Paws cracking and breaking in cold weather=ouch!?

Question

I live in a city in a cold climate and my dog's paw pads often crack. Large callous-like chunks sometimes actually break off leaving an open spot on her paw that's really sore for a few days. I wash her paws after walks due to the salt on the street but she won't let me put booties on her. Are there any creams that can help alleviate pain and/or protect the paw from irriation while its healing? What about a doggie moisturizer that might help prevent this cracking and breaking in the future. Thanks!

Answer 1

Vaseline works well, and it's pretty cheap too.

Answer 2

Get a tin of "Bag Balm" for your dog (it's in a green can with strawberries on the top). It's what farmers originally used on cows utters when they would get infected. It's REALLY good, and heals the wounds fast. I use it on my dog paws. She licks it off, but it's there long enough to protect from infection and moisturize.

Also, ask your local Petsmart or Vet for advice over the phone (it's free).

Answer 3

I know you said your dog won't tolerate booties, but it's for sure your best bet. Creams will make him slip and slide all over the place, and after that they'll just get wiped off as he walks around.
My dog didn't like the booties much either, and would fling them off or bite at them. Then I invested in a really good pair called 'Mutt-Luks" and though he would bite at them initially, he stopped after awhile. They velcro on pretty snuggly and don't fall off, but you have to make sure to get a roomy pair, otherwise they will fall down/slide off. The first few times he'd walk funny and bite at them, but then he'd be fine, enjoying himself. Without the booties he'd get snow lodged inbetween his toes and end up lying down on the walk trying to bite out the snow and ice (we live on a lake and take the dog with us while we x country ski across it). Later on he'd have redness and cracking as you described. These booties have solved that prob and keep his feet nice and toasty. He is a collie ( rough coat) and wears an XL.

Answer 4

You can use Shaw's Paw Wax or Protetca-Pad Foot Pad Cream. You can get both of these at http://www.petsupplies4less.com.

The paw wax helps prevent damage from gravel, asphalt, ice, snow, roads treated with salt and all hard surfaces.

Answer 5

I agree with Snow. My pit hates having booties on, however if I don't put them on she ends up just like your dog. They can be price, but invest in a good set. I also treat my dogs paws with Neosporin.

Answer 6

At petco they sell a paw conditioning cream called Spawcream. It comes in a little pot (like makeup) and is located in the shampoo and grooming section.

Answer 7

I have a great location that is called "Gloves in a Bottle" that coats the hands and protects them from other elements. Check local stores for a supply or email me and I'll send you a sample to [e-mail]

Answer 8

Meow meow ~ I had the opposite happen to me last week I nearly fell in the bath ~ my front paws got wet in the bath but luckily I managed to get out before I fell in ~ The was the sad tale of Mr Pepsi Fizwidget ~ meow ~ I don't get any ice cubes ~ they all go in my human Mum's diet coke ;-) meow ~

Answer 9

Bag Balm is great for feet on the dogs. I use it on rescue dogs when they have bad cracked feet when coming in and it does very well. I would try to put booties on her feet after putting it on to give it some time before she is able to try to lick it off though -- even though she hates them. :)

Answer 10

They make a salve called hoof and nail,or something to that name you can buy at walgreens,target etc. It is with the human skin cremes. Works well for our animals. It comes in a black and white container.

Answer 11

what about vaseline as a protective i put it on my cats paws they dont seem to mind it and it does protect there feet