Caring for Dry Paw Pads

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A day at the dog park can be hours of fun for your furry friend, but it can be hard on their feet.  Since most of Chicago's dog parks are paved, a common problem our dogs face from all that hard running on cement and gravel can be dry, cracked paw pads.  Just like our feet get try, dog's pads dry out as well.  Paw pads provide traction, absorb shock and help protect little feet from injuries and abrasions.  But sometimes they get a little too dry and rough.  So what can we do for them?  We did a little research and came up with these simple solutions:

• If your dog has overly dry or fissured paw pads, consider using a dog balm to help protect and condition them.  Try Growl and Meow Bowser Balm available at Soggy Paws and is fragrance free and all natural.
• If your dog will be outside for quite a while or doing a lot of running, try a paw wax on the pads and between the toes.  It can help protect against sand burn, hot pavement, and salt burn during the winter months.  My Dog Dry Skin.com recommends Musher's Secret Paw Wax, which contains vitamin E to help moisturize, is all natural, and has great user reviews on Amazon.com.
• If your dog's paws seem tender, have your dog wear booties outside until the paws get better.  If they are especially prone to getting sore paws or get little snow balls stuck to their paws in the winter, consider getting booties for walks during the winter months.  You can even try infant socks.
• Wash your dogs paws regularly to remove sidewalk dust or winter salt, especially after trips to the park or romps in the snow.

Please make sure to see your vet if your dog seems to be in pain, bleeding, avoiding using a one paw, limping, or  constantly licking or biting their paws.  

Have you used any of these remedies?  How do you keep your dog's paw pads healthy?  Share your tips and tricks with us!

Resources
My Dog Dry Skin
Doctor Dog
Happy Tails Spa
Big Dog Boutique