Like our fingerprints, every dog’s paw is unique to them. A dog’s paw is designed to endure even the toughest of grounds — all without the need for shoes! But a dog’s paws do so much more than provide padding for walking.
A dog’s paws help regulate their body temperature, protect them from various terrains, offer essential stability, and can even provide insight into your dog’s overall health.
But how can you determine whether your canine companion has healthy vs. unhealthy dog paws? We’ll explain more about dog paw anatomy, common paw problems in dogs, and how to take care of your dog’s paws and nails.
Dog Paw Anatomy
A dog’s paw is a complex structure that is made up of small bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood supply, skin and layers of fat for insulation and cushioning. More specifically, these parts are then made up of collagen, keratin, elastic fibers, and adipose (fat) tissue.
A dog’s paw anatomy has five main features:
Claws
A dog’s claws provide essential traction, grip, and hold – ideal for digging and keeping control of prey. Just like our human nails, a dog’s claws are made of the protein keratin. A dog’s claws grow right from the bone of their foot (unlike how it works in human nails), and contain blood vessels and nerves. This is why, when it comes to trimming them, it’s essential you’re confident with the task or get a professional to do it. Cutting a dog’s nails too short can damage their nerves or cause bleeding.
Dewclaw
The dewclaw is the claw that appears slightly higher up on your dog’s leg. Most dogs just have these on their front legs, but some have them on all four legs (like Great Pyrenees and Briards). The dewclaw is usually used for holding something like a bone or toy in place by a dog, and so is often compared to a human thumb.
Digital Pads
These are the pads that appear at the end of each of your dog’s toes. These are used to support your pup’s weight and joints.
Metacarpal and Metatarsal Pads
These are the heart-shaped pads that make up the biggest area in the center of the base of your dog’s foot. They are used to further support your dog’s weight. The paw pads on the front feet are called metacarpal pads and the ones on a dog’s pack feet are called metatarsal pads.
Carpal Pads
These are the cone-shaped pads located just above the dewclaw. They don’t touch the ground when your dog walks, but work similarly to a human heel. A carpal pad is usually used when your pooch runs really fast or rapidly changes direction to help turn, stop or slow them down — much like a brake!
More About Dog Paw Pads
The digital pads, metacarpal pads, metatarsal pads, and carpal pads are all made of elastic fibers and fatty tissue (known as adipose).
The pads are covered by super thick skin — the thickest on a canine’s body — that is heavily pigmented and usually black in color. The thickness of this skin is essential for protection from rough terrain, trauma, and extreme temperature (although not for long periods!). The more time your dog spends on hard surfaces, the tougher and more calloused paws they will have.
The cushion-like design of the paw pad allows the paws to absorb shock and pressure as they walk, run, jump, play and stand. This protects and preserves the health of their joints and bones.
Dog Paw Types
Like with human hands, dog paws come in a variety of different shapes and sizes too. These different types of dog paws are referred to as:
- Webbed feet
- Hare feet
- Cat feet
Most dogs will have a degree of webbing between their toes. The more webbed the paws are, the more likely the dog breed is known for retrieving, swimming, digging, and hunting. Breeds with webbed feed include American Water Spaniels, Otterhounds, Dachshunds, and Newfoundlands.
Dogs with “hare feet” get their name because they sport two longer central toes and claws. These include breeds like Greyhounds, Borzois, and Whippets.
Dogs with “cat feet” are dogs with a very compact style of foot, which enhances stability and endurance that are both traits cats are known for. Working dog breeds like Dobermans, Old English Sheepdogs, and Giant Schnauzers tend to sport cat feet.
Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Dog Paws: How to Tell the Difference
Your dog’s paw wellbeing is essential. Healthy dog paws contribute to your dog’s overall comfort, mobility, and happiness. Learning to recognize the differences between healthy and unhealthy dog paws can go a long way in caring for your canine companion.
Generally, healthy dog paws will feature paw pads that are smooth to the touch, trimmed nails that don’t touch the ground, and no signs of redness, inflammation, or hair loss. On the other hand, unhealthy dog paws may be red and scaly, paw pads may appear dry and cracked, paw hair may be matted or show patchiness, and nails might be long, broken, and/or discolored.
