You might notice that your dog s paw pads are rough and calloused or smooth and soft this all depends on the terrain your dog regularly walks on.
Dogs paw pads are rough.
Your vet can recommend a paw pad moisturizer for you to apply several times a day to help reduce the roughness.
Dogs have strong and rough paw pads to help them get traction when they walk or run on smooth surfaces.
By the same token an indoor dog almost always has smooth almost tender pads.
Pads that are too rough or cracked can develop deep fissures that bleed opening the door to infection and causing your poor furry friend a considerable amount of pain.
Dry and cracked paws can be painful and put your pet.
Dry and cracked paw pads.
The reason that some people become somewhat alarmed about their dog s pads is the scaly look that some dogs get on their paws.
Dog paw balm is great for cracked and rough paw pads.
The best paw balm for dogs will protect your dog s paw pads without wax.
If you take your dog hiking often or they take regular walks out on asphalt they ll have more calloused paw pads due to the exposure to rougher terrain.
Are dog pads supposed to be rough.
Although a dog s paw pads are pretty tough dog paw pad injuries are quite common.
It s entirely normal for a dog to develop rough paws but they shouldn t stay that way.
Instead a healthy paw pad should be smooth to the touch and free of all abrasions.
However a variety of factors including hot pavement wintery conditions chemicals dry air exposure to rough surfaces and excessive licking can cause dry cracked paw pads.
Cold rough terrain hyperkeratosis causes calluses and lesions in dogs.
Another common paw pad injury develops when dogs exercise for an unusually long period of time or on rough sharp or hot surfaces.
However your dog s pads may become dry or cracked due to a number of reasons.
Pets paw pads are supposed to be rough so they can get traction on smooth surfaces.
Here are the first aid steps you should take if you suspect your dog has a paw pad injury.
Over time dog paws build up a tolerance and become stronger.
You may notice loose skin like a blister on the bottom of your dog s paws or even a raw ulcer.
Their paws almost look like a stiff bristle brush.
Why rough pads can be alarming.
When you notice skin flaking or cracks treat her paws immediately.