dry paws?

DH took ollie out for her walk tonight and he said she was walking like her paw was hurt. He picked her up at the end of the walk to carry her and she started crying I checked her paws when she came home and there is noting visibly in them. After a few seconds of coming in side she was acting fine and playful. I think maybe the salt is irritating them? What can I do for this?

Re: dry paws?

oh yeah salt can eat away at their paw pads... you need to buy the snow salt that is pet safe!

Re: dry paws?

Salt, and getting hard snow or ice packed between her pads can do it too.

(It's Trish is crazy time again)... I actually trim the hair that grows from between Brinkley's pads. Just short enough so it doesn't cover his pads when he walks, so he gets better traction.

When they walk, their pads spread out from the weight, they pick up ice salt and snow, and then the pads contract when they lift it and trap it in there.

I'm not sure how small her pads are but you could try scooping it out on the walk. Or just rinsing her feet when you get back.

Re: dry paws?

We put this on our dog's paws every day before heading out for our walk. twice a day for the first week, then once a day every time after that. It protects his paws from the salt and keeps his pads from drying out. I also will walk him around any major patches of salt. If he does step in a lot of salt I will take clean snow and rub it on his paws. If i wipe his paws down at home I'll re-apply the mushers before the next walk. Or you could try booties. Our dog won't tolerate the booties which is why we use mushers

Musher's Secret

Re: dry paws?

Target sells salt that is pet-safe. We use theres and it works well on the driveway and it doesn't hurt Daisy.

Also, dogs are prone to getting dry skin on their paws. If her paws feel dry/scaly, you will need to rub on doggy lotion to help heal them. My MILs dog has this issue on a daily basis and he gets treated with a lotion the vet recommended.

Re: dry paws?

we have Ruff Wear boots!



we love them!

Re: dry paws?

Had this exact problem with Dallas!! We have sand, not salt so I'm sure that it's ice/ snow getting in his paws. He starts crying picks up his feet and falls on his side and won't walk. It is the sadest/ most pathetic thing i've ever seen. I pick him up when he does this. Im going to buy him boots ASAP.

*EDIT* We are Mike & Jess too lol!

Message edited 12/22/2009 6:18:45 PM.