Hey guys,
On a completely unrelated -E- question... With the weather as cold as it's been here in the northeastern US, we've been having some trouble with our 2yr old JackRussell, "Peety". I was walking him the otherday in the icy 20degree temps and he began to limp. The limp turned into a hop and that's when I picked him up and carried him home. Upon further inspection, we noted that Peety had the makings of a cracked pad on his right front tire.

We've been keeping him mostly inside, save for backyard pee-poo action to attempt a self-heal. Will this go away on it's own? Or, is it time to open the wallet for the vet to grab a handful?

Im not really concerned with the price of treatment. It's plain to see he is NOT comfortable and we dont want to see him running on only 3cylindars.

Any holistic or non-holistic cures outthere that someone may know of?

Nursing Peety's badwing...

-Shmee

I don't know without seeing how bad it is but I have used neosporin with quite a bit of success on Jack the siberian husky in the past. It has the benefit of being non toxic if he should lick it off and retains natural moisture while aiding in the healing process.

Hope it helps.

Keep it clean and if possible bandage it daily while applying neosporin. Be certain to change bandages a few time daily or as needed.

Pads tend to heal slowly and can easily become infected and irritated when the sore contacts the surface the dog is walking on. Try to limit physical movement.:lol: Keep an eye on it and if you see no improvement go see the vet. If you have questions... call your vet but you can bet they will tell you to bring him in. Be patient.

Use a gouze and 3M wrap to keep the bandage on. You can also spray the outside of the bandage with apple bitters if Fido wants to chew. :) There is a product called "Pad Wax" This will help keep the pads supple to begin with. Do a Google Search.

You can also use a natural type skin balm too. Calendula, olive oil bases
Go to a Natural type store... they will have some good stuff.

Good luck,
HUTMO

Poor Peety! I'd definately keep a close eye on it for signs of infection. And I'd at least call my vet to ask what I could put on it. Would also try to get Peety to wear a bootie.

And, in the future and for the other three paws, this stuff, paw wax. We use it at the hospital (Gidget's a therapy dog) to keep Gidget from slipping on the waxed floors. It also conditions.

http://www.carealotpets.com/images/items/6779Lg.jpg View 1 (http://www.carealotpets.com/item-detail/?ItemID=000000000006779&reqX=0&vLink=&#bigPicture)








Item # 6779
1.5 oz. Paw Wax ProtectorHelps protect and condition dog's paws all year round. Prevents paw damage from gravel, asphalt, ice, snow, salt-treated roads, hot pavement and all hard surfaces. Provides grip on slippery surfaces.

Product Links :
Directions for Use (http://www.carealotpets.com/item-detail/?ItemID=000000000006779&vLink=1&#bigpicture)


Price : $5.49 EACH

You can also try Musher's Secret. It helps protect their paws (from road salt, bad stuff for puppy paws!), keeps snowballs from forming between toes and acts as a kind of moisturizer stuff. I use it on Murphy but the only problem is he licks it all off.

BAG BALM !!!!! best stuff ever...my wife & I use it on our pointers pads & there noses.....
http://www.bagbalm.com

The other thing you can do is soak the foot in epsom salts if you are worried about infection. Just be certain to dress the pad again.

The EOC comes through for our four legged friends.

Best regards,
HUTMO

Woot!
Thanks guys, with the break in the weather, the crack seems to be just about healed. We're watching it closely especially with another call of crap weather onthe horizon for tomorrow.

Much gratis to all that responded...

-Shmee

I also like the BAG BALM. It works wonders. Fairly inexpensive too! Check out this link for more informaiton on cracked pads

http://vetmedicine.about.com/library/viewers/ucfootcare1a.htm

Shmee,

Epsom salt soak and bag balm (also used by farmers for chapped utters).

Shmee,

Epsom salt soak and bag balm (also used by farmers for chapped utters).

Yup, and the farmers also use it on their cows. :-D +1 for Bag Balm on the dog's pads. We use it with good results on our three Corgis.