What do normal dog paw pads look like?

A normal dog’s paw pads should be fairly soft with smooth skin and some hair between the toes. The owner should trim the pad hair regularly to prevent slipping. Pad color may be black or pink; with age, pink pads gradually turn dark gray.

If the pads are abnormally red and swollen, it is likely interdigital dermatitis from a puncture or scratch infection; clean and disinfect promptly to avoid rot that affects walking.