Chihuahua Paw Care: How to Keep Those Tiny Feet Healthy

Updated September 2026

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but those little paws do a lot of work! They carry your Chi everywhere, provide traction and cushioning, and protect the bones and joints in their feet.

Because paws are easy to overlook, problems can sometimes go unnoticed until your Chihuahua starts licking a foot, limping, or acting uncomfortable.

Fortunately, basic paw care doesn’t take much time. A quick check every week, regular nail trims, and a little extra attention during very hot or cold weather can go a long way toward keeping your Chihuahua’s paws healthy.

Paw care is also an important part of your Chihuahua’s overall grooming routine.

Check Your Chihuahua’s Paws Regularly

Get into the habit of looking over your Chihuahua’s paws at least once a week. It’s also a good idea to check them after hiking, playing outside, walking on rough ground, or spending time somewhere your dog could have stepped on something sharp.

Look at:

• The paw pads
• Between the toes
• Around and underneath the nails
• The dewclaws
• The tops and sides of the feet

Watch for cuts, cracks, swelling, redness, blisters, sores, splinters, burrs, thorns, or anything else that doesn’t look normal.

Also check between those tiny toes. Dirt, small stones, plant material, road salt, and other debris can become trapped there and cause irritation.

If your Chihuahua suddenly starts limping or holding up a paw, checking the foot is a good first step.

Keep Your Chihuahua’s Nails Trimmed

Nail care is an important part of paw care.

According to the American Kennel Club’s dog grooming guidance, when a dog’s nails become too long, they can interfere with normal movement and make walking uncomfortable.

If you hear your Chihuahua’s nails clicking across a hard floor, that’s a good indication that it’s time to check them.

How often nails need trimming varies from dog to dog. Dogs who walk frequently on hard surfaces may naturally wear their nails down more than dogs who spend most of their time on carpet, grass, or soft surfaces.

Don’t forget the dewclaws! Since they usually don’t touch the ground, they don’t get naturally worn down and can become extremely long if they’re forgotten.

What About Black Nails?

Black nails can make trimming a little intimidating because you can’t easily see the quick inside the nail.

Instead of trying to take off a large amount at once, trim very small amounts at a time. A nail grinder is another option and can make it easier to remove tiny amounts gradually.

If you aren’t comfortable trimming your Chihuahua’s nails, there’s nothing wrong with having your veterinarian or groomer do it.

For more detailed instructions, see my Guide to Clipping Your Small Dog’s Nails.

Check the Hair Between the Paw Pads

Long-haired Chihuahuas may grow quite a bit of fur around and between their paw pads.

If it gets too long, that fur can collect dirt and debris and may become matted. In winter, snow and ice can also clump in the hair between the toes.

You can carefully trim excessive hair so that it is approximately even with the paw pads. Since Chihuahua feet are so small and many dogs don’t appreciate having their toes handled, don’t attempt this with scissors if your dog is squirmy.

A groomer can take care of it safely for you.

Keep Paw Pads Healthy

A Chihuahua’s paw pads are naturally tougher than the skin elsewhere on their body, so they don’t need to be perfectly soft and smooth.

However, pads can become excessively dry or cracked, especially from exposure to hot pavement, cold weather, rough surfaces, or dry indoor air.

A dog-safe paw balm or wax can sometimes help protect and moisturize dry paw pads.

Avoid automatically reaching for your own lotions and creams. Dogs lick their feet, so anything you put on your Chihuahua’s paws should be safe for dogs.

Deep cracks, bleeding, significant redness, or painful paw pads should be checked by your veterinarian.

Protect Those Tiny Paws From Hot Pavement

One of the biggest summertime dangers to your Chihuahua’s paws is hot pavement.

Asphalt, concrete, pool decks, and sand can become much hotter than the surrounding air and can burn paw pads. Dogs can develop painful redness, blisters, and burns from walking on surfaces that are too hot.

The American Kennel Club also recommends taking precautions with hot pavement, since surfaces such as asphalt can become hot enough to injure a dog’s paw pads.

Before a walk on a hot day, put your hand on the pavement. If it’s uncomfortable for you to keep your hand there, choose another place or time for your walk.

Early morning and evening walks are usually better choices during hot weather. Grass and shaded areas can also help your Chihuahua avoid scorching surfaces.

Dog booties are another option, particularly if you live somewhere that gets extremely hot.

And remember that Chihuahuas are close to the ground. Hot weather isn’t only a concern for their paws; they can become overheated too.

Winter Can Be Hard on Chihuahua Paws Too

We tend to think more about protecting paws during summer, but winter presents its own set of problems.

Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, road salt, and chemical de-icers can all irritate your Chihuahua’s feet.

After winter walks, wipe or rinse your dog’s paws with warm water and dry them thoroughly. Be sure to clean between the toes and around the paw pads where salt and chemicals can hide.

This is particularly important because your Chihuahua may lick their paws afterward and ingest whatever is left on them.

Ice balls can also form between the toes, especially on long-haired Chihuahuas. Don’t pull them out because you may pull the hair and hurt your dog. Instead, use a warm, damp cloth to gently melt them.

A dog-safe paw wax can provide an extra layer of protection before walks. Booties can provide even more protection against ice, salt, and chemicals.

Of course, convincing a Chihuahua that wearing booties is a good idea may be another matter entirely!

Does Your Chihuahua Need Booties?

Not necessarily.

Most Chihuahuas don’t need shoes for everyday life, but there are situations where booties can be very useful.

They may help protect your dog’s paws from:

• Hot pavement
• Snow and ice
• Road salt and de-icing chemicals
• Rough or rocky terrain
• Extremely cold surfaces

Make sure booties fit correctly. They should be secure enough that they don’t fall off but not so tight that they restrict movement or circulation.

