Introduction: Your Dog's Underrated Heroes
Your dog's paws are true miracles. Similar to human feet and hands, dog paws are complex and fulfill many important functions. They carry him through life, provide support on impassable surfaces, absorb shocks and even regulate his body temperature. The paws are divided into several sections, comparable to the limbs of human hands and feet, which allows for their mobility and adaptability. Nevertheless, dog paws lead a rather unnoticed existence for many dog owners - until problems arise. Cracked pads, foreign bodies, sores or itching are not only unpleasant for your four-legged friend, but can have serious health consequences. Various environmental influences such as heat, cold or road salt can also put a lot of strain on the paws and lead to sore feet. Therefore: If you want to give your dog an active, happy life in the long term, you cannot avoid regular paw care. Collaboration between humans and dogs is particularly important in order to build trust and make paw care stress-free.
What makes dog paws so special
Dog paws are highly specialized body parts. They consist of multiple limbs, similar to an animal with complex anatomy. The paw is made up of the toes, the toe pads, the central ball, the carpus and the metacarpal as well as fine pads that provide the necessary traction. The carpus and metacarpals are important parts of the front paws and contribute significantly to mobility and stability. The joints in the toes and other areas of the paw allow for flexible movement and act as shock absorbers, supporting the dog's natural locomotion. The skin on the paw pads is thicker than on other parts of the body, elastic and resilient - yet very sensitive to external influences. There are sweat glands between the toes through which dogs release excess heat. The paw hair protects the pads, provides flexibility and helps to avoid foreign bodies and pressure points between the toes. The basic condition of the ball skin and hair should be checked regularly in order to detect cracks, mats or ingrown hairs at an early stage. The paws enable the dog to walk efficiently and gently on the joints as a toe walker. This function is essential for your dog's mobility and general well-being.
Typical problems with dog paws – and what lies behind them
Cracked, dry bales
Dry heating air in winter, hot asphalt in summer, road salt or simply mechanical overload: There are many causes for dry or cracked paw pads. The skin loses its elasticity, becomes brittle – and cracks. Small cracks can become infected, cause pain and encourage the dog to lick constantly. The front paws are often particularly affected, as they carry a large part of the dog's body weight.
Injuries caused by foreign bodies
Splinters of glass, thorns, small stones or other sharp-edged objects can easily dig into the paws - especially when running through forests, meadows or on gravel paths. Particularly dangerous: Injuries often go unnoticed until inflammation or an abscess develops. Incorrect or missing treatment can also have long-term consequences.
Itching and allergic reactions
If your dog constantly licks, nibbles, or licks his paws excessively, it may indicate an allergic reaction or skin irritation. Contact with chemical substances, for example on freshly treated sidewalks, can also cause itching or even bacterial infections.
Paw care made easy – tips for healthy dog paws
Daily checks as a routine
After every walk, take a few minutes to check your dog's paws. Look out for cracks, small wounds, swelling or stuck foreign bodies between the toes. This is particularly important when temperatures and weather conditions change – such as in spring and autumn.
Cleaning – but properly
Wash the paws with lukewarm water after the walk, especially if there is snow, road salt or sand. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents. Then dry well – even between your toes! Moisture can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of fungal growth or inflammation.
Paw balm for protection and care
Regular care with a natural paw balm protects the sensitive pad skin. Especially in winter, fatty care products help to keep the skin supple and protect it from drying out. Products with natural ingredients, such as marigold or coconut oil, are recommended.
Grooming between toes
Long fur between the toes can clump together and trap dirt and moisture. This increases the risk of skin inflammation. Carefully cut back the fur in this area - ideally with rounded scissors.
Trim claws regularly
Claws that are too long change the statics when running and can cause pain. Check the claw length regularly. Shortening the claws is an essential part of paw care and the correct technique and appropriate precautions (a) should always be observed. This is particularly important for older dogs or those with little exercise. The same applies here: It's better to cut a small piece regularly than to cut too much at once.
Seasonal paw care: summer & winter
Your dog's paw care should always depend on the seasons. Depending on the weather and environment, summer and winter place very different demands on the health of dog paws. If you know the seasonal characteristics, you can take targeted precautions and ensure your four-legged friend has healthy, resilient pads all year round.
Paw care in summer – protection from heat and asphalt
In summer, your dog's paws are particularly stressed. Hot pavements, asphalt and sand can heat up significantly and burn the sensitive skin of the bales. Even a short walk on hot surfaces can cause painful blisters or even burns. It is therefore advisable to postpone dog walks in the cooler morning or evening hours and to choose the surface carefully. After every walk, check the paws for redness or small injuries. A high-quality paw balm protects the pad skin from drying out and keeps it supple. The claws should also be checked regularly as they often wear out more quickly on hard ground. With targeted paw care in summer you can prevent dry pads and small cracks - for healthy dog paws that can enjoy every excursion.
