Dr. Hammer says, "The best thing to do is rub Vitamin E cream into the pad just like you would if you used hand lotion on your own hands. But be sure to rub the ointment in well so the dog doesn't lick it off."
You should moisturize your dog's paw pads if they are cracked, peeling, or too dry. Use a paw balm to help your dog's paw pads heal and soften, like this Paw Soother Stick or this Pawmagik Cream. Avoid using human lotions or moisturizers. Stick with products made specifically for canine paws.
You should moisturize your dog's paw pads if they are cracked, peeling or too dry. Avoid using human lotions or moisturizers and stick with products made specifically for canine paws.
Paw balm or petroleum jelly-based products keep your dog's paws safe and moisturized. If boots don't feel right for your best friend, try Vaseline or a paw balm such as Musher's Secret.
If you find that your pup's paws are dry or cracked, you can use coconut oil to help soothe and heal them. Make sure to rub the coconut oil thoroughly into your dog's paws, or your dog will mistake this treatment for a snack and lick off all of the oil!
Apply warm olive oil and massage onto the footpads to soften, soothe and heal your pet's paws. Treat dry skin and maintain a shiny coat. Treat your pet's dry, itchy flaky skin from the inside out with olive oil.
All petroleum distillates (oil products – motor oil, baby oil etc.) are dangerous to pets – just stay away.
While cracked paws are typically due to regular wear and tear, salt or ice, or hot pavement, it can indicate a serious health problem. Dogs with cracked paws due to wear and tear may lick their paws more often or limp when their paws hurt. However, they typically don't experience symptoms of illness.
If your pet is excessively licking or chewing at his paws, it is important to take him to the veterinarian. Pododermatitis is painful and may become debilitating to your pet. Pododermatitis (Interdigital Dermatitis) is the inflammation of the interdigital skin; the area of skin in between the toes and footpads.
Neosporin is fine to use on your dog for very minor cuts and scrapes — it can help prevent bacterial infections and can keep your dog from scratching, licking, or biting at the wound site while it heals. Make sure he or she doesn't lick off the ointment after you've applied it, and your pup should be fine.
Shea butter and Vitamin E lotion moisturize and soothe cracked, dry, and blistered dog paw pads. Be sure that these products are all-natural and have no chemical ingredients or artificial scents. Oils and waxes: Beeswax, olive oil, and coconut oil also offer effective, all-natural paw protection for cracked paw pads.
Mix ½ cup of olive oil with ½ teaspoon of lavender essential oil. Dip a cotton ball in the oil mixture and rub on the itchy areas. You can also add a little bit of olive oil to your dog's food. One tablespoon of olive oil a few times a week should help your dog's skin and coat.
Soaking the nose with a warm, moist towel and then applying petroleum jelly will help to keep the nose nice and soft. If your dog has other symptoms in addition to a dry nose, he should be seen by a veterinarian promptly.
Over time, dog paws build up a callous and become stronger—especially if the dog spends a lot of time on rough surfaces. But if paw pads become rough and dry, they won't heal as quickly from normal wear and tear, and they can cause pain and irritation for your pup.
Dry cracking paw pads can be a sign of zinc deficiency in dogs. A poor diet can result in zinc deficiency which causes the paw pads to thicken and harden. This makes them vulnerable to drying and cracking. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to zinc deficiency compared to others.
Shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil smooth, soften, and hydrate, while beeswax heals chapped paws. Beyond their conditioning and moisturizing properties, these ingredients are safe for pets that have allergies or other sensitivities, too, says Ivana Crnec, DVM, with Veterinarians.org.
Relieves Sore Paws
Coconut oil can help protect their paws from getting sore and irritated. It not only moisturizes the skin on the paws, but it can act as a protective balm, and create a barrier between your dog's paws, and any irritants.
It's best not to, as chapsticks can contain ingredients potentially harmful to dogs if ingested.
Are They Safe? No, it is not recommended that you use baby wipes on dogs, or any other pets. That's because the pH level on human skin is different to dogs so baby wipes are unsafe because they may cause irritation or itching.
To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If he still feels excessively greasy or oily, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse.
Unlike olive oil, coconut oil doesn't contain a high amount of omega fatty acids. While it does have some, it isn't enough for your dog to access as many of the benefits as other oils can. Coconut oil also isn't as easily digested and processed, which may render the few fatty acids that get through less helpful.
Treating Your Dog's Red Paws
If it is related to contact with anything, you will need to wash your dog's feet thoroughly to remove the contaminants. If there is a bacterial or fungal infection going on, you may need to use antibiotics or anti-fungal medications prescribed by your vet.