Do you use anything to keep paws from cracking?

[MissShapesMissStakes]

I am new to dogs and I have looked online but everywhere says different.

Ddog is 9 months. I just noticed that his paws are starting to look dry and have some cracks in. Not enough to bleed but noticeable.

Do I need to keep his paws softer with something (if so what please?).

Or do they need to be left to toughen up? Will softening them up now mean he will have more delicate paws long term?

I have never done anything to my dogs’ pads (apart from when they have sliced them open). They get walked whatever the weather and never had a problem. Sometimes they look a bit cracked but never been an issue

I use mushers paw in winter to protect from the salt/grit and in summer if it’s super hot, it apparently also helps with cracking.

What terrain is dog walking on? I’m assuming you’re in the uk

Thanks.
Yes we are in the UK.

It’s not been especially cold. Mostly walking in the woods. So muddy.

But I usually rinse his feet off in the shower and dry them. Or just use a towel to dry them gently when he comes in from our (also muddy) garden.

I use the Wild Dog Company paw Balm when mine gets a bit dry to touch. Works wonders but if you have wooden flooring be careful as it makes the paws very slippery. I shouldn't laugh but....