Pawdicures & Paw Care: Why Your Dog’s Feet Deserve More Attention

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen videos of dogs having their paws soaked, nails carefully trimmed, and moisturizers massaged into their pads. The captions call it a pawdicure, and yes – it’s just as adorable as it sounds.

But here’s the real surprise: this trend isn’t just about looking cute for social media. It’s about health, comfort, and even mobility. And if you’ve been skipping your dog’s paw care in between grooming sessions, you might be missing out on something that could make a big difference in their everyday life.

Why Paw Care Is Finally Getting the Spotlight

Let’s be honest – for years, paw care has been treated as the “optional extra” in grooming. You’d take care of the coat, maybe clean the ears, and give a quick nail trim if needed. But the feet? They didn’t get nearly as much attention.

Now, pawdicures are emerging as a grooming essential, not a luxury. And for good reason:

• Cracked pads can cause pain or infections.
  
  
• Overgrown nails can change the way your dog walks, leading to joint strain.
  
  
• Mats between the toes can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria.
  
  

Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wooten explained to PetMD:

“Long nails can change the way your dog walks, which can put abnormal pressure on the joints and cause discomfort or pain.”

Translation: healthy paws don’t just look good – they help your dog walk, run, and play without strain.

What’s Actually Involved in a Pawdicure

A professional pawdicure session usually includes:

1. Nail Trimming & Filing – Prevents overgrowth, splitting, and painful breaks. Filing after clipping also smooths edges to avoid scratching floors (or you).
   
   
2. Paw Pad Inspection – Checking for cracks, cuts, or irritation caused by hot pavements or rough surfaces.
   
   
3. Moisturizing Balms – Usually shea butter or coconut oil-based to keep pads supple without making them slippery.
   
   
4. Hair Trimming Between Pads – Especially important for breeds like Shih Tzus or Golden Retrievers, as hair here can mat easily and collect debris.
   
   
5. Gentle Paw Soaks – Sometimes with mild antiseptics or calming ingredients like chamomile.
   
   

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, some groomers are even offering lavender or aloe-infused paw baths – not exactly medically necessary, but they do make the session more pleasant for your pup.

The UAE Factor – Why Local Dogs Benefit Even More

Living in the UAE comes with its own paw challenges:

• Hot pavements can cause burns within seconds during summer.
  
  
• Sandy environments can lead to abrasions and dryness.
  
  
• Air-conditioned homes can actually dry out paw pads.
  
  

If your dog walks on outdoor tiles or concrete during the day, their paws are under stress. Pawdicures here aren’t just indulgent – they’re preventative healthcare.

The Social Media Boost

One reason pawdicures are booming is their shareability. Search “dog paw care” on TikTok and you’ll find millions of views on videos showing satisfying before-and-after transformations – rough, cracked pads becoming smooth and moisturized, nails going from overgrown to neat.

While that’s great for awareness, there’s also a risk: people might focus too much on the “cute factor” (colored nail polish, glitter, rhinestones) rather than actual health needs. Fun add-ons are fine, but they should never replace the core purpose – keeping your dog’s paws functional and pain-free.

Real-World Stories

Take my friend’s Labrador in Abu Dhabi. He started limping after short walks. At first, they thought it was hip dysplasia (common in big dogs). Turns out, his paw pads had small cracks from walking on scorching pavements. A month of regular moisturizing and protective booties later, he was running around like a puppy again.

Or the Pomeranian I saw at a local groomer – her nails had curled so far under that they were pressing into the pads. The owner thought her “funny walk” was just her personality. Post-pawdicure, her stride was completely different. Sometimes, paw care changes more than just appearance – it restores quality of life.

How You Can Start Today

If you’re convinced that paw care is worth adding to your routine, here’s a quick starter checklist:

• Inspect paws weekly for cracks, debris, or swelling.
  
  
• Trim nails when they start clicking on hard floors.
  
  
• Moisturize pads with pet-safe balm, especially in dry seasons.
  
  
• Consider protective booties for hot pavement walks.
  
  
• Schedule professional paw care at least every 4–6 weeks if nails grow quickly or if your dog is prone to pad issues.
  
  

Looking Ahead

I wouldn’t be surprised if the next few years bring more innovation in paw care – SPF-infused balms for desert climates, vitamin-enriched soaks, or even home-use paw massagers. But the bigger question is whether pawdicures will remain health-focused or drift into the purely decorative.

For your dog’s sake, I hope we keep the balance. A healthy paw is a happy paw – and if it happens to look Instagram-ready, that’s just a bonus.