Keeping on top of paw care doesn't need to be complicated, but it's easy to lose track of what to check and how often. This checklist pulls together the everyday habits worth building into your routine — a quick reference rather than a full how-to for any single topic. For step-by-step techniques on specific areas, the linked guides below go into more depth.
Weekly paw checks
- Lift each paw and look between the toes and pads for mud, grass seeds, small stones or tangled fur.
- Feel gently for any heat, swelling, cuts or sore spots.
- Check that fur isn't overhanging the pads enough to trail on the floor or pick up debris.
- Glance at the nails to see whether they're touching the ground or clicking on hard flooring when your dog stands normally.
Deeper checks, done as needed
There's no single schedule that suits every dog — coat type, activity level and the weather all affect how often paws need proper attention. Instead of a fixed rule, watch for these cues and act when you notice them:
- Paw fur has grown long enough to mat, trail on the floor, or gather noticeably more debris than usual.
- Your dog seems to be slipping more than usual on hard floors.
- It's been a while since you've had a proper look at the blade on your trimmer.
- A professional groomer visit is coming up, and you'd like paws in reasonable shape beforehand.
Seasonal and wet-weather watchouts
- After muddy or wet walks, clean, check and dry paws fully rather than letting them air-dry with mud still in the fur.
- During grass seed season, check between the toes after walks through long grass, meadows or woodland.
- Never try to remove a grass seed that's already started to burrow into the skin — that needs a vet, not a home fix.
- Watch for limping, swelling between the toes, or persistent licking at one paw, and book a vet visit if you see any of these.
Our guide to muddy paws and wet-weather grooming covers this in more detail, including the full after-walk routine.
Paw fur and pad awareness
Fur that overhangs the pads or grows between the toes can trap mud, moisture and debris, and in longer-coated breeds it can also affect grip on smooth floors. Trimming this fur is one of the more routine bits of at-home paw care, but it should only be done on dry, clean fur and healthy skin — never over a wound, irritated skin, or a mat that's tight against the skin. Our full guide on how to trim fur between dog paw pads walks through the technique in detail.
Floor-grip awareness
Long or overgrown paw fur can make hard floors feel more slippery underfoot for some dogs, particularly on wood or tiled flooring. If you've noticed more slipping than usual, paw fur length is one of several possible factors worth ruling out alongside nail length and floor surface.
Nail awareness (not a trimming guide)
Nails that reach the ground when your dog is standing normally, or that click noticeably on hard floors, are usually a sign they need attention. Nail trimming carries real risk of cutting into the quick, so if you're at all unsure, the PDSA recommends asking your vet for advice rather than guessing. This checklist is about noticing when nails need attention, not a substitute for proper nail-trimming instruction.
Face and visible outer-ear fur awareness
Fur around the face and the visible outer part of the ears can also collect debris and grow untidy, but these are higher-risk areas that call for extra care: never use a trimmer inside the ear canal, near the edge of the eye, or on whiskers. Our guide on using a small trimmer around paws, face and ears safely covers the specific limits for each area.
Tool and blade care
A clean, well-maintained blade makes every trim easier and more comfortable for your dog. Brush debris from the blade after each use, wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth, and never submerge the trimmer body in water. Our guide on how to clean and maintain a pet trimmer blade covers the full routine, including oiling, which uses blade oil bought separately since it isn't included in the kit.
Always leave to a professional groomer or vet
- Matting that's tight against the skin, anywhere on the body.
- Any wound, irritated or broken skin, swelling, or unusual odour.
- A grass seed that appears to have burrowed under the skin.
- Ear canal hair, or any redness, discharge or discomfort around the ears.
- Nail trims where you're unsure where the quick is, especially on dark nails.
- A dog or cat that won't tolerate handling for grooming, even after a gradual, patient approach.
When choosing a groomer, the RSPCA suggests getting recommendations, visiting in person, and checking qualifications such as City & Guilds certification or membership of a recognised grooming association.
Safety
- Never trim wet or damp fur — always dry fully first.
- Never trim irritated or broken skin, or a tight mat close to the skin.
- Never use a trimmer in the ear canal, near the edge of the eye, or on whiskers.
- Stop immediately if your pet seems stressed or tries to get away, and never force or restrain a frightened animal to finish a session.
A cordless trimmer such as PawClean Pro™ suits most of the routine tasks on this checklist. The kit includes the trimmer, one spare blade, a USB charging cable and a cleaning brush, and every order comes with a free Fur Remover gift included automatically, which may be dispatched separately — nothing extra to add to your basket. Take a look at the PawClean Pro™ paw trimmer to help keep on top of this checklist between grooming appointments.
FAQs
How often should I check my dog's paws?
A quick weekly check is a sensible baseline for most dogs, with more frequent checks during muddy weather or grass seed season.
Does this checklist replace a full grooming routine?
No. It's a quick reference for everyday awareness, not a complete grooming schedule. Coat type, activity level and the season all affect what your dog actually needs.
Can I use this checklist for cats too?
Many of the same principles apply, though cats have their own considerations — including being generally more sensitive about paw handling than dogs — so go even more gently and stop at the first sign of discomfort.
What if I'm not confident doing any of this myself?
That's exactly when a professional groomer or vet is the right call, particularly for nail trims, matting close to the skin, or anything involving the ears or eyes.
Ticking through this checklist regularly is usually enough to catch small paw issues before they become bigger ones. When something falls outside what feels comfortable to handle at home, a vet or professional groomer is always the safer next step.
