Should dog paws be rough or smooth?

If your dog has rough paw pads, then they could benefit from a little TLC. Long hikes, walking on rough terrain or exposure to chemicals such as salt and grit in the winter months can all take their toll on your dog’s paws. Dry, cracked or rough paw pads can be sore for your dog, and it can also make them more susceptible to tears or injuries. The Dog and I natural paw balm is a little pot of magic that’s perfect for soothing sore paws and restoring paw pad health, so your dog’s paws are smooth, comfortable and ready for adventure. Paw balm can help not just maintain and repair your dog’s rough paw pads, but it can help protect from the elements too.

Our dog’s paw pads were MEANT to be tough….if you soften them, then they will get stone bruises, burns from asphalt, and cuts. I cannot stress enough how much you need to let Mother Nature take care of your dog’s pads. Do NOT use paw softening products. I thought about how I run my fingers over my dog’s pads and I feel that rough row of ridges there. They help keep them from slipping and thus prevents hyperextension and a possible ACL tear. Dog paws are as vulnerable as human feet, and like ours, they need to be taken care of and pampered. A paw pad also needs to be checked for a myriad of issues that should be addressed, including nail length, cracked pads and foreign objects wedged in between paw pads.

They’re supposed to be rough – right. Rough, Untreated Paws Some people may argue that dog’s paws are naturally supposed to be rough for protection. This simply is not the case. Dog paws were designed to walk through nature – not on pavement and salted sidewalks. Once paws are soft and smooth, you’ll realize this is how nature intended them to be. A healthy, moisturized, paw gives the dog extra grip and agility. Keeping paws hydrated and smooth with Paw Soother is best to get optimal performance for paws and comfort for dogs.

Rough paw pads can be a normal condition for dogs, especially if they spend time outside. Though I was wondering, does this bother them? I read up on this and some websites recommended putting Vaseline on their paws but I’m unsure about that. Is it better to keep her paws rough? I’m only wondering because I took her to the vet for her checkup one time and she came back with smooth paws. They don’t seem to bother her but I don’t want her to be uncomfortable.