If your Chihuahua has never worn shoes before, don’t expect them to immediately trot around like a little fashion model. The first reaction may involve stiff legs, exaggerated steps, and a look suggesting you’ve personally betrayed them.

Let your dog practice wearing them indoors for short periods before expecting them to walk comfortably outside.

What If Your Chihuahua Cuts a Paw?

Dogs occasionally step on glass, sharp rocks, thorns, or other objects that can injure a paw.

For a very minor scrape, you can gently clean the area and keep an eye on it.

If something is stuck superficially in the paw and is very easy to remove, you may be able to carefully remove it. However, don’t dig into the paw trying to remove something that is deeply embedded.

Contact your veterinarian for deep cuts or punctures, significant or persistent bleeding, burns, deeply embedded objects, or signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, discharge, or pain.

Paw pads bear your dog’s weight every time they walk, which can make some injuries difficult to heal without proper treatment.

Why Does My Chihuahua Keep Licking Their Paws?

Dogs occasionally lick their feet as part of normal grooming. Constant licking or chewing is different.

If your Chihuahua suddenly focuses on one paw, inspect it carefully. There may be a cut, broken nail, thorn, burr, insect sting, or something caught between the toes.

If several paws are itchy, allergies or another skin condition could be involved. Allergies are a common cause of itchy paws in dogs, and all that licking and chewing can further irritate the skin and contribute to secondary infections.

VCA Animal Hospitals explains that itchiness is a common reason for paw licking and that allergies, parasites, and infections can all contribute to itchy paws.

You can read more about this in my article on Chihuahua Allergies.

Persistent paw licking deserves a veterinary check rather than simply trying to stop the licking. Finding out why your Chihuahua’s paws are bothering them is the key to treating the problem.

Get Your Chihuahua Used to Having Their Feet Touched

One of the best paw-care habits actually starts when nothing is wrong.

Regularly touch and gently handle your Chihuahua’s feet. Massage the paws, briefly hold individual toes, and touch the nails.

Pair this with praise or a small treat.

This helps teach your Chihuahua that having their feet handled isn’t scary. It can make nail trims, paw inspections, grooming, and veterinary exams much easier later.

If your Chihuahua already hates having their feet touched, start slowly. You don’t have to hold a paw for several minutes. A quick touch followed by praise or a treat is enough at first.

Gradually work up from there.

If you have a puppy, getting them comfortable with grooming and handling from an early age can make life much easier. Check out my guide to caring for a Chihuahua puppy for more tips.

When Should You Call the Vet?

Some paw problems can be handled at home, but others need veterinary care.

Call your veterinarian if your Chihuahua has:

• Persistent limping or won’t put weight on a paw
• Significant swelling
• A deep cut or puncture
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• A badly torn or broken nail
• A burn or blistered paw pad
• An object deeply embedded in the paw
• Pus, discharge, a bad odor, or other signs of infection
• A lump or growth on the paw
• Persistent licking or chewing
• Pain that isn’t improving

When in doubt, it’s always better to have your veterinarian take a look.

A Simple Chihuahua Paw-Care Routine

You don’t need an elaborate grooming routine to keep your Chihuahua’s feet in good shape.

Make these few things a habit:

1. Inspect the paws weekly. Look at the pads, nails, toes, and spaces between them.
2. Keep the nails trimmed. Don’t forget the dewclaws.
3. Trim excessive paw hair when needed. This is particularly helpful for long-haired Chihuahuas.
4. Clean dirty paws. Pay special attention after walks where your dog may encounter salt, chemicals, mud, or other irritants.
5. Protect paws from extreme temperatures. Hot pavement and icy, salty sidewalks can both cause problems.
6. Pay attention to licking and limping. They’re often your Chihuahua’s way of telling you something hurts or itches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I trim my Chihuahua’s nails?

There isn’t one schedule that works for every Chihuahua. Check the nails every week or two and trim them as needed. If you hear them regularly clicking against hard flooring, they’re probably getting too long.

Should I moisturize my Chihuahua’s paw pads?

Healthy paw pads don’t normally need daily moisturizer. If they become unusually dry or cracked, a dog-safe paw balm may help. Talk with your veterinarian if the cracking is deep, painful, bleeding, or keeps returning.

Can I use human lotion on my Chihuahua’s paws?

It’s better to use a product specifically made or approved for dogs. Your Chihuahua is likely to lick their feet, and ingredients that are fine for human skin aren’t necessarily appropriate for dogs to ingest.

Why are my Chihuahua’s paws red between the toes?

Redness can have several causes, including irritation, allergies, infection, foreign material, or excessive licking. If it persists, is painful, smells unusual, or is accompanied by swelling or discharge, have your veterinarian examine it.

Why does my Chihuahua constantly lick their paws?

Persistent licking can be caused by itching, allergies, injury, irritation, parasites, infection, or other problems. Check the paws carefully and talk with your veterinarian if the licking continues.

Do Chihuahuas need booties in winter?

Not every Chihuahua needs them, but booties can be useful for protecting tiny paws from snow, ice, extreme cold, road salt, and chemical de-icers. They can also be helpful on dangerously hot surfaces during summer.

Final Thoughts

Those tiny Chihuahua feet deserve a little TLC.

The good news is that paw care is pretty simple. Regularly checking your dog’s paws, keeping the nails under control, protecting the feet from extreme weather, and paying attention when your Chihuahua starts licking or limping can prevent many small problems from becoming bigger ones.

And once you make paw checks part of your regular routine, they only take a minute or two.

Your Chihuahua may still act as though having one toenail trimmed is the greatest injustice they’ve ever suffered, of course. Some things about Chihuahuas never change.