cracked paw pads

I've noticed that one of my dogs pads are really dry and cracked (not bleeding). It doesn't seem to bother him that much, but I have seen him licking his paws occassionaly. I have put regular lotion on them in the past, but haven't noticed any changes. Is there anything I can do to help him?

Re: cracked paw pads

I googled and found this:

Q: My dog has a cracked pad on his paw. How should I treat it?

A: Wrap your dog's paw tightly and consider buying dog booties if the wound is being reopened when your dog is walking. Consider using Paw Wax to protect and condition the dog's paws. It is particularly helpful for chronic dry paws. Use Skin Care for Dogs or another antibiotic to prevent an infection. Contact your vet if the wound is not healing.

HTH!

Re: cracked paw pads

You should take your dog to the vet to find out why the pads are cracked. It could be anything from an allergic reaction to something lacking in diet.

Bag Balm (in a green square tin, found at most drug stores) can help in the meantime.

Re: cracked paw pads

Also Mushers Secert is great stuff to use!!

Re: cracked paw pads

Also derm caps-they look like a vitamin e capsule. You either give it to them like a pill or you can squeeze it into their food.

Re: cracked paw pads

Funny you should ask. Bella just went to the vet yesterday and I asked about her paws because they are aways very "raw" and dry and cracking. The vet asked how she plays, and what she is running on. Well the dog park we go to has crushed gravel, and she runs for over an hour when we are there. So the vet gave us this spray to put on her paws called Pad Tough, and it protects the paws when they are playing hard. pad tough

Message edited 5/2/2007 1:57:23 PM.