Cracked Pads

[leih merigian]

Geyser tends to have a bunch of shallow cracks on her pads. Makes me nuts

Anyone have any good remedies for this? Occasionally, due to just the right pressure and torque or something, one of them will split deeper and bleed a bit. Then we have yet another pad injurty to weather . Just the other day, she came down with a vertical split down the backside of her large pad on her rear right foot. (By that, I mean it started at the edge of the pad, then split down the backside to the skin at the bottom.) Thankfully, it was very shallow, and with the amazing EMT gel and those Paws booties (she hates), this one passed pretty easily.

Still...I'd love to find a way to get rid of these cracks.

She has a great diet, and lots of salmon oil, so she doesn't have dry skin.

I've looked at some products at the pet store for toughening up pads, and most of them talk about making them softer. I guess that makes sense . One of them had turpentine in it! Geeze, Louise...sure, just apply a known toxin to your dog's pads... let her lick them, let the toxin enter her body thru her feet...

Ideas?

[felixone123]

I like musher's secret that is used on sled dogs. It's non-toxic. Sorry to hear about Geyser's pads.

[MeganBays]

I like musher's secret that is used on sled dogs. It's non-toxic. Sorry to hear about Geyser's pads.

I've also heard good stuff about Musher's Secret, but have not used it myself.

Megan Bays
www.kolemountainkennels.com

[Dutchringgirl]

Sorry about Geysers pads. I use Bag Balm.

[leih merigian]

Thanks guys...

are either Musher's Secret or Bag Balm greasy or sticky?

[Dutchringgirl]

Bag Balm is both greasy and sticky I found it the best though, you could try putting it on when she passes out for the night?

[alexis]

The Musher's Secret feels greasy as you're applying it (like a cross between vaseline and a solid wax) but absorbs pretty fast - I've never found residue on my floors even right after putting it on Zane. That said, you (or at least, I) have to make sure the dog doesn't lick it off his feet after I apply it (nothing terrible happens, just gives him loose poops).

[felixone123]

I agree with Alexis. i only put it on right before we go outside, so dogs won't be able to lick it.

[Raven]

So now Gey has a problem with her right and not the left that she uses for "take off?" That really sucks.

[leih merigian]

So now Gey has a problem with her right and not the left that she uses for "take off?" That really sucks.

Yeah...but thankfully, she's good to go right now<fingers crossed> We'll see how long it lasts

I just want to do something about getting these cracks gone...

[leih merigian]

I've been doing a little research on this topic...

It may be a non-issue for us, since these cracks are so shallow and not really a problem.

I think I've been right to be suspicious of applying creams to make the pad softer...they need the roughness to assist with traction and such. What I've wanted is something to make them tougher . I think that's a pipe dream.

One possible reason for the cracks is a zinc deficiency. Since she's getting some pre-op bloodwork soon for her spaying, I'll make sure that's on the test (and will discuss the whole thing with our vet). I'll report back if I learn anything of note...

[felixone123]

am interested to know if it's zinc too - keep us posted.

[leih merigian]

When the vet checked Geyser's pads the other day, she said they look wonderful . Since G was in total terror mode, she was sweating a lot, so they were very supple and showed none of the micro cracks I can otherwise see. Still, this leads me to believe there really isn't an issue to worry about.

I did get a script for some valium for her to take about an hour before I take her to the clinic where she's getting spayed. It just breaks my heart how she is so terrified at any vet's office. I'm hoping a little dose of mother's little helper will enable her not to become so....gone, when I take her in for the procedure. Poor thing.

Anyway, feet are fine and I'll stop being concerned about them

[Dutchringgirl]

Thats great!

[Sugars Mom]

Good luck with the spay...

[leih merigian]

Thanks!

Unfortunado, she's got strong Lyme antibodies . So, gonna treat her for it, even tho she may not have the disease, given the lung issues.

Sigh...

[felixone123]

Leih, why does she have lung problems? Is it from being sick? Poor little girl. We wish her well!!

[Dutchringgirl]

Lung issues?? Oh no!

[Schlussdibusti]

My Jerry's fear of the vet was "cured" by choosing another vet who took the time to sit down with him on the floor and he waited until Jerry came over to check him out. At the other vet, he almost put a dent in the wall he was so sceared and the wise a.. vet even made a sarcastic comment about it.

The ultimate pleasant experience is at the holistic vets office. She has little water fountains, angels and fairies in the waiting room. The door to the exam room has a sign "only positive thought from here on". One exam room has a big grounding stone on the floor, the other a St. Francis statue. Everything is positive and I can't get them to leave! They like being there. (My checkbook doesn't )

Good luck with the spaying, Don't worry, it will all work out.

[leih merigian]

Leih, why does she have lung problems? Is it from being sick? Poor little girl. We wish her well!!

No, she came with them as a baby puppy. She has to rest constantly when working hard, and from the tests and such that we've done, it's a chronic bronchitis conditon that is apparently some kind of genetically determined allergic response to who knows what.

Other than this, she is the picture of health. Solid muscle, athlete's heart, etc. (she gets a lot of exericise and conditioning ).