Care & Everyday Life

Dog Paw Care: Caring for Pads and Trimming Claws

Paw care for dogs involves regular checking and maintenance of the paw pads, interdigital spaces, claws, and the top of the paw. Paws are high-stress structures — they bear the entire body weight, are the point of contact with every surface, and are exposed to heat, cold, road salt, chemicals, and mechanical injuries. Early detection of problems (embedded foxtails, cracked pads, matting between the toes) prevents pain and expensive vet visits.

Paw care for dogs: caring for pads and trimming nails

What is paw care for dogs?

Paw care for dogs includes the regular control and care of the paw pads, the spaces between the toes, the nails, and the top of the paw. Paws are highly stressed structures — they carry the entire body weight, are the point of contact with every surface, and are exposed to heat, cold, road salt, chemicals, and mechanical injuries. Problems identified early (ingrown grass awns, cracked pads, matted fur between the toes) help prevent pain and costly veterinary visits.

The most important part of paw care is regular inspection — especially after trips through fields and woods, and after winter walks.

Background + scientific classification

Scott, Miller, and Griffin (2001, Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology) describe the anatomy and physiology of the paw pads: paw pads (pads, tori) consist of a multilayered, keratinized squamous epithelium — significantly thicker and more resilient than normal body skin. The tissue is rich in sweat glands (the dog’s only regular sweat glands) and fatty tissue, which acts as a shock absorber. Dry, cracked pads are caused by frequent contact with hard surfaces, dry air, or chemical irritants (road salt). Pad care products (waxes, paw butter) form a protective layer and keep the pad surface supple — do not use human hand cream, as its additives and unsuitable consistency can soften the pads instead of caring for them.

Gross et al. (2005, Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat) describe interdigital diseases and foreign body reactions: the areas between the toes are prone to grass awns (seed heads of grasses, especially barley and marram grass) — their barbs progressively work their way into the skin, cause abscesses, and can migrate deep into the tissue. Typical presentation: sudden, intense licking of the space between the toes, a small puncture site, and rapidly developing swelling. Grass awns must be removed by a veterinarian — attempts at home often drive them deeper. Other interdigital diseases: interdigital cysts (furuncles), common in bulldogs and other short-muzzled breeds, associated with Demodex or allergies.

Dycus et al. (2017, Veterinary Clinics of North America, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27692463/) describe the nail apparatus and its relationship to paw problems: Hair between the toes (in long-haired breeds) can become matted, trap dirt, and increase interdigital moisture. Regular trimming of the hair between the toes improves hygiene and allows better pad control during gait. Claws, as part of the paws, are part of the paw care routine — claws that are too long change the pressure distribution on the pads.

Vitomalia position

Paw care is routine inspection, not luxury grooming. If you check your dog’s paws after every walk in the woods, you will spot awns right away. If you protect the pads in winter, you spare your dog pain caused by road salt. If you keep the hair between the toes short, you help prevent matting and infections.

When does paw care become relevant?

  • After trips through fields and meadows: Check for awns
  • Summer: Hot asphalt surfaces (>40°C from an air temperature of 25°C) damage paw pads
  • Winter: Road salt and de-icing agents irritate and corrode paw pads
  • Long-haired breeds: Trim the hair between the toes regularly
  • Sudden licking or lameness: awn, injury, or infection

Practical application

Post-walk checklist:

Area What to check Warning sign
Pads Cracks, cuts, foreign bodies Bleeding, deep cuts, swelling
Between the toes Awns, dirt, hair Redness, swelling, intense licking
Claws Length, breaks, ingrown claws Bleeding, lameness, bent or twisted claws
Top of the paw Swelling, injuries Asymmetry between paws

Seasonal protective measures: - Summer: Hand test on asphalt (hold your palm on it for 5 seconds — if it feels uncomfortable, it is too hot for your dog); paw wax protects the pads; walk early in the morning or in the evening - Winter: Rinse paws with lukewarm water after the walk (remove road salt); apply paw wax or use protective boots before heading out; avoid long distances at -15°C or below - Year-round: Keep the hair between the toes short; regularly apply paw balm to dry pads

