How to Soften Dog Pads

The fleshy areas on the bottoms of a dog's paws are one of the toughest parts of its body. A dog's pads can become very rough and thick, which can lead to cracking. If the dog's pads crack, it can be very painful for the dog and can result in the dog chewing them or avoiding walking on them. Prevent your dog's pads from cracking by grooming them regularly to keep them soft. Keep in mind that the pads should not become too soft, as they need to be fairly hard to protect the dog's feet from sharp objects.

Things You'll Need

  • Hydrating lotion
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Bathtub
  • Water
  • Bath salts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a hydrating ointment from your local pet store that is made for a dog's paw pads. Apply this ointment regularly, as directed on the tube, to soften the dog's paws and prevent them from cracking.

    • 2

      Apply petroleum jelly to the dog's pads if you cannot find the hydrating lotion.

    • 3

      Fill a bathtub with a couple inches of warm water and sprinkle some bath salts into the water so that they dissolve. Place the dog inside the bathtub and have him stand there for 15 minutes. Do this twice a week to soften the pads and keep them soft. Stay with the dog to make sure that it stays inside the tub during this process.