws

Here are some great tips on How To Heal Dogs Dry Paws. Have you ever felt the bottom of their paws and felt that paw pads had a rough texture to them? We started doing some research on the problems. Here are some of the solutions we found to help.

Why are my dog’s Paws so rough?

There can be many reasons why your dog’s paws are so rough. First I will go over the common medical issues that can be the culprit.

What medical conditions can cause dry paws on dogs?

Hyperkeratosis

If your dog’s paws have noticeable hairs growing on them, You may want to consult a vet and make sure it is not Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition that makes your dog’s paw pads thick and crusty. It’s often referred to as “hairy dog feet” because it causes your dog’s paws to look like they are growing a small layer of hair.

Endocrine issues

The most common canine endocrine issues that can affect a dog’s paws are Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism. One of the most common causes of canine endocrine is a hormonal imbalance. Although, If your vet suspects that your dog’s chronic paw pad lesions or infections stem from endocrine issues she will run a panel of tests.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can be managed with life-long thyroid hormone supplementation. Make sure you rule this out as well. Hypothyroidism is low levels of thyroid hormone.

Autoimmune Diseases

If your dog is excessively licking his paws or experiencing swollen or cracked, reoccurring lesions or blisters that spread to more than one paw it could be an autoimmune disease. You will notice the dryness or lesions spreading as a warning that there may be something wrong.

Liver Disease

This can be caused by toxins, medications, cancer, bacteria, viruses or autoimmune and degenerative issues. Liver disease may show in the paw pads as lesions that won’t heal and consist of chronic infections, crusting, thickening, erosions, ulcerations as well as blisters.

We encourage you to ask your veterinarian, next time you visit about the best way to heal your dogs dry paws. If you notice certain changes in the paw; these changes can be caused by certain medical conditions.

Why does my dog have dry paws

Weather is the Number One Reason

Common reasons that are not related to any underlying medical conditions

Weather is another factor. Are you paying attention to how hot or cold the pavement maybe? Salts used in the winter can severely dry out the paw pads. Causing cracking in the pads of the paws or burn-like blisters. In the summer you may see blisters or bleed from the hot cement.

Use Salts that will NOT harm your dog’s paws

Prevention

One option for pet owners that do not want to use salt on their property is a product called The ECO-ST.  It minimizes the chance for your dog from getting a paw burn caused by regular salt products.

 The Website can offer you more information below. The company also puts back into the environment. By participating in tree planting and other technologies to help our ecosystem. 

I do recommend this solution to keep your dog’s paws safe from the burn. Rather than using the regular salt provided to us in the wintertime. You can also find them on Facebook for more information on purchasing this product.

Make sure to always check the weather. Also, you can purchase cute booties in the winter for walking your dog. It not only is warmer for them, but it is also protecting them from the salts used on sidewalks and roads during the winter.

How to clean the salt off your dog’s paws

Fill up a small basin of luke-warm water and some soap. You can use the same one you shampoo your dog with. Place the paw one by one or if they are a small dog you can place them right in. Give them a good wipe dry with a towel. I apply the balm on right after to prevent drying out the paw. As soap can leave the paws very dry. There is also a homemade recipe you can use at the end of this post.

I purchased the Espree Paw Balm. The homemade Balm also did the same. It has done wonders making our dog’s paws feel softer but we still haven’t gotten to the root problem of what is causing it.

Another Solution I have discovered from our local vet. It is called Invisible boot. It has definitely helped us heal our dogs dry paws

If you walk your dog without any protective product applied, remember to wipe their paws with a warm towel once you come inside, and gently pat dry. This is to remove any excess salt and ice which can cause irritation if ingested.

Check that the diet is not causing any dry paws

We have ruled out most of these however I am still checking into our dog’s diet. But I did find this product helpful for keeping her pads soft. You can also make shea butter yourself.

Treatment for dry cracked paws

How To Heal Dogs Dry Paws

Here is a recipe I was able to find on the OSPCA site.

The ingredients are edible so that if your dog does lick it off the paws you can be assured it shouldn’t harm them. This article is only to educate you on what I have learned so far and is not in any way veterinarian advice. So, please Always check with your vet first before applying anything on their paws.

Homemade Paw Balm

• 6, 1oz Heat safe tins
• Small pot or double broiler
• 2 Oz. Olive Oil
• 2 Oz. Coconut Oil
• 1 Oz. Shea Butter *
• 4 tsp beeswax

*Be sure to use shea butter and not cocoa butter, as cocoa butter can be toxic to dogs.

Paw balm instructions

1. In a small pot – or double boiler – over low heat, melt the oils, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir continuously until it’s all melted and well blended.
2. Pour the mixture into the heat-safe tins.
3. Let them cool on the counter until they harden.
4. Cap and label.
5. Keep away from extreme heat.
6. Use within 1-2 years.

This recipe will make enough to fill approximately 21-24 standard lip balm tubes or 6-1 oz. tins.

If you enjoyed our post on How To Heal Dogs Dry Paws You may want to read more on our recommended Senior Dog Care.