Should I trim the hair between my dog's paw pads?

Breeds with continuously growing coats, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and similar types, often grow noticeable hair between the pads that can get long enough to mat, trap debris, or make a dog's grip on hardwood or tile floors less secure. Short coated breeds like Labradors or Beagles typically have minimal hair here and rarely need this kind of trimming.

Using small, blunt tipped scissors designed for trimming, hold the paw steady and trim the hair level with the surrounding pad surface, working in small sections rather than large cuts, since the skin here is close to the blade and easy to nick if you rush.

Every 4 to 6 weeks generally keeps pad hair from becoming a problem for breeds that grow it, though this can be done more often, alongside regular nail trims, if you notice slipping on smooth floors or debris building up between cleanings.

If you notice your dog's paws sliding slightly on hardwood or tile floors, or see visible mats forming between the pads when you spread the toes, both are practical signs that pad hair trimming is overdue, regardless of exactly how many weeks have passed since the last trim.

Some professional groomers offer this as a quick standalone service between full grooming appointments for an additional small fee, which is worth asking about if you would rather not attempt it at home but still want to keep up with the 4 to 6 week schedule.