Pets paw pads are supposed to be rough so they can get traction on smooth surfaces.
Dogs paw pads are rough.
You may notice loose skin like a blister on the bottom of your dog s paws or even a raw ulcer.
However your dog s pads may become dry or cracked due to a number of reasons.
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.
While there a number of remedies for treating rough paw pads there are also a wide variety of reasons that they form including.
When you notice skin flaking or cracks treat her paws immediately.
Your vet can recommend a paw pad moisturizer for you to apply several times a day to help reduce the roughness.
The medical term for rough paw pads is called paw pad hyperkeratosis.
By the same token an indoor dog almost always has smooth almost tender pads.
Over time dog paws build up a tolerance and become stronger.
The best paw balm for dogs will protect your dog s paw pads without wax.
Cold rough terrain hyperkeratosis causes calluses and lesions in dogs.
Dry and cracked paw pads.
Another common paw pad injury develops when dogs exercise for an unusually long period of time or on rough sharp or hot surfaces.
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.
Why rough pads can be alarming.
Instead a healthy paw pad should be smooth to the touch and free of all abrasions.
Here are the first aid steps you should take if you suspect your dog has a paw pad injury.
Although a dog s paw pads are pretty tough dog paw pad injuries are quite common.
The reason that some people become somewhat alarmed about their dog s pads is the scaly look that some dogs get on their paws.
Dry and cracked paws can be painful and put your pet.
It s entirely normal for a dog to develop rough paws but they shouldn t stay that way.
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.
They can be caused by a variety of things including sharp objects hot pavement extreme cold or rough terrain your dog encounters on his daily walks.
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.
Their paws almost look like a stiff bristle brush.