Hyperkeratosis In Dogs: Why Your Dog’s Paws Look Hairy Or Crusty

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Your dog’s paws should feel tough, but they shouldn’t look like they’re growing tiny hairs, cracking open, or making every step painful. If you’ve noticed rough, crusty growths on your dog’s paw pads or nose, your pup may have hyperkeratosis, a common skin condition caused by excess keratin buildup.

Mild cases can often be managed at home with vet-approved care, but cracked, bleeding, infected, or painful paws need veterinary attention. My dog Sally has dealt with recurring hyperkeratosis, so I know how alarming it can be to suddenly see thick calluses or “hairy” paw pads appear. Below, I’ll explain what causes hyperkeratosis in dogs, when to call your vet, and the safest ways to keep your dog comfortable.

If your dog’s paw pads look rough, hairy, cracked, or painful, start with our symptom guide below to see when hyperkeratosis may need veterinary care.

What Is Canine Hyperkeratosis?

Canine hyperkeratosis is when the skin on your dog’s nose or paws thickens and hardens. The hardening is due to excessive growth of the skin cells, which then do not shed. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are things you can do to manage your dog’s hyperkeratosis.

This skin condition in dogs occurs when excess keratin is produced. Keratin is a protein that makes the hair, skin, and nails.

There are two types of hyperkeratosis: nasal hyperkeratosis in dogs (or dog nose hyperkeratosis), which occurs on the nose area, and footpad hyperkeratosis, which occurs on the paws.

Dogs with hyperkeratosis may have dried-out, calloused-looking paws and noses. A secondary infection may develop if the affected skin cracks, causing further pain and discomfort.

Another form of hyperkeratosis can occur on the outer layer of the ear’s skin cells. This is often referred to as ear margin seborrhea. It more commonly affects dogs with longer ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Dachshunds.

Signs Of Hyperkeratosis In Dogs: When To Worry

Hyperkeratosis can look different from dog to dog, but it most often appears as rough, thickened, crusty, or “hairy” skin on the paw pads or nose. In mild cases, the buildup may simply look dry or callus-like.

However, if the skin starts cracking, bleeding, swelling, or causes your dog to limp, it may be painful or infected and should be checked by your veterinarian.

Here are the most common signs to watch for:

Some dogs with mild hyperkeratosis may not seem bothered at all, especially if the buildup is small and not located on a weight-bearing part of the paw. But as the excess keratin grows, it can become uncomfortable. The thickened skin may split, trap dirt or bacteria, or make walking on hard surfaces more painful.

If your dog’s paw pads or nose are cracked, bleeding, inflamed, oozing, painful, or have a bad odor, contact your veterinarian. Limping, constant licking, resisting walks, or sensitivity when touched can also signal pain or infection. We’ll cover more warning signs below.

What Causes It?

Some dogs may be more likely to develop hyperkeratosis because of genetics or breed-related skin tendencies. Breeds that may be predisposed include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Terriers, Dogues de Bordeaux, Bedlington Terriers, and some brachycephalic breeds.

Senior dogs may also be more likely to develop dry, thickened paw pads or nose crusting as they age.

Hyperkeratosis often occurs in the first year of a dog’s life after being passed down through genes. Hyperkeratosis also commonly occurs in middle-aged and senior dogs. Skin conditions in dogs, like hyperkeratosis, can also be symptoms of other problems, including the following:

• Canine Distemper – A vaccine is given to puppies for Canine Distemper, which is why this virus is rare.
• Leishmaniasis – A disease caused by a parasite, which is often carried by sandflies. This illness can be controlled with medicine.
• Pemphigus Foliaceus – This is a common autoimmune skin disease that is often diagnosed with a biopsy. It is treatable with immunosuppressive drugs.
• Zinc Responsive Dermatosis – This is a skin disease that can occur if a dog is not absorbing zinc properly. A zinc deficiency causes the paw pads to become swollen, red, and thicker. It can be treated with zinc supplements.
• Age-Related Hyperkeratosis – Some older dogs may develop this condition as they age. The skin may start to thicken as they age, especially in dogs with underlying health issues like liver disease. In older dogs, hyperkeratosis can occur after repeated pressure on the paw pads.

Is Hyperkeratosis In Dogs Contagious?

Hyperkeratosis itself is not contagious. Your dog cannot spread excess keratin buildup to people or other pets.

However, some underlying causes of crusty or irritated skin, such as certain infections or parasites, may require treatment. That’s why it’s important to call your vet if the symptoms appear suddenly, spread quickly, smell bad, ooze, or cause pain.

When Should I Call The Vet?

Mild hyperkeratosis may not bother your dog, but you should call your vet if the area looks painful, infected, or suddenly gets worse. Cracked or irritated paw pads can make walking uncomfortable and may need more than at-home care.

