I didn't find much searching with the terms "Exercise and torn pad," so I beg the forum's indulgence, and appreciate any links to threads I might have missed concerning this topic.

My dog, Casey, a 3 1/2 year old shepherd mix tore BOTH of her hind foot pads two days ago doing agility stuff. No active bleeding, just some tender and raw skin exposed. No signs of infection (I'm a paramedic by profession, so I know what to look for regarding infection.)

Here's the problem: Casey is a high energy dog. VERY high energy. The "I'll chase a tennis ball as long as you're willing to throw it, then we can go for a run" energy. She LOVES to work, as long as it involves physical exertion.

And this whole sitting around the house isn't making her very happy. Walking is uncomfortable for her, as she's favoring the hind legs alternately, and doesn't walk as briskly as normal. I don't have a swimming pool (there is one in the apartment complex, but they won't let me bring her there.... I tried,) and the only reasonably close option for swimming is the pond at the dog park (and I am not keen on taking her there. Would do it, if there are no other options, but.....)

Any ideas on how I can get her some exercise to work out that energy? I'm scratching my head, and as yet can't think of a thing.

Lastly: How long, generally, does this sort of thing take to heal? I assume it's somewhat dependent on the degree of the tear, but.... a week? Two? Four?

My sincere thanks to all.

My dog has a sliced pad right now and, fortunately, he likes to play "find the sock" in the house. I get very creative with hiding it and it takes the edge off.

And, to be honest, he is spending more crate time than he would like and he is not very happy, but is good in the crate. Fortunately not chewing on it.

I was told a week to ten days or so. His slice went through the pad to the fatty layer but did not bleed. I am packing it twice a day with neosporin but he quit limping about 2 minutes after it happened (I thought he had just picked up a sweet gum ball, which happens in my yard sometimes - but then saw the cut)

I prefer water for ripped pads. I know the dog park is less than ideal but there are very few doggie exercises that don't involve hind foot impact.

Another option is doggie booties for the hind feet which you can get at any sporting goods store with a dog section. I have some really slick leather lace ones that I use for my lab when we're working in cruddy nasty brush. They even have holes for the nails to stick through for traction which makes them nicer than the usual nylon one.

I have a wierd thought. Since you are a paramedic you might know this.

Would it work to kind of "glue" the cut together with say, nail glue or liquid stitches, to make it heal faster and protect it? Then put a boot or sock on so she can go running (on soft ground?)

I wouldn't run her alot but maybe enough to take the edge off?

 Quote: Melissa Thom

I have some really slick leather lace ones that I use for my lab when we're working in cruddy nasty brush. They even have holes for the nails to stick through for traction which makes them nicer than the usual nylon one.

Where did you get those? I've heard of them and they'd be perfect for my dog's Sheep Herding training. Well and perfect for this time of year, up here we get the freeze at night and the thaw during the day for the next month or so. The ground surface is very unpredictable now with soft exposed grass and earth but ice chunks with sharp edges with granular corn snow which is really hard on paw pads.

 Quote: angela burrell

Would it work to kind of "glue" the cut together with say, nail glue or liquid stitches, to make it heal faster and protect it? Then put a boot or sock on so she can go running (on soft ground?)

The tears were more of a flap sort of thing (think: toilet seat shaped with a hinge) with rough edges. I trimmed the flaps off, so now she's just got spots where the outer skin is gone and all that remains is the underskin (sub dermal layer, I suppose.)

Routine vet check today, and he suggested applying some "Tough Skin" found at sporting good stores or pharmacies. I may try that if the pads don't show good healing in the next couple days.

Booties are something I hadn't considered.... thanks for that suggestion!

And thanks to the other responders. I am indebted to y'all.

nu-skin liquid bandage works well for worn pads like that. i was skeptical, but tried it 0 applied like 3 coats, and it stayed on for a few days. with that, i could walk my boy on grass/turf, with no stress to the foot. i wouldn't try concrete with it and expect much though if your dog's a puller. otherwise - swimming!

My dog has a torn pad also and I applied some New Skin, which is a liquid bandage and it seems to be helping.

 Quote: Geoff Empey

 Quote: Melissa Thom

I have some really slick leather lace ones that I use for my lab when we're working in cruddy nasty brush. They even have holes for the nails to stick through for traction which makes them nicer than the usual nylon one.

Where did you get those? I've heard of them and they'd be perfect for my dog's Sheep Herding training. Well and perfect for this time of year, up here we get the freeze at night and the thaw during the day for the next month or so. The ground surface is very unpredictable now with soft exposed grass and earth but ice chunks with sharp edges with granular corn snow which is really hard on paw pads.

Sorry I missed the reply on this from much earlier.

I picked up mine at the northwest sportsmans' show from a guy who did custom leather but you can get these as well at cabelas, joes, or a variety of other outdoor fitters. It's a pretty common thing with training retrievers and upland game bird dogs. Conditioning the dog to ignore them is the real trick.