Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/30/2007

Question
Hello,

My dog is 5 and 1/2 months old, and he was running a lot today and the pads on his front two feet are peeling and raw...he can barely walk. I was wondering if I should wrap them, or put anything on them. Or should I just let them be to air out? Thank you!

Answer
When the foot pads have been worn off, you need to let them air out. I would advise soaking them in warm salty water two or three times a day.  The dog will need ro re-establish the callous tissue.  While they are open they will be painful, so some type of pain reliever like Previcox from your vet may help.