Sore paws in dogs: causes, symptoms & effective prevention

Is your dog limping after a walk? Sore or irritated paws could be the culprit – a problem many dog ​​owners underestimate. Whether it's hot asphalt in summer, sharp gravel in autumn, or road salt in winter, your four-legged friend's sensitive paw pads are subjected to considerable stress every day. Sore paws are unfortunately quite common – and often difficult to detect until your dog shows signs of pain. In this article, you'll learn how to recognize sore paws, what to do in an emergency, and how to protect your pet's paws in the long term.

Causes of sore paws

Your dog's paws are true all-rounders – they carry him over asphalt, through forests, across meadows, and through snow. But this very strain can lead to sore or even injured pads. Here's an overview of the most common causes:

Burns caused by heat (asphalt, sand) or chemical substances

In summer, asphalt can heat up extremely – temperatures above 50°C are not uncommon. Hot sand on the beach or at the dog park can also burn the sensitive skin on your dog's paws. If you can no longer walk comfortably barefoot, it's usually already too hot for your dog.

Besides hot surfaces , chemical residues (e.g., cleaning agents, oil residues, or pesticides) can also cause chemical burns or scalds. Particularly dangerous: some substances are invisible – the reaction only occurs hours later.

Cold and road salt

In winter , freezing temperatures and especially road salt take their toll on paws. Salt dries out the pads and causes small cracks through which dirt and bacteria can penetrate. Snow between the toes can also lead to irritation.

Rough surfaces during long walks

Long hikes on gravel paths, asphalt, or rocky terrain put a lot of strain on the paws. Without sufficient conditioning or care, abrasions or pressure sores can quickly develop.

Allergies or grasses

Pollen, certain grasses, or chemically treated fields can also cause sore paws. Particularly sensitive dogs react with redness, itching, or inflammation – often without the trigger being immediately apparent.

Foreign objects (splinters, thorns, shards of glass)

Small, sharp objects such as wood splinters, thorns, or shards of glass can become embedded in the pads of the feet. The injuries are often difficult to see but quickly lead to painful inflammation or abscesses.

Recognizing symptoms: How to tell if your dog has sore paws

Not every dog ​​shows immediately when something hurts – many initially try to ignore the pain . That's why it's so important for you as the owner to pay attention. Here are typical signs to look out for:

Limping or favoring oneself

If your dog suddenly starts limping or favors one paw while walking, it could indicate a painful area. You should pay particular attention after walks on unfamiliar terrain .

Excessive licking of the paws

If your dog repeatedly licks or nibbles at its paws , this is usually a sign of irritation, itching, or pain. It's trying to find relief – which unfortunately often makes the situation worse.

Redness, cracks or bleeding spots

It's worth taking a look at the pads of the feet: Are they reddened, cracked, or even open? Small wounds can quickly become infected – especially if they come into contact with dirt or road salt.

Swelling and overheating

Swelling, warmth, or tenderness to the touch are signs of inflammation. This should be checked by a veterinarian, especially if your dog shows signs of pain or develops a fever.

First aid and treatment: What you can do if your pet's paws are sore

If you discover sore paws on your dog, the key is to act quickly but calmly. With a few simple measures, you can often help your four-legged friend and prevent things from getting worse.

Clean paws

First , gently clean the affected paws with lukewarm water . This will remove dirt, road salt, or small foreign objects. A mild dog shampoo or chamomile tea can also have a soothing effect.

Inspect paws

Examine the pads and spaces between the toes closely: Are there any cracks, open sores, splinters, or swelling? Also, check for discoloration or unpleasant odor – this could indicate inflammation.

Gentle care with natural products

For minor irritations, natural care products can help soothe the skin and protect it from further irritation. EnviWell's Paw Happiness has proven particularly effective – a probiotic care spray specifically developed for sore paws, minor injuries, and eczema. You can find other probiotic care products for dogs here.

Thanks to effective microorganisms, it supports skin regeneration , is painless to use, and is also suitable for preventative care. The product is vegan, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free – a great choice for those who prefer natural skincare.

Wound protection

If a spot is particularly sensitive, you can protect it with a breathable paw bandage or special dog socks – especially when walking your dog outdoors. This will prevent dirt or bacteria from getting into the wound.

When to go to the vet?

If your dog's paw is severely swollen, bleeding, infected, or showing clear signs of pain , don't hesitate: take them to the vet! Professional help is also needed if the condition doesn't improve after a day or two.

Prevention: How to permanently protect your dog's paws

The best treatment is often the one that isn't needed at all. With a few simple habits, you can keep your dog's paws healthy in the long term – and effectively prevent sores.

Regular paw care

Clean, well-groomed paws are less prone to cracks, irritation, or infection. Get your dog used to you briefly checking and cleaning their paws after walks – especially in winter (road salt) and summer (heat, sand).

Protection through paw care products

Especially in extreme weather conditions, the use of nourishing products is worthwhile. A good example is EnviWell's Paw Happiness – it can not only help in acute cases, but is also suitable for preventative use : Applied regularly, it strengthens the skin barrier with probiotic microorganisms, is gentle on the skin, and protects against external influences. It also neutralizes odors – pleasant for both dog and owner.

Those who value gentle care will find grooming products for dogs at EnviWell that support skin, coat and well-being.

Paw protection in extreme weather

Dog boots can be useful in snow, ice, road salt, or extremely hot asphalt – especially for dogs with sensitive paws or on long hikes. It sometimes takes a while for dogs to get used to them – but it's worth it.

Variety in surfaces

Constant walks on asphalt put significantly more strain on the paw pads than natural surfaces like forest or meadow paths. If possible, aim for a healthy mix of surfaces – this is gentler on the paws and makes the walk more varied.

First aid measures for acute paw injuries

If you discover a fresh injury, proceed as follows:

• Calm your dog – a treat or calm words will help to relax the situation.
• Clean the paw gently , preferably with lukewarm water or a mild saline solution.
• Carefully remove any foreign objects (e.g. with clean tweezers) if visible.
• Disinfect the wound with a mild, alcohol-free disinfectant suitable for animals – e.g., Octenisept or special animal preparations. This will help prevent infection.
• Apply a care product , e.g., Paw Happiness , to promote regeneration and support the skin barrier.
• Apply paw protection (bandage or dog boot) to keep the wound clean and protected.
• Observe: If your dog shows no improvement after 1-2 days, if swelling occurs, or if the area becomes hot or purulent – ​​please take it to the vet.

How to properly apply a paw bandage to a dog

A paw bandage protects the wound and keeps it clean – especially important outdoors during walks, where dirt, germs, or road salt can hinder healing. It also prevents your dog from licking or nibbling at the injured area, which can promote infection.

Here's how it works:

Apply padding

First, wrap soft material (e.g., a sterile compress or gauze) around the paw. Make sure to pad between the toes as well to prevent chafing.

Secure with an elastic bandage

Loosely wrap the paw with a self-adhesive bandage (e.g., VetFlex). Start below the wrist or ankle and work your way down to the paw. The bandage should not be too tight – you should be able to slip a finger between the bandage and the paw.

Secure the underside of the paws

Seal the underside with a sterile, slightly breathable layer – this prevents direct contact with the ground.

Seal if necessary

Outside, you can put a waterproof dog boot or a plastic bag over the dog's feet – but only for a short time, as there is no air circulation.

Check the bandage regularly

Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes damp or soiled. Check for pressure sores or swelling above the dressing.