Best product to toughen dog's paw pads?

Question

I've seen several different products for toughening a dog's paw pads, and am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for which product works best? We're going hiking on some rocky paths - we have boots for her, but she hates them so I'd prefer just to use them as a backup.

Thanks for the responses so far, but I am looking for a product to toughen her pads - she has boots as a backup if her pads get sore, but she gets better grip and is more surefooted without them. There's no glass where we'll be hiking.

Answer 1

There's a product called Musher's Secret that is sold at working dog and specialty dog retailers online. It's a creme that helps toughen tender paw pads.

Other products are Tuf-Foot, which is sold at Ray Allen K9, and you can even use Udderly Smooth or Bag Balm for this purpose. You can purchase those at Wal Mart or your pharmacy.

The cheap "Paw Wax" they sell at Petsmart is pretty much useless for "toughening" paw pads, speaking from experience.

We also hike and my best advice would be to use the dog booties. There are some great quality ones that are made by Ruffwear, which have grip-tex soles. They don't slide around or come off like the Muttlucks do.

Answer 2

The issue is that dogs are poor generalizers - it's not that the dog is "sneaky, greedy" etc, but that they have no intrinsic sense of morality or "rightness" and so only think something is "bad" if it has bad consequences. If it has never had bad consequences except with a human in the room, then how on earth are they to know that the rules still apply with the human out of the room? You need to train in such a way that corrections and rewards occur when the dog does not think you are present - i.e. hiding around the corner. Read here https://tr.im/nycqQ

I personally owned a Labrador Retriever (read: chow hound) that could be left 6" from a hot dog in a sit-stay for half an hour and not touch it - the word was "mine" and it meant that you don't touch that, even if I am not in the room, even if whatever, you DO NOT touch that. You could leave a plate of food on the floor for hours and not only would she not touch it, she would also keep the other animals (dogs and cats) from touching it.

In all probability, these dogs studied were just not properly trained/proofed before the experiment. With "proofing" to set them up and catch them in the act to give

Answer 3

I've never heard of "paw toughening" products, and wonder what kind of sadist would make or sell such a thing.

You didn't say how old the dog is, or what breed it is, or in what kind of environment it has grown, or how far a hike you intend to do, etc. If the dog will not obediently follow you without a leash, then forget the whole thing; it'll be too dangerous for the dog, and too worrisome for you.

Puppies and older (14+ yrs, depending on the breed and condition of the dog, of course) should not be taken on any hikes, period, end of discussion. They'll have too much trouble navigating, and will slow you down, and it will be stressful on the animal (of course, if you want to carry the dog, then, by all means, do so!). Generally speaking, dogs 1-2 years of age should not be put through anything more than a short (1/2 mile and back) hike until they get used to it. Some dogs, like border collies and some shepherds, take to it like a fish in water.

Most dogs' pads harden adequately after 1-2 years, even if they are used to only indoor carpet. If you want to "toughen" up the paws, walk the dog on asphalt or concrete for about a week. Then, find an even, but stony area, where she'll have to navigate on loose rocks; she'll tread carefully, at first, but will "pick it up" in a few hours or days (don't overdo it!). Then, proceed to climb small hills for about a week (a hilly street or sidewalk will do just fine).

Keep in mind that "boots" may work well for humans, but animals need their pads to sense surfaces and help maintain their balance. Bring the boots along, but only if the dog shows obvious discomfort or accidentally cuts itself on sharp rocks (no amount of "toughening" can prevent all such injuries).

I hope you'll bring additional water for the dog, who will need far more than you, even for a short hike. If there are any wild animals in the area, you should bring a leash, to protect both the wildlife and your dog. Also, don't forget the pooper scooper and bags (you don't want to leave any "doggie mines" for the other hikers!). And, at least for the first few times out, bring a roll of bandages and anti-septic, in case the dog trips or cuts itself, more than just skin deep (in such an event, do what you can to protect the wound, then seek medical attention, immediately.

WARNING: Some parks and hiking areas specifically prohibit pets, and those that allow it may have special size requirements (toy dogs are generally prohibited because they might be carried away by raptors; large dogs may disturb the ecosystem), and may require pets to be leashed, and, of course, vaccinated, the latter of which may require you to bring sufficient evidence beyond a dog tag, such as documentation from your vet (of course, this depends on where you'll be hiking; keep in mind that, even if you're on a "private" trail, it may be local/state/national gov't owned!).

Have fun, but be extra-mindful of your pet, not only for your sake, but the dog's and everything and everyone else!

Answer 4

Tuf Foot For Humans

Answer 5

Take him or her for long walks every day. Walk part of the time on rough surfaces and some of your time on soft grassy surfaces. The dog's pads will soon toughen up and it will be good exercise for you as well as your lovely dog.

Answer 6

Toughening them actually won't help, but will actually encourage cracking of the pads. Products to keep them soft and pliant are actually better, such as Bag Balm (originally designed for cow's udders but now used in the beauty industry as well) or even Vaseline can work.

Answer 7

Musher's secret is a pad wax that helps protect them

Answer 8

Time for tough love boots it is, what if she cut herself, glass, stones ect.

Answer 9

Shoes!!