worn out pads on dog's feet

[coffeeinbed]

feel stupid even typing that, but has anyone noticed it on their dog's feet?
I had a look today, because he's been licking all the time and I they look worn out in places. Won't be too surprised if they start bleeding.
Don't want to drag him to the vet's - he hates it, is there anything I can do?

Has he been very active on a rough surface? It would be very unusual to happen from normal activity so if there is nothing out of the ordinary about what he has been doing you should get him to the vet and get his feet checked out - if he is licking at them it suggests they are sore anyway.

If he has been on a rough surface more than usual then you need to bathe them in salted water and stop him licking them to allow them to heal. Any worries get the vet to check anyway.

He could hardly be accused of being active at the best of times!
He gets the usual play on grass in the park, walks - maybe 40 min to an hour twice a day on different surfaces - pavement, rough soil, the lot and a third shot walk.
I did cleaned the paws up. See what happens.
tempted to use some balm, but it will only get licked away.

Yeah, best not to put anything on them except the salt water washes - otherwise they will encourage him to lick as you say, and that in turn will likely make the feet more sore. Also some things can be toxic to them too so best be safe.

I worked it out - he's been limping, but it's barely noticeable so it's easy to miss, and the side he puts his weight on is the one with the worn out pads.
I'll get him to the vet.