Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

What to do if my dog's paw pads are peeling and painful from cement?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 2 years old | 52 lbs

My dog was running a lot on cement today at the park and now she has large chunks of her paw pads peeling. She seems to be in pain because she won't put much weight on it

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2017

Ouch. Poor Skye. Paw pad burns can certainly happen on concrete in the summer. If she is very painful or a large area of the pad is missing she needs to see a veterinarian. If it's moderate you can clean with gentle warm water, apply antibiotic ointment and bandage her feet. Do not give any otc pain medication. If she is painful take her to a vet for prescription medication. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-torn-or-injured-foot-pads-in-dogs

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 2nd, 2017

    Those look pretty ouchy. I recommend Jackson get looked at by his veterinarian as soon as possible as he may need prescription antibiotics and pain medication. Your vet may wrap these feet but I recommend at home applying just a light layer of triple antibiotics ointment and keeping him restricted from exercising/walking. This is because a bandage can cause more harm if it is too tight, gets dirty, etc. Do not give Jackson any medication at home as it can be very toxic to dogs.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 27th, 2018

    Owie. This looks like her paws were burnt or got into some acid or lye. This is very painful and you should have this examined by a vet. He will likely prescribe some silvadene ointment and antibiotics to prevent infection as well as pain medicine. If she is very painful, I suggest you take her to a pet emergency room where they will likely bandage the feet with antiseptic ointment. If you think she is not so painful you can put socks on him to protect the paws until you can see a vet.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 26th, 2019

    It really depends on how severe it is. I typically recommend buying booties for Hugo but I also would recommend having your veterinarian look at him to make sure he doesn't need pain medications or antibiotics. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored