Dogs pads are really red and sore

[cowfacemonkey]

Just come back from a long run out in the field, very frosty underfoot and have noticed the pads on Ddogs front paws are red raw. He doesn't seem overly bothered, he licked them for a bit and I think they may have bled a small amount but he's sleeping now.

We didn't walk on any gritted pavements as field is just across the road so wondering if it's the hard frost that caused it. Is there any thing I can do for him at home or is it a vet visit do you think? I'm off work today so just wondering if I should try and get down there this afternoon?

[steppemum]

I think it is probably the frost, it was very hard this morning.

In my experience pads heal quite quickly unless they really lick at them. You might need to keep him in for a day or two.

I would phone the vet for advice and see wht they say (although I bet they say bring him in, ours always do)

[Heyha]

I bet it's the frost. Check again after lunch I bet they'll look a lot better...if he's in no distress and they don't get any worse I don't think I'd even contact the vet at this point

[cowfacemonkey]

Yeah our old vet surgery would have given advice over the phone they were great but we've had to move and I'm 99% certain the new one will say bring him in! Might phone anyway just to see if it's best to keep him in while they heal (that will be fun!)

[steppemum]

they might not even be as bad as you think, just red from cold

[cowfacemonkey]

There are patches that look like the surface of the pad has worn off IYSWIM but I will see how he looks after lunch.

[onedayiwillmissthis]

Did you walk along any paths/roads that may have been salted/gritted?

The chemicals can cause irritation/burns. Best to wash paws after walk.

[steppemum]

when we were away over New Year, my friend had Steppedog, apparently he had a sore paw one day, and they googled it. Found alovely recipe for bathing it involving camomile tea and vinegar. As they had both in the house, they bathed his paw, and it really helped.
By the time we picked him up next day it was fine

[adaline]

It'll be the cold weather - I always was paws after walks in winter and apply paw balm if it's been really cold and hard underfoot.

[Nesssie]

Did he skid at any point? I noticed my dogs pads were raw once and thinking back realised we were playing ball which he runs full pelt and then skids to a halt.

Otherwise, I would suggest either the frost, or over licking. Should be fine, keep an eye for licking, reluctance to walk or limping.

[cowfacemonkey]

Oh yes lots of running, skidding and rough and tumble with other dogs. Will see if I can pick up paw balm and make sure to wash his feet after walks.

[adaline]

You get it from Amazon for not much money - I also find Manuka honey to be really good on cuts and grazes. Mine cut his paw pad last week and the cut is nearly gone after 2-3 days using it. Someone recommended it to me on Facebook and I'll always make sure I have some in now!

[steppemum]

adaline - I hope I'm not disappointing you by telling you that 80% of manuka honey sold is not actually manuka? You may as well buy ordinary, it will work the same