You should also check with your vet before cutting, shaving, or peeling hardened skin. If the excess keratin needs to be trimmed, your vet or groomer can show you how to do it safely without hurting healthy tissue.

How Do Vets Diagnose Hyperkeratosis?

A veterinarian can often recognize hyperkeratosis by examining your dog’s paw pads, nose, and other affected areas. The thickened, crusty, or “hairy” buildup of keratin has a fairly distinctive appearance, especially when it appears on the paw pads or nose.

However, your vet will also want to determine whether the hyperkeratosis is a mild age-related skin change or a sign of an underlying health condition.

During the exam, your vet may check your dog’s paws, nose, ears, elbows, and other pressure points for rough, cracked, thickened, or irritated skin. They’ll also look for signs of pain, limping, bleeding, swelling, odor, discharge, or secondary infection.

If your dog pulls away when their feet are touched, licks their paws often, or avoids walking on certain surfaces, those clues can help your vet understand how uncomfortable the condition may be.

Your vet may also ask questions about your dog’s age, breed, vaccine history, diet, travel history, medications, and how quickly the symptoms appeared. These details matter because hyperkeratosis can sometimes be linked to genetics, aging, autoimmune disease, nutritional issues, infectious disease, or other medical conditions.

When Additional Testing May Be Needed

In many mild cases, a physical exam may be enough to recommend a care plan. But if your dog’s symptoms are severe, painful, sudden, unusual, or not improving, your vet may recommend additional testing.

Depending on your dog’s signs, this could include skin cytology, skin scraping, fungal testing, bacterial culture, biopsy, bloodwork, or other diagnostic tests. These tests can help rule out infection, parasites, autoimmune conditions, zinc-responsive dermatosis, liver or metabolic disease, and other problems that can cause crusty, thickened, or inflamed skin.

Getting the right diagnosis matters because treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Simple paw pad hyperkeratosis may only need moisturizing, softening, trimming by a professional, and protection from rough surfaces. But if your dog has an infection, immune-mediated disease, nutritional deficiency, or another medical issue, they may need prescription treatment to address the root cause and keep the condition from getting worse.

Hyperkeratosis Dog Paw Pad & Nose Treatment

Looking for hyperkeratosis treatment? There is no cure, but the skin condition can be managed by softening and removing the hardened skin on your dog’s paw pads and nose. Make an appointment with your vet to have this done if necessary. There are a few other medical treatments your vet may try.

How Can I Treat My Dog’s Hyperkeratosis At Home?

A treatment plan from your veterinarian is the best option to treat your pup for hyperkeratosis effectively. You can try a few home remedies that may make your pet more comfortable.

Some mild cases of hyperkeratosis can be managed at home with softening, moisturizing, and paw protection. However, not every crusty paw pad or dry nose is simple age-related hyperkeratosis. Some skin changes can be painful, infected, or linked to an underlying health condition, so it’s important to know what not to do before trying home treatment.

Avoid These Without Vet Approval

Do not cut, shave, peel, or pull off hardened skin if you are unsure where the excess keratin ends and healthy tissue begins. Cutting too deeply can hurt your dog, cause bleeding, or create an opening for infection. If the overgrowth needs to be trimmed, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to do it safely.

Do not use human medicated creams or harsh skin products unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them. Avoid wart removers, salicylic acid products, strong exfoliants, essential oils, and medicated human lotions, as these can irritate your dog’s skin or be unsafe if licked.

Do not ignore signs of pain or infection. Limping, bleeding, redness, swelling, pus, odor, discharge, excessive licking, or sudden worsening should be checked by your veterinarian. These symptoms may mean your dog needs prescription treatment, not just moisturizing balm.

Do not assume all crusty paws are harmless. Hyperkeratosis can occur with aging or genetics, but crusting, cracking, and thickened skin may also be associated with infections, parasites, autoimmune disease, nutritional issues, or other medical conditions. When in doubt, call your vet before starting home care.

5 Safe Ways To Help Your Dog At Home

A treatment plan from your veterinarian is the best way to manage your dog’s hyperkeratosis, especially if the skin is cracked, painful, bleeding, infected, or getting worse. But for mild cases, a few simple home-care steps may help soften the hardened skin, protect your dog’s paws or nose, and keep your pup more comfortable.

Supportive care for footpad hyperkeratosis commonly includes soaking, moisturizing/emollient treatments, and treating infection if present. Your vet can help you decide which approach is safest for your dog.

Think of home care as a comfort routine, not a cure. The goal is to soften the rough buildup, prevent painful cracks, and protect your dog’s paws or nose from anything that could make irritation worse.

