dog paw pads being worn down from rough concrete - WHAT CAN I DO TO SURFACE TO PREVENT THIS?

Question

PLEASE READ BEFORE ANSWERING

OF COURSE i have take my dog to the vet (specialised dermatologist), he has been wearing a cone (elizabethan) collar for almost two months now as his feet are so aggravated from the very rough concrete in our yard.
no matter how sporty and "durable" dog boots i buy, they are just not cutting it (he is VERY active).
SO i need to do something to get rid of the rough concrete.

WE DO HAVE A LOTS OF GRASS AREA, THE CONCRETE MAINLY COVERS ~30M2 CLOSE TO THE HOUSE (WHERE HE OFTEN IS WAITING FOR ME TO COME OUT AND PLAY)

I AM A UNI STUDENT AND DONT INTEND ON LIVING HERE FOR MORE THAN A COUPLE OF YEARS.
I CANT SPEND MORE THAN A COUPLE $HUNDRED.

so far i have thought of
- painting concrete with something smooth? is this going to work on very rough concrete
- putting down large rubber mats (expensive)
- a tarp (time consuming and always need to be straightened),
- mulch/pine bark? (painful to feet perhaps perhaps?)

any other ideas/thoughts?

thanx, but i cant and dont wat to fence it off... it will block him a good 10m from my house, which will make him miserable. he would not be able to see out the front anymore and he'l need a new kennel as this one is in the concrete area (so he's close to me) and not movable.

my dog DOES NOT PACE he is just very active. when he plays fetch he skids around the backyard like a psycho. and we DO have another dog and her feet are starting to wear down too. they chase each other on the concrete and jump a lot. THAT IS WHY I NEED A SOLUTION FOR THE CONCRETE. NOT MY DOG. he likes being active and having fun, im not gonna stop this.
we dont go for walks much LATELY (THIS HAS NOT CHANGED HIS BEHAVIOUR FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE), but thats because the vet said to take it easy until hes paws get better, but they WILL NOT get better with my concrete.

Answer 1

Perhaps you could get some carpet scraps and "carpet" an area of the concrete (or maybe all of it). Most stores that sell carpet have parts of rolls that they will sell inexpensively. Might not be beautiful, but it might spare your dog's paws a bit.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If your dog is pacing so much it it foot sore, he has problems. He's bored. What he needs is a huge, long run and mental stimulation every day and probably twice a day. You made the committment to have a dog, now it is your responsibility to see he receives the best care. You need to get up 30+ minutes early each day and take him for a run and again at night along with some good mental stimulation, chewing and dog stuff. Better yet would be to find a new home for him where he receives to care he needs and you concentrate on your school and starting your life. A dog is not an ornament, he should be a constant companion with you, inside, and you are responsible for getting his exercise, proper food and health requirements. If you had more room I'd say get a second dog for companionship, but then you'd be responsible for two dogs' care..........

Answer 3

Perhaps you just get one of those mobile dog fences (mine was about $100 Australian) and fence off a portion of the cement, Then it won't cost as much in rubber mats, outdoor carpets or throw rugs on the area closest to the door. Good luck!

Answer 4

Sounds like your dog paces during the day when your not home or watching. Try taking him to a shrink not a dermatologist, antianxiety meds might work. If he is pacing, rubber mats or used carpet on this small area would be all he needs. If he's bored he will pace more, see if you can give something to do like a chew toy and give him lots of exercise. RScott

Answer 5

fence it off

the only way his paws will heal is to keep him off hard surfaces

all the best
Ian