How to Remove Calluses From Dog Paw Pads

Calluses form when skin repeatedly rubs against rough surfaces, so it's no wonder your dog's paw pads are a prime location for calluses to develop. Paw pad calluses can become painful. You can remove them yourself with the right supplies and a little elbow grease.

Hold the dog's foot in the palm of your hand and spread his toes apart with your fingers. Snip the hair short with a pair of round-tipped scissors, taking care not to cut his skin. Trimming the hair around his pads means fewer uncomfortable mats and tangles.

Smear the callused pad with a thick layer of petroleum jelly. This sticky goop is an excellent moisturizer, and will help to painlessly soften his calluses. Coat each callus completely for best results.

Slip an old sock over the dog’s foot. Secure it with a small strip of self-adhesive tape -- wrap the tape snugly around the sock to prevent it from falling off as the dog walks. If the dog tries to pull the sock off, distract him with a few treats until he forgets about the sock.

Leave the petroleum jelly on the pad for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the sock. Wipe away any residual petroleum jelly with the sock and file the callus with a medium-grit fingernail file. Rub the file carefully back and forth across the pad, taking off only the hardened upper layer of skin.

Wash the dog’s foot with warm, soapy water. Scrub the foot vigorously between your hands, and massage the soap into the spaces between the dog’s toes to remove all traces of the greasy jelly. Dry his foot with a clean towel.