1. Soak Your Dog’s Feet In Warm Water

A gentle warm-water soak can help soften dry, hardened skin on your dog’s paw pads. Keep the water comfortably warm, not hot, and only soak for a few minutes unless your veterinarian gives you different instructions.

After soaking, gently pat the paws completely dry. You can then apply a dog-safe moisturizing balm or a small amount of petroleum jelly if your vet says it’s appropriate. This can help lock in moisture and reduce cracking.

2. Try A Short Steam Bath

Steam may help soften dry, crusty skin on your dog’s paws or nose. You can create a simple steam bath by running a warm shower until the bathroom becomes steamy, then letting your dog sit in the room for a few minutes.

Do not place your dog in hot water or keep them in a steamy room long enough to overheat. Keep sessions short, monitor your dog closely, and stop if they seem stressed, restless, or too warm.

3. Apply A Dog-Safe Balm

A paw or nose balm can help moisturize hardened skin and create a protective barrier. Look for dog-safe products made for paws or noses, since your dog may lick the area.

Shea butter is often used in natural balms, but avoid products with essential oils, harsh exfoliants, human medicated ingredients, or anything your vet has not approved. Paw balms can also help protect against cold, salt, and rough outdoor surfaces.

4. Keep The Area Clean And Dry

This is a simple but important step, especially if your dog’s paw pads are cracked or rough. After walks, gently wipe your dog’s paws to remove dirt, salt, mud, grass, or other irritants. Then dry the paws well, including between the toes.

Moisture trapped around thickened skin can make irritation worse and may contribute to odor or infection. If you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or a bad smell, call your veterinarian.

5. Protect Your Dog’s Paws With Socks Or Booties

Dogs with paw pad hyperkeratosis may be sensitive to hot pavement, cold ground, gravel, ice, salt, or rough trails. Socks or booties can provide a protective layer and may make walks more comfortable.

They can also help keep your dog from licking off the balm right away. Choose socks or booties that fit securely but are not too tight, and introduce them gradually so your dog gets used to wearing them. VCA notes that booties can help protect paws from cold, salt, and ice buildup, while protective balms can provide another barrier.

Real-Life Experience: How Paw Balm Helped My Dog’s Cracked Paw Pads

When my seven-year-old hound mix, Sally, started limping, we knew something was wrong. My husband had already noticed callus-like patches on all four of her paw pads, but once one of those thickened areas cracked, hyperkeratosis was the first thing that came to mind. We scheduled a vet appointment right away, and Sally was diagnosed with paw pad hyperkeratosis.

Our vet recommended a soothing paw balm to help hydrate Sally’s paw pads and prevent further cracking.

We purchased the Natural Dog Company’s Paw Soother, which improved Sally’s paws quickly. The calluses fell off, and her paw pads became much healthier. Now, we maintain Sally’s paws by applying paw balm twice daily.

Another one of our favorites is WashBar’s Kanuka + Repair Paw Balm, which was sent to us in exchange for an unbiased review.

The consistency of WashBar’s Paw Balm is much smoother and easier to apply than the Natural Dog Company’s. I’d compare it to how ChapStick goes on lips, whereas the Natural Dog Company’s is thicker and needs to melt into the paw more for it to be spread on evenly.

Sally likes to get up immediately after we apply her paw balm, and with the Natural Dog Company’s Paw Soother, there are often marks on our fabric couch from her paws. This doesn’t happen with WashBar’s Paw Balm.

Can You Trim Or Remove Hyperkeratosis?

In some cases, your vet may need to trim excess keratin buildup to keep your dog comfortable, especially if it affects how they walk or puts pressure on their paw pads. However, don’t cut, shave, or peel hardened skin at home unless your veterinarian has shown you exactly how to do it safely.

Your vet can examine the area, check for cracks or infection, and decide whether trimming is appropriate. If needed, your vet may trim the excess keratin during the appointment or show you how to maintain it at home. Cutting too deeply can hurt your dog, cause bleeding, or increase the risk of infection, so professional guidance is important.

Keeping the skin softened with vet-approved soaks or balms may also make the area more comfortable and reduce future cracking.

Here is a video of how the process works.

Call Your Vet First

If your dog has hyperkeratosis, you should take him to the vet. Since hyperkeratosis is a symptom of other illnesses, there is a chance that your dog is sick with something else, as well.

Should I Get Pet Insurance?

Do you worry about your dog’s overall health and the expenses that come with it? Pet insurance can help cover any unexpected vet costs. Keep in mind, however, that pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. Find out what pet insurance covers and if it’s worth it in our Pet Insurance 101 guide.

Can Diet Help Skin And Paw Health?

