What can I put on my dogs rough dry pads?

[Carpathian2]

My Labrador has very rough pads on all his paws and feet. I've googled remedies but I just keep seeing really expensive paw balms. Is Vaseline ok? Or is it toxic if he licks it off?

He rarely goes on concrete, I walk him in the woods, but he swims a lot in the river and I'm wondering if this is affecting his skin.

The only time our lab got pads like that we discovered it was an allergy to the food she was eating. We switched to a hypoallergenic food & she never had any further problems other than once, when she had walked on the kitchen floor after we had just mopped, and she reacted to the floor cleaner.

Our lab walked in woods, on tarmac, beach rivers & never had any other problems but we always dried her paws on a towel before she got into the car or went into the house. No clue if Vaseline is toxic tbh but those paws must be uncomfortable. Have you spoken to the vet?

This suggests not to use vaseline

blog.myollie.com/vaseline-on-dogs/

I’ve used this and it’s great

www.mountaindog.uk/products/mushers-secret-foot-wax-60g?variant=31242944184433&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiA8ov_BRAoEiwAOZogwdbSHfkkj-wqDiQlSBfaJWJCq3yO8eA8fHQ1CBklbtfRy01OKESgehoCtuEQAvD_BwE

Thanks for your replies.

His pads aren't bothering him and they're not cracked, it just that he likes to give me his paw when he's being affectionate. They just feel very dry. I'm wondering about coconut oil? I wasn't keen on the Vaseline idea, so thanks for the link.

I used to use pad wax. Not sure if you can still get it. Was from pets at home.

@CollieDug

Thanks for that. I've ordered some but it won't be here till the new year. Any suggestions of what I can use in the meantime?

When my Labrador, now 15, was a puppy, his pads were like suede. But once he grew up and we did long walks on varied surfaces the pads became dry and hard. If the pads are not causing him bother and are not cracked, leave well alone. He needs them like the sole of a shoe to protect him. I would not ever use Vaseline or coconut oil on my dogs. If you are still concerned, take him to your vet.

@Spanielsarepainless

Thank you, I'll heed your advice. They're not bothering him so I'll leave well alone.

Mushers secret you can buy it from Amazon. Totally safe. I have some in as my dogs do a lot of walking.