Common mistakes & myths

  • “Paws take care of themselves through walking.” Asphalt wears pads down, but rough or hot surfaces can cause microcracks. Road salt actively damages paws without protection. Active care is necessary.
  • “Human hand cream is also good for paws.” Human hand creams soften pads instead of protecting them and may contain ingredients that can be problematic for dogs if licked off. Always use products made for dogs.
  • “The grass awn will come out on its own.” Grass awns migrate deeper into the tissue through tissue movement — they do not come out by themselves. The earlier they are removed, the more straightforward the procedure.

Scientific status 2026

Paw care is recognized in veterinary medicine as an essential preventive part of dog ownership. Grass awn injuries (especially Hordeum murinum) are a common seasonal reason for veterinary visits during summer and autumn. Paw waxes based on carnauba wax or beeswax are established protective products. Interdigital furunculosis as a symptom of allergy is increasingly recognized and belongs in the differential diagnosis of allergies.

Frequently asked questions

How do I protect my dog's paws from road salt?

Apply paw wax or protective boots before a winter walk. After the walk, rinse the paws with lukewarm water and dry them. Keep the hair between the toes short so that salt, snow, and ice cannot build up.

How can I recognize a grass awn in the paw?

Sudden, intense licking between the toes, often immediately after a walk through fields. A small puncture site with redness or swelling developing quickly. See a veterinarian immediately — grass awns migrate and can cause deep abscesses.

How often should I apply cream to my dog's paws?

For healthy paws, every 1–2 weeks or whenever you notice dryness or cracking. More often in winter and summer — as a protective layer against road salt and heat. For very dry or cracked pads, apply daily until the skin has recovered.

Related terms

Sources & further reading

  1. Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H., & Griffin, C. E. (2001). Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology (6th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 9780721684857.

  2. Gross, T. L., Ihrke, P. J., Walder, E. J., & Affolter, V. K. (2005). Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat: Clinical and Histopathologic Diagnosis (2nd ed.). Blackwell. ISBN 9780632057269.

  3. Dycus, D. L., Gines, J. A., & Warnock, J. J. (2017). Nail and nail bed disorders in small animal practice. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 47(1), 65–77. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27692463/

Wissenschaftliche Einordnung

Scott, Miller, and Griffin (2001, Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology) describe the anatomy and physiology of paw pads: Paw pads (tori) consist of a multi-layered, keratinized stratified squamous epithelium – significantly thicker and more resilient than normal body skin. The tissue is rich in sweat glands (the dog's only regular sweat glands) and fatty tissue, which acts as a shock absorber. Dry, cracked pads result from frequent contact with hard surfaces, dry air, or chemical irritants (road salt). Paw care products (waxes, paw butter) form a protective layer and keep the pad surface supple – no human hand cream, as its additives and inappropriate consistency can soften rather than care for the pads.

Gross et al. (2005, Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat) describe interdigital diseases and foreign body reactions: Interdigital spaces are susceptible to grass awns (spikes of grasses, especially barley and marram grass) – their barbs progressively burrow into the skin, cause abscesses, and can migrate deep into the tissue. Typical presentation: sudden intense licking of an interdigital space, small puncture wound, rapidly developing swelling. Awns must be removed by a veterinarian – home attempts often drive them deeper. Other interdigital diseases: Interdigital cysts (furuncles), common in Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds, associated with Demodex or allergies.

Dycus et al. (2017, Veterinary Clinics of North America, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27692463/) describe the nail apparatus and its relationship to paw problems: Hair between the toes (in long-haired breeds) can become matted, trap dirt, and increase interdigital moisture. Regular trimming of interdigital hair improves hygiene and allows for better weight-bearing control during gait. Claws, as part of the paws, are part of the paw care routine – overgrown claws alter pressure distribution on the pads.