How to Protect Dog Paws on Long Walks

After earning a degree in psychology from Wayne State University, Jimmy Marwan Kassis started a position as an emergency medical technician for Beaumont Emergency Medical Services in Taylor, Michigan. When he is not delivering life-saving medical care, Jimmy Marwan Kassis volunteers at local animal shelters and takes his dogs on frequent walks.

While long walks are an excellent form of exercise for dogs, owners should take precautions to protect their dogs’ paws. Paw pads can become dry, blistered, or raw from rough terrain or overly-hot pavement. The road salt used to melt ice during the winter can also irritate a dog’s paws.

Dogs will build up callouses to textured terrain over time. Owners should expose their dogs to rougher surfaces gradually and inspect their paws closely after every walk. In the summertime, dogs should not walk for long periods on hot pavement. Applying a pad moisturizer before walks can also prevent burns. In some situations, it may be best to train the dog to tolerate wearing specially-designed boots or shoes.