Good dog paw care starts with recognizing how different seasons affect your dog’s comfort. Paws handle heat, cold, moisture, rough terrain, and allergens every day. When you adjust your routine throughout the year, you protect your dog from irritation, cracking, and injury. At Double U Doodles, we include paw handling and grooming in early training so puppies grow up confident and comfortable with routine care.

Why Dog Paw Care Matters More Than You Think

Healthy paws support your dog’s balance, posture, and overall mobility. When pads crack or toes get irritated, even simple activities like walking or playing become uncomfortable. Regular dog paw care prevents many common problems, from infections to burns, and helps your doodle stay active and happy.

Our Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles are naturally energetic and curious, so keeping their paws in good shape is essential for all their outdoor adventures.

Spring Paw Care Fresh Ground and Fresh Irritation

When spring arrives, new growth and wet soil bring both fun and challenges for paws. Grass, pollen, and small plant particles often cling to paws and get stuck between the toes, especially if the fur is long.

What to watch for in spring

• Increased paw licking after walks 
• Mud collecting between toes 
• Soft pads that are more prone to cuts 

Wiping paws after outdoor time helps remove allergens and prevents dampness from irritating. If your dog slowed down during winter, gradually increasing outdoor activity will help toughen the pads again.

Summer Paw Care: Heat, Rough Surfaces, and High Energy

Summer is the season when paw injuries spike because surfaces heat up quickly. Pavement, sand, and even decorative stones can reach temperatures that burn a dog’s pads.

Safeguards for hot weather

• Walk during early morning or evening 
• Test the ground with your hand 
• Use dog safe paw balm on long outings 
• Keep your dog hydrated to maintain supple skin 

Many doodles also spend more time swimming in summer. While it’s a great exercise, constant water exposure can soften pads, so letting paws dry fully before more activity helps maintain their strength. Good dog paw care in summer is all about heat management and surface awareness.

Fall Paw Care Leaves Moisture and Hidden Hazards

Fall brings cool weather and colorful leaves, but those leaves can hide sharp sticks, thorns, and insects. Dogs love bounding through piles, and doodles especially enjoy the crunch and movement.

Checking paws after fall walks

A quick inspection goes a long way. Remove debris, dry the toes, and look for any redness or swelling. Fall tends to be damp, and moisture trapped between toes can lead to irritation or early infection. Keeping the paw fur trimmed makes fall dog paw care much easier and helps prevent matting.

Winter Paw Care: Cold, Salt, and Dry Air

Winter challenges paws in multiple ways. Ice and snow cause discomfort, while sidewalk salt and de-icers can burn pads or create cracks.

Cold weather tips for winter

• Rinse paws after salted sidewalks 
• Keep nails short to improve traction on ice 
• Apply moisturizing balm when the pads look dry 
• Use booties if your dog tolerates them well 

Some dogs only need extra care during snowy stretches, while others benefit from winter adjustments year-round. The goal is to protect paws from dryness and chemical irritation.

Year-Round Paw Habits That Support Health

Some parts of dog paw care never change. They help in every season and keep your dog’s feet healthy year-round.

Habits that matter every month

• Trim nails regularly 
• Keep fur between pads neat 
• Check paws after long walks or hikes 
• Clean off dirt, allergens, or chemicals 
• Watch for persistent licking or limping 

These small habits prevent problems before they start and make seasonal paw care easier to manage.

How Double U Doodles Prepares Puppies for Lifelong Paw Health

Early handling makes all the difference. Our puppies grow up experiencing gentle paw touches, the sound of nail clippers, different textures, and positive reinforcement. Using Puppy Culture and our Checkpoint Puppy Program, we help puppies learn that grooming and handling are normal, safe parts of life.

This early confidence makes it easier for families to continue paw care at home without stress or fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog lick their paws?
It usually means irritation, dryness, allergies, or debris stuck between the toes. Cleaning the paws often resolves it.

Should I moisturize my dog’s paws?
Only when the pads look dry or cracked. Too much moisture softens pads and can make them more prone to injury.

Are booties necessary for dogs?
Not for every dog. Booties help in extreme heat or cold or on salted sidewalks, but many dogs do well with consistent year-round dog paw care.

What do healthy paw pads look like?
Pads should be firm, slightly rough in texture, and free from cracks or redness.

Can pavement burn my dog’s paws?
Yes. Pavement and sand can get extremely hot in summer. Always test the surface first.

Conclusion

Healthy paws help your doodle stay active, confident, and eager for every adventure. If you’re looking for a Bernedoodle or Sheepadoodle raised with thoughtful early handling and strong foundations for lifelong health, visit our available puppies page or contact us directly. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect companion.