Thick fur between the paw pads is one of the most common grooming issues in coated breeds, especially through a damp British autumn and winter. Left untrimmed, it traps mud, grit and moisture against the skin and can make hard floors feel like an ice rink for your dog. This guide walks through a safe, step-by-step method for trimming the hair between your dog's paw pads at home, plus how to tell when the job is better left to a vet or professional groomer.
Why hairy dog paws need regular attention
Breeds with longer or curlier coats - think Cockapoos, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Old English Sheepdogs - tend to grow fur that spreads out from between the pads and over the paw itself. According to PDSA, regular grooming keeps a dog's coat and skin in good condition and gives you a chance to spot problems early, such as trapped grass seeds, thorns or sore patches hidden under the fur. Overgrown fur between the pads can also reduce a dog's grip on smooth flooring, which is something we look at in more detail in our guide to why hairy paws make dogs slip on hard floors.
What you'll need
Before you start, gather a soft-bristled brush or comb, a pet-safe trimmer designed for small, sensitive areas, good lighting, a non-slip mat or towel to stand your dog on, and a few treats. Trim between the pads on a dry paw, never a wet or muddy one, as damp fur is harder to see through and easier to nick by accident.
Step-by-step: how to trim fur between your dog's paw pads
Work somewhere calm and well-lit, and keep the first few sessions short so your dog builds a positive association with having their paws handled.
1. Settle your dog first
Sit or kneel beside your dog rather than looming over them, and offer a treat or two before you touch a paw. If your dog is nervous about handling or new tools, it's worth reading our guide on introducing a nervous dog to a trimmer before you begin, so the first attempt goes smoothly.
2. Brush the fur upward and outward
Gently brush the fur on the underside of the paw so it stands away from the pad. This makes it much easier to see exactly where the pad ends and the fur begins, rather than trimming blind.
3. Spread the toes to reveal the pads
Hold the paw firmly but gently and spread the toes apart with your fingers so you can see the fur growing between each pad. Working in good light here makes a real difference to accuracy.
4. Trim in short, careful passes
Using a pet-safe trimmer, work in short, controlled passes following the natural line of the pad rather than cutting straight across the paw. Only trim the fur that overhangs the pad or grows between the toes - there's no need to go close to the skin. Take breaks between paws if your dog seems unsettled.
5. Check all four paws and finish with a reward
Once you've trimmed one paw, compare it with the others so the length looks even. Finish with a treat and a fuss so your dog associates the whole process with something positive, which makes the next session easier.
Safety
Always trim with the paw well supported and never rush a squirming dog - stop and try again later rather than forcing it. Keep the trimmer moving parallel to the pad, not pointed towards the skin, and never attempt to trim close to skin, over a wound, or over any area that looks red, broken or irritated. If the fur between the pads is heavily matted and close to the skin, don't try to cut it away yourself, as mats can hide sore or inflamed skin underneath. Regular light trims are far safer, and easier on your dog, than one big session to fix months of overgrowth - our at-home paw grooming checklist is a useful way to build this into a routine. Keeping your tools clean and sharp also matters for safety and comfort; see our guide on how to clean and maintain a pet trimmer blade between uses.
When to contact a vet or professional groomer
Book an appointment with your vet or a professional groomer if you notice matting that sits close to or pulls on the skin, if the skin between the pads looks red, swollen, broken or sore, or if your dog yelps, limps or won't let you handle a paw at all. The Kennel Club notes that some coat types and grooming jobs are genuinely easier to manage with professional help, particularly for dogs that need frequent, more involved trims. The RSPCA also recommends choosing a reputable, experienced groomer if you're ever unsure about handling a grooming task safely yourself. When in doubt, it's always better to ask a professional than to risk hurting your dog.
FAQs
How often should I trim the fur between my dog's paw pads?
This depends on coat type and how fast it grows, but many owners with long-haired breeds find every two to four weeks keeps things manageable, with a quick check-and-tidy in between full grooming sessions.
Can I use regular scissors instead of a trimmer?
Scissors can work, but the pointed tips and larger blades make it harder to control the cut in a small, wriggly area, which increases the risk of nicking the skin. A compact, purpose-made trimmer generally gives you more control in this tight space.
My dog hates having their paws touched - what can I do?
Go slowly and build up tolerance gradually with short, positive sessions and plenty of treats, rather than attempting a full trim in one go. Our earlier guide on introducing a nervous dog to a trimmer, linked above, has more tips on building confidence step by step.
Is it normal for fur to regrow quickly between the pads?
Yes, especially in breeds with continuously growing coats such as Poodles and Poodle crosses. This is simply how their fur behaves, so regular light trims are the normal way to manage it rather than a sign anything is wrong.
What if I'm not confident trimming this area myself?
There's no shame in asking for help. A professional groomer can show you the technique in person, or take care of it for you if you'd rather not do it yourself.
Final thoughts
Trimming the fur between your dog's paw pads is a small, regular job that makes a real difference to comfort, cleanliness and grip on hard floors. Go slowly, work in good light, and never push past what your dog is comfortable with. The PawClean Pro™ trimmer is a cordless option designed for precise work in small areas like this, and comes with a spare blade, USB charging cable and cleaning brush to help you keep on top of paw grooming between full appointments.
