Caring for Your Dog’s Nose and Paw Pads: A Complete Guide
Your dog’s nose and paw pads work harder than almost any other part of their body.
Every walk across hot pavement, every game of fetch, every muddy adventure and every cold winter morning puts these hardworking areas to the test. Yet they’re often overlooked in our regular grooming routine.
Just like our own skin, a dog’s nose and paw pads can become dry, rough and cracked without the right care. The good news is that a few simple habits can keep them healthy, comfortable and ready for their next adventure.
Why Do Dogs Get Dry Noses and Paw Pads?
Your dog’s paw pads are designed to provide grip, absorb shock and protect the sensitive tissues underneath. Their nose plays an equally important role, helping them explore the world through their incredible sense of smell.
Because these areas are constantly exposed to the environment, they naturally lose moisture over time.
Common causes of dryness include:
- Hot footpaths and sand
- Cold, dry winter air
- Walking on rough surfaces
- Swimming in salt water or chlorinated pools
- Frequent exposure to dirt and dust
- Dry indoor heating
- Age-related changes
- Excessive licking
While mild dryness is common, cracked skin can become uncomfortable and may increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Signs Your Dog May Need Extra Moisture
Take a quick look at your dog’s paws and nose during your regular grooming routine.
You may notice:
- Dry or rough skin
- Small cracks
- Flaky patches
- A rough texture instead of a smooth finish
- Excessive licking of the paws
- Discomfort while walking on hard surfaces
Early care is much easier than waiting until the skin becomes severely cracked.
Caring for Your Dog’s Paw Pads
Healthy paw pads are naturally tough, but they still benefit from regular maintenance.
Keep Them Clean
After walks, rinse away dirt, sand, grass seeds and road grime. Dry the paws thoroughly, especially between the toes where moisture can become trapped.
Trim Excess Hair
For long-haired breeds, keeping the hair between the paw pads neatly trimmed helps improve grip and reduces the amount of dirt and debris that collects.
Check for Injuries
Look for:
- Small cuts
- Splinters
- Grass seeds
- Cracks
- Foreign objects lodged between the toes
A quick inspection after walks can prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.
Moisturise Regularly
Just like our hands become dry after repeated washing, your dog’s paw pads benefit from regular hydration.
Applying a nourishing balm helps restore moisture while leaving a protective layer that keeps the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Caring for Your Dog’s Nose
A healthy nose is usually smooth, soft and slightly moist, although it’s perfectly normal for a dog’s nose to become drier during sleep.
If the nose becomes rough, flaky or cracked, adding extra moisture can help keep it comfortable.
Apply a small amount of balm to clean, dry skin and gently massage it into the surface. Most dogs only need a tiny amount.
Because dogs naturally lick their noses, always choose products made with ingredients that are suitable for pets.
Don’t Forget the Facial Folds
Some breeds need a little extra care beyond their nose and paws.
Wrinkled breeds such as:
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Shar Peis
- Boxers (with deeper facial wrinkles)
have skin folds that can trap moisture, saliva, food and dirt.
Without regular cleaning, these warm, enclosed areas can become irritated and uncomfortable.
Clean the folds gently, dry them thoroughly and apply a protective balm if needed to help keep the skin soft and conditioned.
Choosing the Right Dog Balm
Not all balms are designed for the same purpose.
Nose & Paws Balm
Our Nose & Paws Balm is made to nourish the tougher skin found on noses and paw pads.
It combines:
- Organic cocoa butter
- Organic shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Hemp oil
- Sweet almond oil
Together, these ingredients help soften rough skin, restore moisture and protect hardworking noses and paws from everyday wear.
Squishy Faces Balm
Wrinkled skin has different needs.
Our Squishy Faces Balm is specially formulated for facial folds using a lighter blend of nourishing plant oils.
It contains:
- Organic shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Hemp oil
- Jojoba oil
This combination helps condition delicate skin while supporting healthy, well-maintained facial folds.
A Simple Weekly Routine
Keeping your dog’s nose, paws and facial folds healthy doesn’t need to be complicated.
Once or twice a week:
- Check the nose and paw pads for dryness or cracks.
- Rinse away dirt after walks.
- Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes and inside facial folds.
- Apply a small amount of balm where needed.
- Reward your dog with plenty of praise (and perhaps a treat!).
These few minutes of care can make a big difference to your dog’s comfort throughout the year.
The Bottom Line
Your dog’s nose, paw pads and facial folds are exposed to the elements every single day. By making them part of your regular grooming routine, you can help prevent dryness before it becomes uncomfortable.
Whether your dog spends their days hiking bush trails, chasing tennis balls at the park or snoozing on the couch, healthy skin starts with simple, consistent care.
A nourishing balm, regular inspections and a little preventative maintenance will help keep your dog’s paws ready for every adventure, their nose soft and comfortable, and those adorable squishy faces happy and healthy.
Checkout out our balms:
