Hyperkeratosis manifests as cracked paw pads, a dry nose, or furry, almost frond-like growths on hairless parts of your dog’s body. Aside from being unsightly, hyperkeratosis generally isn’t ...

The pads, which are made up of fats and elastic fibers, help cushion your dog’s joints and bones from shock, protect tissues within their paw, and allow your dog to move around comfortably.

Dogs that are outside a lot and exposed to rough surfaces have thicker, rougher paw skin; dogs that stay in more and walk on smoother surfaces have softer pads. The pads also help the dog ...