My small dog's paw pads are cracked. What's the cause and fix?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 15 lbs
My small dog has cracked pads,she’s only 1 and a half and has no health problems,she’s a mixed breed of rat terrier and chiuauwa,what might have caused the cracks?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 1st, 2018
Dry skin, hot ground and genetic disposition all can cause cracked and dry pads. You can help her by getting some Musher's Secret Paw Wax or bag balm and put it on her paws. This should eliminate the cracks and help her heal.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 23rd, 2017
This is from the pads getting dry and walking on rough surfaces over time. You can try to keep them moist and put Vaseline to soften them without letting him lick it. They typically callus and get hard and cracked over time from wear and tear though. If you can limit hot surfaces and limit hard, rough environmental factors it will help
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 17th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Tina, and for providing pictures of her paws. They are very helpful. I see what you mean about the cracks, and it may be that she has an infection causing this cracks. An infection would explain why the paw butter isn't helping and they are getting worse. It's time to see a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing these paw cracks and can prescribe medication to treat them. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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