PREVENTING CRACKED DOG PAWS
If it’s not caused by any health issues, there are things you can do to minimize your dog’s risk of cracked and irritated paws. The most basic thing to do is to make sure they eat high-quality food that nourishes them with their complete nutritional requirements every day. Apart from that, avoid using harsh chemicals like chlorine to clean your home.
During winter, always make sure to protect their paws before going outside because chemicals that help manage snow on the road can irritate them. You can use paw wax or protective balms like musher’s secret. If you can get your dog used to it, dog boots will provide even better protection.
Once you notice any dryness, you can apply soothing paw balm. Never use lotions made for humans on your dog. Not only could these contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, but these could also leave them too moisturized. Soft paws won’t be tough enough to withstand the daily rigors of dog life and could cause even more harm.
Dog-safe paw balms are safe even when licked off. If you want an inexpensive and guaranteed safe product for paw care, the ASPCA and AKC have easy-to-make DIY paw balm recipes.
Dogs are not likely to complain or show signs of pain until it has progressed, so it’s essential to check their paws regularly. It’s especially important to check for signs of trauma when you’ve just come from outdoors. If caught early, it’s easy to treat dryness and cracking on your own. But you need to be vigilant and always observe your dog for signs of discomfort.