Cracked Pads

Hinata23

ChoCho has one of her front paw's back pad cracked...if that makes any sense... It looks like it's slit in 3... it looks like a peace sign. It's not bleeding, but I have noticed her licking it. What should I do? I've never dealt with something like this before.

WrylyBrindle

If its a dryness kind of cracking, I'd suggest something like Mushers Wax- you may need to boot/sock her for a bit to keep her from licking it off. If its a laceration like she stepped on glass or something, then treat like a cut with some bacitracin and wrap/boot her to prevent licking. Reilly has had foot trouble frequently- so I keep a few children's socks and vetwrap tape to keep her from lickign and let them heal/air.

thegela

Also, to prevent over dryness, you can even rub some vaseline on the pads to moisturise. It's not harmful either. Or you can try coconut oil.

I love PAWZ boots, because it's comfortable, and there's no way Hana is taking it off herself.

But yeah. Basically what Chrystal said.

toshi

For dryness and some cracking I have used dermoscent Bio balm. It is natural and doesn't contain mineral oil or petroleum-based ingredients. I have seen it on amazon if you want more info on it.

sjp051993

Bag Balm

violet_in_seville

I used Badger Balm. B is a chemical engineer and we use it for mosquito prevention for me because he said it shouldn't be harmful even if the pups lick it. It worked decently for us (on pads, not as effective on mosquitos).

sunyata

@thegala - EEK! Vaseline is a petroleum product and should not be used on canines (or yourself)! Here is a link that describes some reasons why you should not use petroleum products, including Vaseline and baby oil:
http://www.blisstree.com/2012/01/12/beauty-shopping/vaseline-bad-for-you-petroleum-jelly-alternatives-879/

I agree with using Musher's Secret or Bag Balm for dry, cracking pads. Coconut oil also works very well on people. But it is very fattening, and since the dogs have a tendency to lick it off before it does any good, I am not sure I would use it for my pups.

tjbart17

Vaseline will give a dog the runs!! I've used Bag Balm for the dogs when we go up to Tahoe since they have California prissy paws.

Hinata23

Took her out to play in the tennis court again and checked pads afterwards and the hair between her toes had blood on it. Dang it! I guess I'll have to get them booties or something. The tennis court is the only place I can let them run loose in.

WrylyBrindle

I still have a set of 4 muttluks boots Im trying to unload- how big are her feet?

Losech

This site has a lot of discounted Ruff Wear boots right now.
http://www.geartrade.com/browse/dog-packs-and-accessories#b
You can get your dog's foot size on ruff Wear's site, and see if any of those match.
http://www.ruffwear.com/dog_boots

thegela

Ohh I never had a problem with Vaseline, and my vet said it was ok if they lick a little of it, guess I should re think using it!

Hinata23

@WrylyBrindle Her paws a little less than 60 mm.