Hi Jessi,

Thanks for your question.

There are a few things you can consider here and they’re pretty simple. You could consider buying some boots that would protect the paws while you’re out on a walk. This will prevent more damage to the epithelium that protects the toes. And yes, you can apply Vaseline to the pads and it will soften them up and make it more difficult for them to crack when they’re traumatized with activity. Many people will worry about the dog ingesting the Vaseline which can be dealt with in two ways. First, you can apply a thin layer to the pads to prevent excessive ingestion. You could also apply the boots after applying the Vaseline to prevent ingestion of it. But what I think is going to happen, is that when you first apply it, your dog may be interested in licking it, but then after further applications, their interest will diminish.

If you feel more comfortable you can choose an organic all natural topical skin ointment but do your research on the products ingredients before using. As I mentioned, using small quantities of Vaseline is safe.

Check out our article “Cold Weather Safety Tips for Your Pets“ for more information about paw and skin protection.

I hope this helps,

Dr. Clayton Greenway