What Can You Put on Cracked Dog Paws?

Four common choices side by side, with the trade-offs, so you can pick one that fits your dog.

PawsBalm · October 25, 2026

For mild dryness, you can put a dog-safe paw balm, a thin layer of plain coconut oil, or a little petroleum jelly on the paw pads. Deep, bleeding or limp-causing cracks need a vet, not a home product.

All of these work the same basic way. They add a layer on top of the skin that slows moisture loss. None of them fixes the cause. If the cause stays (hot pavement, road salt, rough trails), the cracks tend to come back.

The four options compared

Check any ingredient list before use. Skip products with added fragrance, essential oils, or anything made for humans that contains zinc oxide, xylitol or medicated ingredients.

Can I put Vaseline on my dog's cracked paws?

A small amount of plain petroleum jelly is generally considered low-risk for dogs, but it is greasy and dogs lick it off. It is a stopgap, not a first choice.

The main problem is the licking. Swallowing a little usually does nothing worse than a soft stool. A lot can cause stomach upset. Rub in a very thin layer and give your dog something to do for ten minutes, such as a chew or a short walk on grass.

It also leaves grease on floors and furniture. Put socks on your dog after you apply it if that bothers you.

Can I put coconut oil on my dog's cracked paws?

Yes, plain coconut oil is a common home choice for mild dryness. Use a thin layer, because it melts quickly and soaks into rugs.

Coconut oil is edible, so a few licks are not a big worry. But it is soft. It wears off in a short time, and it gives little protection against hot pavement or rough ground. Use it at night at home, not before a long walk.

Choose plain, unscented oil. If your dog gets loose stools after you use it, stop.

Is a paw balm better than a plain oil?

For most walking dogs, a balm lasts longer than a plain oil. Balms mix wax with oils, so they stay put on the pad instead of melting off.

That staying power matters for dogs that walk on hot asphalt, salted sidewalks or gravel trails. A balm acts as a barrier between the pad and what it touches. It is a skin-conditioning and protection product, not a medicine.

If you use one, apply a thin coat to clean, dry paws. Our guide on how to apply dog paw balm covers the steps, and the guide on protecting dog paws from salt in winter covers the cold-weather side.

Why do my dog's paws crack in the first place?

Paw pads crack when they dry out or take repeated wear. The usual causes are hot pavement, road salt and de-icers, rough or sandy ground, and long walks on hard surfaces.

Other causes are less obvious:

• Dry indoor air in winter, from heating.
• Frequent baths with strong shampoo, which strip natural oils.
• Constant licking, which keeps pads wet and then dry.
• Age. Older dogs often have thicker, drier pads.

Fix the cause where you can. Rinse salt off after walks, avoid midday pavement in summer, and dry between the toes. Do the same for the pads after swimming or snow.

Do cracked paws hurt my dog, and when should I call the vet?

Deep cracks can hurt, and a dog that limps, licks one paw nonstop or avoids walking is telling you it hurts. Call your vet if you see any of these signs.

• Bleeding or a crack that is deep enough to see tissue
• Swelling, heat, pus or a bad smell
• Limping that lasts more than a day
• Pads that peel, blister or turn a different color
• Cracks on several paws with no clear cause, or with hair loss or itching elsewhere

Some skin conditions and allergies show up first on the paws. Only a vet can sort that out. Do not wait if your dog has diabetes or another long-term health problem.

Which one should I choose?

Pick by how your dog lives, not by what sounds most natural.

• Active dog on pavement, salt or trails: a dog-made paw balm. It lasts the longest and washes off less easily during a walk.
• Indoor dog with mild dryness: a thin layer of plain coconut oil at night.
• Nothing else on hand: a tiny dab of petroleum jelly, then distract your dog from licking.
• Dog that does well with plant butters: plain shea or cocoa butter. Test a small spot first. Chocolate itself is toxic to dogs, and cocoa butter is not chocolate, but avoid any blend with added cocoa powder or sweeteners.

Whatever you choose, use less than you think you need. Test on one paw for a day. If you see redness, swelling or more licking, stop and call your vet.

If your dog needs protection on hot ground, salted sidewalks or rough trails, a balm made for paws is a sensible daily habit. One example is PawsBalm, which is made as a protective barrier for paw pads.