A Quick Paw Check After Your Dog’s Walk

Road grit, mud, lawn debris or winter de-icer can collect between a dog’s toes. A quick check after walks helps you spot what came home on the paws. Keep it brief and stop if your dog is uncomfortable.

Make the check comfortable

Choose a calm spot and let your dog settle. Touch a shoulder or leg before lifting a paw. Reward relaxed handling and inspect one foot at a time. If your dog pulls away, pause and build comfort in shorter sessions rather than holding them down.

Wipe away visible debris

Use a damp cloth or lukewarm water to remove dirt from the pads and between the toes. Dry the feet gently, especially if the coat stays damp between the pads. Avoid household disinfectants, scented products or human creams unless your veterinarian recommends them.

Look for changes

Check for cuts, stuck debris, redness, swelling or a damaged nail. Do not dig into a painful paw. Contact a veterinarian if your dog limps, keeps licking one foot, cries out or has swelling. In cold weather, VCA advises cleaning paws after walks to remove sidewalk chemicals before a dog can lick them.

Practice when there is no rush

A few calm touches on a quiet day make post-walk care easier. For other handling steps, see our brush-and-paw routine.

Source

• VCA Animal Hospitals, Ice Melt and Paw Safety

Check each paw gently

After the walk, look between the toes and pads for grit, burrs, small cuts, swelling, or a lodged object. Touch each foot briefly and reward calm cooperation. Wipe off mud with a damp cloth, then dry between the toes. If your dog licks one paw repeatedly, limps, or reacts strongly to touch, stop the inspection and contact a veterinarian rather than probing a painful area.

Adjust to the route and weather

In hot weather, check pavement temperature and choose shade or cooler hours; in cold conditions, rinse away de-icer according to product guidance and prevent licking. Booties may help some dogs but should be introduced gradually and fit comfortably. Keep nails and hair around pads maintained by a groomer or veterinary team when needed, and ask for advice before applying creams or antiseptics.