Any suggestions please??

[Casperw]

Casper is 8 months old,I have had him for almost 2 months,but for the first 7 months of his life he was pretty much housebound (before I got him) so hispaws were not used to walking,although I had been building him up slowly with his walks,his pads keep cracking, the vet recomends a couple of weeks rest with 2 10minuite walks in the day, I am washing his feet twice a day with salt water,but it is horrible to see him in pain. Is there anything anyone can suggest other than what i'm doing, i'd appreciate it. Thanks

 

[Cami]

I would think that the repeated use of salt water would actually pull moisture out of the pads. Too dry and they will have a hard time healing. If they are cracked and open (painful) then the salt water might also burn when applied.
There are many topicals (over the counter and vet prescribed) that might offer better relief. Perhaps even something similar to liquid bandage might be of benefit to keep a barrier of sorts from foreign material getting into the cracks?

 

[laurelheebsh]

I've never heard of it being used on dogs, but there's a product called Bag Balm that is designed to keep a cow's udders soft and supple. I'm sure you could find it at a farm supply store, but I think it is becoming more common for human use. I'm a city girl, but my dad used it on his hands and feet while going through chemo because they were cracking and really liked it. Maybe you could put it on Casper's pads at night? Or try to put it on and then cover the feet with socks?

 

[Gatorblu]

I agree with Susi, The salt is probably making it worse and drying the paws out. I remember when I first moved out of FL to some place with ice and snow and they were telling people on the news to be sure and rinse their paws after coming in because the salt on the side walks was hurting so many dogs paws. They do make a balm, I think it is called "For Paws". I think I got it at PetSmart. Or even try Snout Soother.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I've never heard of it being used on dogs, but there's a product called Bag Balm that is designed to keep a cow's udders soft and supple. I'm sure you could find it at a farm supply store, but I think it is becoming more common for human use. I'm a city girl, but my dad used it on his hands and feet while going through chemo because they were cracking and really liked it. Maybe you could put it on Casper's pads at night? Or try to put it on and then cover the feet with socks?

Oh this is FREQUENTLY used on dogs, I've been using it on my dog for months now although for a pressure sore, and I started using it due to many dog owners recommending it to me as they use it on their dogs. It's very popular stuff for dogs, cats, and humans in addition to cows. It's sold at Target, CVS, Walgreens, and other drug stores as well, at CVS it's with the lotions on the bottom shelf in a green tin can, runs around $9 and change. GREAT stuff!

 

[djheitz]

Have you tried putting an old pair of socks on his feet? One of the dogs in our rescue is a cart dog and his feet get torn up quite a bit. His foster home used the socks to help protect his feet until they could get some boots ordered for him. It worked great.

 

[Casperw]

Thanks for all your replies, I am confused on the salt water now though,as it was the vet who suggested I bathe his paws with salt water to clean out any dirt,but obviously I don't want to hurt him, It does seem to be making it easier as the whole of yesterday he spent nearly all of it on the sofa, and this morning he is having a play and walking around a lot more, I have got some of the paint on plasters as they sell those here in England but most of what you guys recomend is not actually here, I will have a look on well known auction sites later (don't know if I can say the name ) but thanks for all the advice,and i'm just glad he has perked up since yesterday.

 

[Casperw]

Have you tried putting an old pair of socks on his feet? One of the dogs in our rescue is a cart dog and his feet get torn up quite a bit. His foster home used the socks to help protect his feet until they could get some boots ordered for him. It worked great.

Thanks for the idea but he pulls them off quicker than I can get them on he is a little devil,but atleast he is getting more of himself.

 

[scoobyy]

Do you have any Neosporin (first aid antibiotic ointment for people) where you are at? It might be another option, to help prevent infection, and help heal.

 

[kayboxer]

I've never heard of it being used on dogs, but there's a product called Bag Balm that is designed to keep a cow's udders soft and supple. I'm sure you could find it at a farm supply store, but I think it is becoming more common for human use. I'm a city girl, but my dad used it on his hands and feet while going through chemo because they were cracking and really liked it. Maybe you could put it on Casper's pads at night? Or try to put it on and then cover the feet with socks?

I was thinking the exact same thing. I've know many people who use this product really like it, including myself, and I've heard them using it on their pets for various reasons. I would also apply it before bedtime so they are off their feet and give it time to absorb. Most don't won't allow it, but you could wrap or cover there feet with a sock also. I know mine wouldn't let me, but some might.