How to Trim Hair Between Your Dog's Paw Pads

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Long-haired breeds often have tufts of fur growing between the toes and around the pads. It looks cute, but it collects mud, ice and burrs, and can make a dog slip on smooth floors.

Why it matters

• Matting. Hair between pads easily tangles.
• Debris. Grass seeds, burrs and dirt lodge in the fur. See how to remove burrs and sticky debris from dog fur.
• Winter problems. Snow and ice clump in the hair, forming painful balls.
• Slipping. Excess hair reduces grip on smooth floors.
• Moisture and infection. Damp hair encourages yeast and bacteria. See dog paw pad care guide.

Which breeds need it

Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bichons, Doodles and many double-coated breeds often need paw trimming. See Golden Retriever grooming and Poodle coat care.

Tools

• Blunt-tipped grooming scissors, or
• Small clippers with a narrow blade
• A comb
• Treats

Avoid sharp-pointed scissors. A moving dog can be hurt easily.

Step by step

1. Prepare. Choose a calm moment, after a walk, and brush the feet.
2. Hold the paw gently and spread the toes.
3. Comb the hair upward between the pads to separate it.
4. Trim hair protruding below the pads, cutting level with the pad surface.
5. Trim hair between the toes carefully, using the tips of the scissors parallel to the pad.
6. Neaten the top of the foot, trimming stray hair to create a rounded shape.
7. Check for cuts or soreness and reward your dog.

If using clippers, run them gently over the hair between the pads, following the direction of hair growth, with the blade flat to the skin.

Tips for wriggly dogs

Work one paw at a time. Use a lick mat or a helper. Break the task into sessions. See how to get a dog used to nail trims for gradual handling methods.

Mistakes to avoid

• Cutting too close to the skin
• Using pointed scissors
• Trimming when your dog is tense
• Forgetting to check between toes after trimming
• Leaving ice balls in winter paws

Dealing with injuries

If you cause a nick, apply gentle pressure and clean the area. Contact your vet for anything deep or bleeding persistently.

Winter care

Keep hair trimmed in winter to reduce ice balls, and rinse paws after walks. See how to protect dog paws from road salt and winter grooming tips.

When to see a groomer

If you are uncomfortable, a groomer can trim paw hair quickly. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

A seasonal schedule

Check paw hair monthly in winter, when ice and salt can lodge in tufts, and every six weeks in summer. In spring and autumn, when muddy walks are common, check after each outing. Pairing it with nail trims saves time, since both involve handling the feet.

What healthy, trimmed paws look like

The pads should be clearly visible, with clean skin between them. The hair around the paw should be level with the edge of the pad and the top of the foot should look neat and rounded. The skin should be pale or pigmented but not red, and there should be no smell.

The takeaway

Trim carefully with blunt tools and keep feet tidy. Clean, trimmed paws are safer and more comfortable.