The following chart can help you identify the differences between healthy dog paws and paws that need attention and care.
| Healthy | Unhealthy | |
| Nails | Nails are trimmed and do not touch the floor when a dog walks. No signs of cracks, discoloration, or bleeding. No redness or swelling around the nail beds. | Unhealthy dog nails may be too long and click on the floor when a dog walks. May be yellow or discolored. May be brittle or show signs of cracking. Nail beds may be red or inflamed. |
| Paw Pads | Paw pads will be smooth to the touch with no signs of excessive dryness, cracking, or cuts. | Paw pads will feel very rough and dry with visible cracking or flaking. Unhealthy dog paw pads may also show cuts or abrasions due to trauma or burns from walking unprotected on hot surfaces. |
| Paw Hair | Paw hair will be trimmed and free of dirt, buildup or mats. There will be no hair loss or bald patches on paws or between toes. | Paw hair may be long or matted, especially between bottom paw pads. Visible paw hair loss or bald patches may also signify an issue. |
| Between Toes | There should not be any redness, bumps, or growths located between a dog’s toes. This area should be dry and show no signs of hair loss. | May be red or swollen. Dogs may constantly try to lick this area. May feel moist to the touch or have a pungent odor. Bumps or growths between toes may also indicate unhealthy dog paws. |
| Paw Structure & Function | Dogs should be able to bear weight on their paws, and that weight should be evenly distributed. A dog’s paws shouldn’t be painful to the touch and should bend and flex easily without discomfort. | Dogs may have trouble bearing weight on their paws or show signs of discomfort (wincing, yelping, growling, etc.) when paws are touched or moved. They may hold their paw in the air or limp when walking. |
Keep in mind that dog paw problems can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from parasites and infections to allergies and trauma. It’s important to see your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s paw health.
9 Possible Dog Paw Problems to Watch For
If you notice signs of unhealthy dog paws, it’s important to contact your veterinarian and receive a proper diagnosis. Here are some common dog paw issues that may arise:
Dog Paw Hyperkeratosis
Dog paw hyperkeratosis happens when the keratin layer on a dog’s paw pads becomes excessively thick. This can lead to cracking, crusting and scaling. It is relatively common in older dogs and veterinarians don’t know exactly why it happens. Hyperkeratosis can cause pain and discomfort for dogs if not treated. It can also cause secondary infections in paw pads if bacteria gets into cracks in the skin.
Yeast Infections
Dog paws — especially between their toes — provide a warm and moist environment that can lead to yeast overgrowth. If this happens, our canine companions can develop a dog paw yeast infection, leading to redness, inflammation, itching and discomfort. Dogs with yeast infections on their paws will often lick at their paws excessively.
Pododermatitis
Pododermatitis in dogs is inflammation that affects the skin on a dog’s feet. It can have several different causes ranging from bacterial and fungal infections to allergies and immune or metabolic diseases. Redness and inflammation are common clinical signs of this condition that causes unhealthy dog paws. Additionally, pet parents may notice hair loss, bumps, scabs, and discharge. Similar to yeast infections, pododermatitis can cause dogs to lick and bite at their paws due to discomfort. It’s important to work with a veterinarian to diagnose the cause for this dog paw problem, so that your pup can get appropriate treatment.
Dry, Cracked Paws
Just like humans, dogs can develop dry, cracked skin. This can happen due to extreme temperatures, wintry conditions with snow and ice, chemical exposure, walking over rough terrain, and allergies. Certain medical conditions can also cause paw dryness in dogs. In mild cases of paw dryness, cleaning and moisturizing your dog’s paws may help. But if your dog appears to be in pain or discomfort, you should consult a veterinarian.
Interdigital Cysts
If you notice a smooth, shiny, hairless bump between your dog’s toes that is red or purple in color, it could be an interdigital cyst — also known as interdigital furunculosis. These growths aren’t actually true cysts. Instead, they develop from inflamed hair follicles that rupture in the skin and cause a pocket of infection. These growths are often painful for dogs, who may lick and bite at them to try to self soothe, which can cause more problems. Veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics or topical ointments for this dog paw problem.
Allergies
While environmental or seasonal allergies can impact other areas on your dog’s body, their paws are particularly susceptible to allergy triggers. Allergies are a common cause for paw licking and paw redness and irritation in dogs. If your dog has seasonal allergies, you may see these signs during certain times of the year or if your dog comes in contact with a particular allergen. If your dog is experiencing food allergies or an intolerance, the symptoms will likely be more consistent year round. You can discuss allergy management solutions with your veterinarian to help your dog’s itchy paws.
Parasites
Parasites such as ticks like to hide in between your dog’s toes. If not removed in a timely manner, these parasites can transmit diseases to your dog. It’s always a good idea to check between your dog’s toes after spending time outdoors or in wooded areas where ticks thrive.