Diet cannot cure hyperkeratosis, but good nutrition can support your dog’s overall skin, coat, and paw health. Because the skin is the body’s largest organ, dogs need the right balance of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and hydration to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA from fish oil, may help support skin health and reduce inflammation in some dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend an omega-3 supplement if your dog has dry, irritated skin or other skin concerns. However, dosage matters, so ask your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s routine.

Some dogs may also develop dry, flaky, or irritated skin because of food allergies, sensitivities, or nutritional deficiencies. If your dog’s paw problems are paired with itching, chronic ear infections, digestive upset, hair loss, or recurring skin infections, your vet may recommend a diet trial or additional testing to look for an underlying issue.

Zinc is another nutrient your vet may consider, especially in breeds prone to zinc-responsive skin disease. This condition can cause crusting, scaling, and thickened skin, including around the paw pads, nose, eyes, or mouth. Do not give zinc supplements unless your veterinarian recommends them, as too much zinc can be harmful.

Vitamin A is particularly important to skin and coat health and can be found in egg yolk, carrots, kale, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes, among other foods. You may want to try fresh dog food for your pup or a recipe formulated to boost skin and coat health.

Take it Slow

For most dogs, the best place to start is a complete and balanced dog food that matches their age, size, activity level, and health needs. If your dog has recurring paw pad cracking, crusting, or inflammation, talk with your veterinarian before switching foods or adding supplements. Diet may be one part of the care plan, but painful or worsening hyperkeratosis still needs proper diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyperkeratosis can look alarming, especially when your dog’s paw pads start to crack, thicken, or look “hairy.” Below are some of the most common questions pet parents have about dog paw pad and nose hyperkeratosis. If you have a question we haven’t covered, let us know in the comments, and we’ll do our best to help.

Is Hyperkeratosis In Dogs Painful?

Mild hyperkeratosis may not be painful at first. Some dogs have rough or thickened paw pads and act completely normal. However, it can become painful if the skin cracks, bleeds, gets infected, or grows in a spot that puts pressure on the paw while your dog walks.

If your dog is limping, licking their paws often, avoiding walks, or pulling away when you touch the area, contact your veterinarian.

What Can I Put On My Dog’s Hyperkeratosis?

For mild cases, your vet may recommend warm water soaks, a dog-safe paw or nose balm, or another moisturizing product to soften the hardened skin. Paw balms can also help protect against rough surfaces, cold weather, and dry conditions.

Avoid human medicated creams, wart removers, harsh exfoliants, salicylic acid products, and essential oils unless your veterinarian specifically approves them.

Can Hyperkeratosis Go Away On Its Own?

Hyperkeratosis usually needs ongoing management rather than a one-time cure. Some mild cases may stay stable with moisturizing, soaking, paw protection, and regular monitoring. Other cases may worsen over time or need professional trimming.

If your dog’s symptoms are sudden, severe, painful, or not improving with gentle care, schedule a vet visit.

Can I Walk My Dog With Hyperkeratosis?

In mild cases, yes, your dog may still be able to walk normally. But avoid hot pavement, icy sidewalks, salted roads, gravel, or rough trails if your dog’s paw pads are cracked or sensitive.

If your dog limps, slows down, refuses walks, or seems painful afterward, stop and contact your vet. Dog socks or booties may help protect sore paw pads during short walks.

Does Paw Balm Help Hyperkeratosis?

Paw balm may help soften dry, hardened skin and create a protective barrier. It will not cure the underlying condition, but it can make your dog more comfortable and may help reduce cracking.

Use a dog-safe balm and monitor your dog closely. If the area becomes red, swollen, smelly, painful, or starts to bleed, stop home treatment and call your vet.

When Is Hyperkeratosis An Emergency?

Hyperkeratosis is usually not an emergency, but you should seek veterinary care quickly if your dog has severe bleeding, deep cracks, signs of infection, sudden lameness, intense pain, or rapidly worsening skin changes.

You should also call your vet promptly if your dog seems lethargic, stops eating, has a fever, or has crusting on multiple areas of the body, in addition to the paws or nose.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable With Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis can look strange or even alarming at first, but many dogs can stay comfortable with the right care plan. The key is to watch for cracking, bleeding, limping, odor, constant licking, or sudden changes and to work with your veterinarian before trying to trim or treat hardened skin at home.

For mild cases, simple steps like warm water soaks, dog-safe paw balm, clean and dry paw pads, and protective socks or booties may help soften rough skin and prevent painful cracks. But if your dog has ongoing itching, redness, skin irritation, or obsessive licking, there may be another issue contributing to their discomfort.

Has Your Dog Had Hyperkeratosis?

Have you dealt with paw pad or nose hyperkeratosis in your dog? Share your experience or questions in the comments below.