Paw care in winter – road salt, ice & cold
In winter, other dangers lurk on your dog's paws. Road salt, grit and frozen ground can irritate the skin, cause painful cracks and put a lot of strain on the bales. Road salt in particular quickly penetrates small cracks and causes burning or inflammation. After every walk, you should rinse your dog's paws thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any salt and dirt residue. A protective paw balm covers the pad skin like a film and prevents it from drying out. Check the paws regularly for cracks or small wounds and make sure that no ice or snow gets stuck between the toes. This means your dog's skin stays healthy and resilient even in the cold season.
First aid for paw injuries
Despite all caution, it can happen: a sore spot, a cut or a torn claw - quick help is needed. First, you should carefully inspect the affected paw and remove any coarse dirt or small foreign objects. Rinse the wound with clean water and gently disinfect to minimize the risk of infection. A soft bandage protects the pads and prevents your dog from licking or putting further strain on the wound. Also check the surrounding claws and pads for further injuries. If there are deep cuts, severe bleeding, or if your dog is clearly in pain, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Professional treatment is crucial for your dog's health and ensures that the paw is ready for use again quickly.
Even more paw protection: What dog owners should know
If you are looking for suitable products or information on optimal paw care, you will find numerous tips, home remedies and recommendations on the Internet. Many informative articles and posts offer you comprehensive content on the causes, treatment and preventive measures for wounds on dog paws. These guides often structure their content clearly so that you can specifically look for solutions for your animal.
As a caring dog owner, you care about your animal's well-being. It is therefore worth taking a look at all aspects that put a strain on dog's paws - whether summer or winter, asphalt or forest paths. The front paws and hind paws in particular are subjected to different stresses, depending on your dog's movement habits. The weight rests more heavily on the metacarpals at the front, while the force of the jump acts at the back.
In wild animals, the claws wear out as they stalk and grip prey on natural, rough surfaces. This behavior helps ensure that the claws do not become too long and that the ability to move and hunt is optimally supported.
Paw pads need special protection, especially in the cold seasons when there is road salt, snow and frozen surfaces. Some dog breeds with sensitive skin even react with small wounds when temperatures fluctuate significantly or the ground changes constantly. Also pay attention to the surroundings: foreign objects such as grit or garbage and chemical residues on the path can be irritating. The causes of cracked bales are usually complex - from dehydration to mechanical stress to bacteria that penetrate through small skin injuries.
Don't forget to check the balls of your thumbs and wrists - they are often in the shadow of the toes, but they play an important role in traction. Especially for agile, sporty dogs, good care of these areas ensures more stability when walking and jumping.
If you would like to find out more, you can find further articles and posts with helpful content about caring for your dog's paws online.
Excursus: The dog as a toe walker - why anatomy counts
The anatomy of the dog's paw is a true masterpiece of nature. As a toe walker, dogs – unlike us humans – do not walk on the entire sole of their feet, but on their toes. The dog's paw consists of several toes, each with strong pads and protective claws. This special design ensures optimal traction, maneuverability and effective shock absorption when running and jumping. The pads act as natural cushions that cushion the dog's weight and protect the sensitive skin from rough surfaces. The claws provide additional support and support balance, while the toes take on different functions due to their different lengths - from stabilization to changing direction. Regular paw care, which keeps an eye on both the pads and the claws, is therefore essential for your dog's health and mobility. A good paw balm protects the pad skin from cracks and maintains its natural elasticity - so your four-legged friend stays fit and pain-free on all paths.
Paw care – also a question of posture
Not only external factors, but also lifestyle play a role. Does your dog run a lot on hard floors, unnatural surfaces or mostly on asphalt? Then he needs different care than a dog that is often out and about in the forest, on meadows or on natural ground. The natural oils in the ball skin can be lost through constant cleaning or aggressive cleaning products - this is where natural care with high-quality, nourishing ingredients helps.
Another detail: Many people underestimate the fact that dogs have similar structures in their paws to those in our hands and feet. What makes us uncomfortable barefoot is often the same for our animals - they just show it less often. Pay attention to signals from your dog: Does he spare a paw? Does he change sides frequently when walking? Does he suddenly stop? Then it's worth checking closely.
Still have questions?
If you need further information about care, take a look at high-quality specialist articles or speak to a professional animal health partner. You can often treat minor problems yourself - if you are unsure, it is better to consult the vet too much than too little.
Conclusion: Healthy paws – happy dog
Your dog is on his paws every day – romping, running, playing and going for walks. They deserve the same attention as fur or teeth. With regular checks, careful care and a conscious look at the seasons, you can do a lot for your four-legged friend's health. Because strong, healthy paws are the basis for an active, pain-free dog life - and an expression of your care.
Your next step:
Now check how well you are attuned to the needs of your dog's paws. A small effort with a big impact – for a long, active life on four healthy paws. Start your own paw care check now!
