I know I've read this somewhere but I just can't seem to find the thread. Now winter is here, Ella's paws have become quite dry and are starting to crack. It doesn't appear to be too bad yet but I'm wondering what I can apply to help protect them against the cold and rain? Here they are For anyone that has read my previous posts, it has taken a long time (and a lot of roast chicken) to be able to hold her paw like this so I don't want her to get sore paws now and take a huge step backwards.
I've used Milking Cream on Snowie's paw pads. It's lanolin with chlorohexidine -- intended for cow udders. I'd imagine just plain lanolin would suffice. However, Snowie does love the taste of the cream and licked it off, so I stopped using it. His paws are cracked to some extent, but I don't really worry about them. He shows no sign of discomfort and the vet said all was normal. He walks on various surfaces so I expect him to have rough paw pads. I have seen dogs with beautifully smooth pads, but those particular dogs weren't walked much.
I never worry about my dogs' pads, maybe that makes me a bad owner. The winters here can be very (VERY) cold but I've had three dogs and none have them have suffered from pad issues. But having said that, I know some forum members use Musher's Secret on their dogs' pads and are happy with it.
I've never done anything about pads... But I too would suggest lanolin if you want to put something on them.
I think they look pretty normal to me based on pads I've seen....Dexter is next to me now,these are his,they are a bit cracked looking but they aren't actually cracked .... When he was a puppy they were pinker and softer I've just taken the changes to be as a result of the environment he walks in and him aging .Whilst they don't cause bother in any way,I wouldn't do anything.....putting creams on pads might encourage licking and result in sore paws.....which are not fun
Pongo's look like Ella's. I've never thought it was a problem (and he doesn't seem to be in any discomfort). I'll try to post a photo if I can get him to pose....
Thanks @Dexter and @Rosie, I guess I was just being paranoid Ella says she didn't realise Pongo had to pose for photos, she thought his photos were all natural
Harley's pads on her front feet are a bit cracked - we use Mushers secret paw wax on a weekly basis and it has helped keep them moist x
All my dogs pads are like Ella's I only use a cream in winter when salts being used on the roads as that does affect their pads. I have to wash the pads more due to the salt which seems to dry them out a lot.
Thanks @sdegg we don't have salt on the roads here as it's not cold enough so I'll keep an eye on her paws but hopefully they'll be fine as they are
I use Musher's Secret, because my two get cracked pads that bleed. I think Ella's look pretty normal, but if you notice her licking a lot, or see blood (very easy to see on snow) there's obviously a problem. Willow especially is also very sensitive to salt on the roads, and the Musher's Secret acts as a barrier against that. I would just wait and see how she goes.
