My sweet boy has really really REALLY dry, cracked pads on his feet. I can tell they're sensitive because he'll occasionally pick up his foot and refuse to walk on it for a block or two on our evening hikes. I know my husband and I are slathering on the lotion for our skin, wondering if that's something we should be doing for my husky's pads, too? A quick google search suggested Udder Butter or Bag Balm, or maybe something like Vaseline... I'm thinking something more natural, like maybe Aloe would be better? I'm fairly sure he'll ingest at least some of it trying to lick it, I want to make sure it won't make him sick, but still help his poor pads out. Any insight is most appreciated. Thanks!!

I'm a Bag Balm advocate. That stuff works on so many things, but it'll make a mess unless you're planning on just tossing him in the yard for a while. There's also musher's wax that I've heard good things about. My dogs tried licking it the first time and never again.

I've heard of Musher's Wax, too - my understanding was that it was more of a protective kind of thing, rather than a treatment for already hurt paws... maybe I'll pick up both (some Bag Balm AND Musher's Wax) and go from there. :-) Thanks, Eddy!

I've never needed anything like this for mine but I've heard nothing but great things from other sled dog owners about Bag Balm. If I ever had an issue like yours then I'd definitely pick up some Bag Balm.

My sibe does occasionally get really dry rough feet and when he has in the past I just wash the pads of his feet with oatmeal dog shampoo, rinse and towel dry at night just before bed. It moisturizes his feet and leaves them really soft. It may not work for a really bad case but it has always worked for me. I do it at night just before bed so he stays off his feet and lets the moisture stay in his pads.

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Here4thePics wrote:

Working in a machine shop I wash my hands many many times a day and when the heating season (Sept-March) rolls around, my fingers split all the time and hurt like hell. I started using O'Keeffe's Working Hands recently and haven't had the problem since, hoping it continues to work. A little bit goes a long way and its not greasy like Bag Balm.

http://www.okeeffescompany.com/


Where in Denver is this stuff: http://www.okeeffescompany.com/Search-Results.aspx

AWESOME. I'm bookmarking this and will stop by the hardware store on Friday to check it out. :-) Thanks!!

We use Musher's Miracle. It definitely works to help heal, but I also think it's more protective and I'm sure there are other things out there that helps to heal better. We have no complaints though

http://www.happytailsspa.com/bowWOW-Butter-Balm

We carry this at work and the clients who have used it like it. You can also use it on noses and elbows too