Need Help- Very Rough Foot Pads - Paw Talk

Deja · #1 09-11-2003, 03:03 AM

Jack, my Golden Retriever has developed the roughest foot pads. It's to the point where I'm afraid once the cold weather sets in and he goes outside on harder ground and snow, they might crack.
Does anyone know of a product that I can start using now to condition his poor pads and soften them up? I'd really hate to see him suffer if I let it go to the point where one cracks and bleeds.
Also- because he's a large breed and getting older- he has very serious elbow callouses. He has a big soft bed and thick lamby padding in his kennel- but his favorite place to lay around during the day is the hard kitchen tile!
I've noticed that over the summer those have gotten worse too. I'd really like to find something to soften and get these areas in good shape too. I know I can't make them disappear, but I think I can make them softer. I'm just not sure what to use.

One more thing on the same subject. Max my Brittany, will be 6 months old in a few days. He'll be going off to Canada with my husband in late October on his first field/hunting trip. His pads are still puppy smooth and supple, but I'd like to condition them too, before his field experience. Would I use the same product on both dogs?
Thanks everyone- I really appreciate any ideas and suggestions.

Becki · #2 09-11-2003, 03:45 AM

Hmmm, I was going to suggest something like bag balm (aka udder butter), I think that would help, but then again I don't know if that would make them tougher long term by softening them up. Might be worth a try

Linda Lee · #3 09-11-2003, 08:19 AM

When Buddy had really dry cracked pads I used" Protecta-pad" made by Tomlyn, restores lost moisture(foot and elbow cream).
Might be able to get through KV vet. I'll check if I can find.

Linda Lee · #4 09-11-2003, 08:25 AM

here it is:
http://www.kvvet.com/KVVet/dept.asp?...8F0D9E02935DB9

Jodi · #5 09-11-2003, 09:48 AM

Deja, I've used Bag Balm on Bach (GSD). It worked great & we never had any problems with it. You can find it almost anywhere.

Mallory · #6 09-11-2003, 12:09 PM

I have a green tin container of Bag Balm. (LOL at the "udder butter"! HA HA)

We use this for just about anything... it works wonders!

-Mallory

Deja · #7 09-11-2003, 01:20 PM

I was thinking about getting some Bag Balm! I didn't know if there was something better out there. Thanks everyone! I'll try the Bag Balm (udder butter

I'll also check out the stuff that Linda uses.... she has Goldens, those callouses and foot pads can get pretty nasty - but I suppose it's the same on all large breeds?
Thanks!