From Ripped to Cracked Paw Pads

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

So after all your advice we took Remi to the vet to get some meds for his ripped paw pads.  The vet was actually not too concerned about them.  She said that she has seen a lot worse, which I'm sure she has.  Anyways, we got our meds and left.  The day after we could tell that Remi was feeling soooo much better.  He was walking better and playing with his toys.  However, last night he started to limp AGAIN.  I inspected his paws and found that they now have huge cracks in them, like they have split open.  I think that it is from really dry skin.  It is like us when our hands get dry and they crack.  Anyways, I'm wondering if after they heal up if there is something I can get to put on the pads so they aren't so darn dry.  I have seen some things on line, but I would love your suggestions. Also, I would love some prayers for our Remi Bear.  I know that this isn't like a life or death ordeal, but it is so hard for me to see him struggling to walk because of the pad issues he is having.  Thanks all!

 

[Kim]

Allie's paws were cracked after going to daycare and our vet suggested we use Paw Balm. They sell it at Petsmart / Petco. It worked for her. We put it on her before she goes to daycare - or before we go for walks on the pavement.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I bought some of the Bow Wow Butter Balm for Lucy and Sophie. It is a little pricey but it lasts a long time. Only problem is it smells yummy and must taste that way to because Lucy always wants to then lick her feet.

http://www.happytailsspa.com/bowWOW-Butter-Balm

[Christy and Yoda]

We bought some paw wax at petsmart and we use that. Yoda mainly has problems during the winter so we always make sure to use it. Basically you just rub his paws in the wax before he is going to be very active and it helps protect his pads. Very helpful in the snow/ice as well, but I'm sure it would help for this as well.

[Leslie and Halas]

I don't have any advice for you, but I hope Remi's feeling better soon.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Happy Healing Remi!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I think the suggestions everyone has given you about the paw wax or balm sounds good. I would not want one that he likes the taste of. You do not want to encourage licking. Licking only irritates it more and prevents the healing and also dries out the paw even further. It is like humans with chapped lips. We wet them or lick them and they get worse! My one concern with the wax/balm would be how much dirt gets picked up as you walk. Then you track it into the house and onto the carpet and furniture if your baby is allowed up. I picture the paws getting very dirty. You might want to try using the wax/balm to moisten and calm the paws and then put on boots/shoes. Gracie Doodle wore down her toe nails to the quick on her back feet when she was younger and they were bleeding. So every time we took her out for the next two or so weeks she wore boots on the back feet only. She was able to run, climb, hike...do anything she wanted in them. I took them off when she was in the house. She didn't even mind wearing them. The trick was too put them on and instantly distract her; i.e., tennis ball and let's go works great! The minute I put them on her and she stood up she gave one big bucking bronco kick out with her back feet and then we were off and she never gave them a second thought. Good luck...I know how you feel watching your baby struggle to walk. Gracie is recovering from two surgeries on her paw from fox tails and has to wear a cone.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm wondering if adding a drop of bitter apple or something to the balm or wax would prevent the licking?