Thread: Sore Puppy Paws

There is a stinky liquid called Tough-Foot (if I remember right) for working dogs that you might be able to find at a feed store, well-stocked pet store, or on the Internet. It's been around forever. It toughens the pads.

There are also many other pad treatments, most of them creams, that are supposed to soften, heal or relieve discomfort in the pads, but I don't have enough experience with these other preparations to know whether they are effective for what you want.

You might also consider some doggie booties while your pup's feet heal. It takes most dogs a while to get used to them, but they're effective protection while the feet heal. It's not a bad idea to have some on hand anyway for walks on hot pavement, frozen grounds, salted ice, etc. They look ridiculous, but they do protect the feet.

I found it on the net. It's called Tuf-Foot. Here's the link:
www.tuffoot.com/

I use a produce called Tuff-pads on my lure coursers - running and turning at 35+ mph on dry grass can do a number on paw pads. I definitely recommend getting the spray bottle though - MUCH easier to apply without staining your fingers. I use a small spray bottle to apply 2-3 times a week and just refill it with the bigger bottle when I need to.

I also like a product called Protecta-pad, which you can get at Petco (not sure if petsmart sells it). It's a lotion that does a great job hydrating dry, cracked pads. In the summer I use protecta-pad in conjunction with the tuff-pads (alternating days of application)

Originally Posted by dragonfly

There is a stinky liquid called Tough-Foot (if I remember right) for working dogs that you might be able to find at a feed store, well-stocked pet store, or on the Internet. It's been around forever. It toughens the pads.

I found it on the net. It's called Tuf-Foot. Here's the link:
www.tuffoot.com/

Do you, or does anyone here, know whether this works as well as they claim? I'm joining the National Guard and going into an infantry unit. There is a list of mistakes people make that will cause problems during training. Number one on the list is "not taking care of your feet". So if this will help, I'll start using it now.

Poor Bella's feet were so swollen when I picked her up today I will try anything. How about an Epsom Salt paw soak (without any taste-testing)?

Oberon,
...what could it hurt to try? All of you Service People and Service Dogs deserve weekly pedicures and pampering in ALL forms! <salute> and thank you!

-Victoria

<You might also consider some doggie booties while your pup's feet heal. It takes most dogs a while to get used to them, but they're effective protection while the feet heal.>

It is a great idea that I didn't think of...but I forgot to make a comment on this that I have been giggling about all day...all I can picture are some of those clips you see on America's Funniest Videos...with the cats and dogs...<LOL>...taking a few steps...<LOLOL>...shaking their paws...lifting them WAY up in the air...<ROFL>...oh...sorry...no one else at work saw the humor in it...I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING!!! I may have to try it...just because...

Sorry, I haven't checked this post in a while!

I haven't been able to find any booties, the pet stores around here carry squat...(I will have the camcorder ready if I do find some...<evil little laugh>) but the Tuf-Foot came in. I kept her home all last week so she could heal a little and so the stuff could take effect. She was pretty lame, I felt so bad.

It only seems to be her right front paw that gets the worst swelling/redness. Her rear paws and left front are just fine. So I tend to think it's probably not allergy related(?) The owner of the daycare says that most dogs do experience some tenderness/soreness for a while until their feet toughen up, but most dogs there don't run around and play NON STOP! You'd think she'd chill out a bit if her paws hurt her.

I'll see how she is tonight when I pick her up. She loves it there so much...and it's right down the road...I'd hate to stop taking her.

Thanks again!

Picked up Bella tonight...her paw looks great! I think the Tuf-Foot worked really well! It isn't red and swollen anymore...it looks more "calloused" (sp?) and greyish....thinking it may be from the alcohol in the Tuf stuff...she isn't limping and she is so happy! Walter the cat is even happier that she's too tired to chase him.

Thanks for that info...it certainly helped!! =)

I know I am stating the obvious but, I am thinking you need to keep her home from daycare until her feel heal. At this point the first priority should be to heal her poor feet. Once she is better, use some of the product that has been suggested. She needs to start from scratch before going back to that environment. What about other dogs there? Do they run into the same problems? Maybe the pea gravel is too harsh for the dogs to handle over a 8 hour period?