Paw Pad Burns
A dog’s paws are built for rough and tough terrain. But when temperatures rise, our pups can suffer painful paw pad burns if we don’t take proper precautions. Paw burns can happen if a dog’s paw pads come in contact with very hot pavement or surfaces. Certain chemicals can also cause burns on your dog’s paws. Make sure to avoid walking your dog on hot surfaces like asphalt roads, paved paths, hot sand beaches, or uncovered tennis courts. If the surface feels too hot to you, it’s definitely too hot for your dog
Nail Issues
There are a variety of problems that can impact your dog’s nails, which can lead to paw discomfort. Nail problems in dogs can include broken and cracked nails, nail infections, ingrown nails, brittle nails, and more. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed to an appropriate length, keeping up with paw grooming, and ensuring your dog is eating a healthy diet can help curb nail problems.
The Importance of Dog Nail Trimming
Dog nail care is a big part of keeping your dog’s paws healthy. Overgrown nails can become ingrown and are at a higher risk of becoming damaged or experiencing trauma and infections.
Long nails in dogs can also impact the way a dog’s weight is distributed and how a dog walks and runs, impacting their overall comfort. This can also put unnecessary stress on their joints and contribute to long-term joint problems.
A dog usually needs to have their nails trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. It’s good practice as a pet parent to check your dog’s nail length regularly.
Trimming your dog’s nails yourself is possible, but it can be tricky. If you cut a dog’s nails too short, you could accidentally cut “the quick,” which is the section of their nail that has blood vessels and a vein running through it. Cutting the quick causes the nail to bleed.
To help at-home dog nail trims go smoothly, you can:
- Get your dog used to having their paws touched and held, using positive reinforcement like treats and praise.
- Familiarize your dog with nail trimming tools before cutting.
- Practice cutting one nail per session until your dog is comfortable.
- Enlist the help of a family member or friend to hold your dog still during nail trims.
If trimming your dog’s nails at home makes you nervous or uncomfortable, your veterinarian or a professional groomer can cut them for you.
Do Dogs Need Boots?
Dogs only need to wear boots in certain situations. A dog’s paws are built to withstand a variety of terrains and temperatures. However, there are a few situations where they may help protect your pet’s paws:
During winter walks – If you’re regularly walking over ice, through cold slush, or around deicing substances like salt and grit, boots can be a great addition to your dog’s paw-care items.
On hot pavement or sand – Boots can also help protect a dog’s paws from burning due to hot asphalt, pavement, or sand during the summer months.
For rocky hikes – You may also choose to use boots if you’re hiking over very rocky, mountainous terrain with your dog for extra protection and peace of mind when away from civilization.
If you’d like your dog to wear boots in any of these situations, it’s important to practice at home and get your pup used to their new gear before venturing outdoors. Use lots of positive reinforcement and treats and keep the boots on for short periods of time to start. Once your dog seems comfortable wearing boots, you can take them for a spin outside.
Dog boots shouldn’t be worn for extended periods of time. Boots can cause heat and moisture to build up on your dog’s paws and create an ideal environment for yeast infections and other paw problems.
Why Do Dog Paws Smell Like Fritos?
Believe it or not, it’s normal for a dog’s paws to smell like Fritos. That smell is a byproduct of microorganisms, yeast, and bacteria that exist on your dog’s paws.
This scent doesn’t automatically mean your dog’s feet are dirty or there’s a problem. However, if their paws become greasy, they’re licking them excessively, or the area(s) between their toes has become red or inflamed, it can indicate a health problem that most likely requires veterinarian attention.
Help prevent this from happening by keeping up with regular grooming. This includes bathing, nail trimming, and cutting and maintaining the hair that grows between a dog’s paw pads.
A Final Word on Dog Paw Health
Your dog’s paws play an important role in their daily life, so keeping them in tip-top shape is important. Unhealthy dog paws can cause pain and discomfort for your canine companion. To help prevent issues, practice good paw hygiene and call your veterinarian if you notice any signs of unhealthy dog paws. Seeing a vet early can help prevent small problems from escalating into bigger issues.
Sources
“The Wonder of Your Dog’s Paws and How To Take Care of Them” The Farmer’s Dog, Aug 13. 2020 https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/wonder-dogs-paws-take-care/
Author Spaulding, Sam “The Cure For Rough Dogs” Natural Dog Company, Jun 16. 2021 https://naturaldogcompany.com/paw-soother-how-to-heal-your-dogs-dry-cracked-paw-pads/#:~:text=A%20healthy%20paw%20pad%20should,all%2Dnatural%2C%20moisturizing%20relief
Author Madson, Cathy MA, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA “How To Properly Care For Your Dog’s Paw Pads” Preventive Vet, Feb 09. 2022 https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-properly-care-for-your-dogs-paw-pads
