As a responsible pet owner, after addressing the following basics listed below, I must also consider their daily grooming needs as well. The daily practice should include paying attention to the texture of their paws, which, if they are dry, then yes, they can be painful to our furry family members.
In my home, when we initially get a new puppy (as we just did about a month and a half ago), we address these key factors immediately:
- Housebreaking (learning to go potty outside)
- Dog training school
- Get acclimated to house rules with our other alpha canines (learning their place in the pack)
- Become accustomed to the fenced-in yard
- Familiarize themselves with our family vet and get the remaining first-year shots
- Lots of socializing! (Personally, I am not a fan of dog parks when they are still puppies, so we stick with hanging out with family and friends as well as getting to know their furry family members. Or as I like to refer to them as “canine cousins”)
Besides regular baths and nail clippings (which I am terrible at!), other grooming needs include paying attention to their coat, brushing it regularly, checking their teeth for plaque buildup, and caring for their paw pads.
Recently, I noticed that my sweet Lucy has dry paw pads, and I have never noticed that before with any of my other dogs. I get to hold and touch Lucy’s paws frequently as I taught her how to give me her left paw, right paw, and high five. She also likes to just “hold hands” – it’s very cute.
Lucy is highly intelligent, as she is fifty percent German Shepherd mixed with twenty-five percent Labrador and twenty-five percent Pitbull. She is not only the smartest K9 I have ever had, but she is also the kindest, most gentle girl. Needless to say, she is very loved around here!
According to the animal experts at Pet MD, “Although a dog’s paw pads may feel rough, they are one of the most sensitive areas of the body.
The skin of the paw pads is thick, with fat tissue underneath composing most of the pad. These structures absorb shock, provide traction, assist in balance, and protect the paws against harsh surfaces.
- Dry paw pads can also be uncomfortable and can lead to deep cracks.
- Dry, cracked paws in dogs can have several causes, including underlying disease.
- Applying a moisturizing balm, butter, or wax product can help protect your dog’s paws from the elements,”.
Why do dogs paw pads get dry
Since we live in Michigan, we get to experience all four seasons. Our dogs love swimming in our lake across the street in the summer, frolicking in leaf piles in the fall, and playing in the snow in the winter. They do not like the spring so much as it rains a lot, and I don’t know about your dogs, but mine hate going outside when it’s raining!
Currently, we are in the midst of winter, and we have had a very snowy, bitterly cold start to the season. So cold and dry that I suspect it may be the cause of Lucy’s dry paws. Furthermore, I do understand that German Shepherds are susceptible to developing allergies, which might also be the underlying cause of her dryness.
Let’s see what the experts have to say.
The Natural Dog Company explains that dogs get dry paw pads because, “Most of the time, dry dog pads can be traced back to four environmental causes: hot pavement, wintery conditions, exposure to chemicals, and allergies. If none of these are present, an underlying medical issue could be to blame.
Severely dry, cracked paw pads can be a symptom of a condition called hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis occurs when the skin produces too much keratin. This makes the skin on the paw pads, as well as other parts of the body, thick and callous-like. If your dog consistently has cracked and painful paws that seem to be growing “hairs” of extra skin, visit your vet to confirm hyperkeratosis,”.
As suspected, since it’s winter and she’s prone to allergies, I am going to guess that is the cause. However, I will check with our family vet to be certain it is not hyperkeratosis – whatever that is. It sounds scary, but before I jump to conclusions, I will do some further research.
Unfortunately, a little over a year ago, we noticed something odd with our beloved Phoebe’s face. Turns out it wasn’t allergies but cancer. Phoebe, a Labrador Pitbull mixed breed, passed away from spleen cancer, leaving behind her daughter Lucy, who is now four years old. Lucy’s father, named Otis, was the German Shepherd. Needless to say, I will always be certain to check with our vet first and foremost.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare veterinarian professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary for your animal.
Hyperkeratosis dog paw
Instead of me guessing, I am going to defer to the knowledgeable ones at The Pet Lab Company regarding hyperkeratosis in dogs who write, “Dog paw hyperkeratosis can cause the surface of the pads to become thickened and crusty, but their appearance is often described as haired or ‘feathered’. The keratin can form fronds as it develops, giving the paws this misleadingly soft appearance.
If untreated, hyperkeratosis can cause discomfort, development of corns, and even lameness.
As the condition worsens, small cracks or fissures may also develop. These can allow secondary infections which cause inflammation and pain.
Causes of dog paw hyperkeratosis
- Aging
- Inherited disorders
- Infections and parasites
- Zinc-responsive dermatitis
- Autoimmune disease,”.
As I said, I will be taking Lucy to see the vet to rule out any underlying causes other than winter dryness or allergies.
Do dry paws hurt dogs
In conclusion, dry paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs, but with attentive care and guidance from a trusted veterinarian, they’re usually manageable. Staying aware of seasonal changes, potential allergies, and any unusual symptoms helps keep our pups comfortable, healthy, and ready for all the adventures we get to share with them.