My dog's paw pad is peeling after playing outside. Is it serious?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I was just playing fetch with my dog outside on a dirt area. It looks like the middle part of his paw pad started peeling off. It doesn’t seem to bother him much, if at all.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 18th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about your dog. Thank you also for providing the pictures, they are very helpful. That has really peeled back, and likely will need to be removed. I would not try to remove it yourself, it could hurt him and he may bite in pain. I'd take him into a vet now to get this part of his pad removed, to get pain medication, and to get antibiotics. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 24th, 2019
The picture is a little fuzzy so its hard to tell for sure, but I suspect this is normal. Older cells and the outer layer of pad will exfoliate off with time as new pad tissue is created. No need to worry as long as he's comfortable, isn't licking at these areas excessively, isn't limping, and there's no cracks with any bleeding or oozing. thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 16th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Just as our skin sloughs off all the time, the pads will as well. As long as Jack isn't bothered by it, then I would do nothing, as this looks normal. If he is licking/chewing then I recommend a visit to the vet to get an E-collar, and pain medications. This however doesn't sound like it's required based on the information you provided. Best of luck with Jack!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 6th, 2019
As long as it’s.m not bothering her at all, there’s no need for concern. You can use a product such as this if you’d like: Thanks for asking PetCoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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