The "Paw Pad Fur" Guide

How to Trim the Hair Between Your Dog's Paw Pads (Safely)

If your dog is suddenly slipping on the tiles, picking up every grass seed at the park, or licking obsessively at their feet, the answer is often hiding in plain sight. The fur growing between their paw pads is too long.

Fluffy breeds like Cavoodles, Spoodles, Maltese, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises grow fur in the spaces between their toes and pads. When this fur gets long, it bunches into uncomfortable knots, traps grass seeds, holds moisture against the skin, and acts like wearing socks on a polished floor.

The Mistake: Kitchen Scissors

The first instinct for most owners is to grab the sharp scissors from the kitchen drawer. This is risky for two reasons. Kitchen scissors have pointed tips, which can stab the soft webbing between the pads if your dog flinches. They are also too large to manoeuvre around the small spaces of a paw.

The result is usually a nicked paw, a panicked dog who never lets you near their feet again, and a frustrating clean up on the kitchen floor.

The Right Tool for the Job

You need short, sharp, rounded tip scissors that are designed for small detail work. The Grooming Scissors from our range come in three styles: straight, thinning, and curved. For paw pad work, the curved style is best because it follows the natural shape of the foot. The 17cm stainless steel blades are extremely sharp, so they slice rather than crunch, and the rounded safety tip means you can slide them between the pads without risk of stabbing.

The 4 Step Paw Pad Trim

Step 1: Soften the Coat First

Never trim a dirty or knotted paw. Wash the foot first with a quick lather of the Barkmere Soap Bar using warm water. The coconut and sunflower oils will soften any matted fur and clean off grass seeds. Dry the paw thoroughly with a Travel Towel.

Step 2: Identify the Pad Line

Hold the paw and gently press to spread the toes. You will see the pink or black paw pads sitting slightly lower than the surrounding fur. Your goal is to trim the fur down so it sits flush with the pad, not below it.

Step 3: Snip in Small Movements

Slide the closed scissors flat against the pad, then open and trim a few millimetres at a time. Never go deep. Small snips give you control. Work around the outside edge of the pad first, then trim the long tufts growing between the toes from the underside.

Step 4: Finish with Balm

Once the fur is trimmed, the skin between the pads is now exposed to hot footpaths, cold tiles, and dry weather. Rub a tiny amount of Bark Butter Balm into the skin between the pads and around the edges. The beeswax forms a soft barrier, the calendula soothes any tender skin, and the jojoba keeps the pad supple.

How Often Should You Trim?

For long haired breeds, a paw pad tidy every 3 to 4 weeks is plenty. For smooth coated breeds, you usually never need to do this. If you notice your dog losing traction on the floorboards or chewing at their feet after walks, that is your cue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my dog hates having their paws touched?

Start with handling sessions only, no scissors. Sit with your dog, gently hold each paw for 5 seconds, then release and reward with a treat. Build up over a week before introducing the scissors. A few light sprays of the Lavender Spritzer on their bedding beforehand can also help create a calmer environment.

Should I trim the nails at the same time?

It is actually better to do them separately. Paw pad fur trims are a relaxed, low pressure job. Nail trims are higher stakes. Doing both in one session can overload a sensitive dog and make them dread future grooming.