dry pads

[Oscar's Mom]

The pads on Oscar paws are so dry, you hear them scratch against his blanket. What can I use to help with the dryness?

[Cindi]

All of my dogs' pads are dry. Do you maybe mean they are really rough? I have, on occasion, used hand lotion on those I thought were too rough BUT I'm not sure it helped since they loved to lick it off. IF the pads are growing (which at work we have sometimes had to remove excess pad growth on some really big dogs - never seen it have to be done on small dogs) then that is a different condition. If Oscar does a lot of concrete/pavement/rough area walking I do believe that scruffs up the pads more. Reason I say this is because puppy pads are all really sweet and soft and harden as they get older and mine get rougher the more 'formal' walking we do.
Do the pads bother Oscar .... in your mind?

[Oscar's Mom]

I'm not sure if Oscar's dry pads bother him, but it bothers me. He's 18 months, I know they shouldnt be really soft now, but I dont know what's too rough either, I've heard they can crack if they get too dry. I didnt know if there were any special products out there for the pads.

[Cindi]

From the posts I've read from you, there is no way I can imagine that Oscar is not already getting the best of nutrition and care <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm30.gif" border=0> and I would therefore think that his pads are truly normal. They are a protection to the more delicate tissues and are necessarily a pretty tough item. Methinks, Mom, you are a professional worrier..not always a bad thing but it can make you old before your time<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm36.gif" border=0> .
Try a little aloe vera and if he licks it off his feet, it will soothe his insides, too http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[Oscar's Mom]

Thanks for the aloe idea. Yes, I do worry when it comes to Oscar, just want to make sure he is as happy and healthy as he can be!

[Penny's Aunt]

A little mineral oil, rubbed in well, might help, too. Is he on a lot of concrete or asphalt? Ask the vet the next time you take him in for something.