So I really haven't wanted to bring it up but here I am. Recently my wife was in the master bath area and talking to our puppy. She was messing with his paws and all of a sudden yelled "Oh noes!" <---That actually happened! lol

Basically, his paw pads were splitting open. No blood, but I guarantee within a week there would've been. Two pads were really cracked and the others were just starting.

Apparently it was the one grooming thing I looked over in my research. Being my first dog I just didn't know the ins and outs of their pads. I will attempt to educate any who will read this.

Dogs perspire through panting and sweating through their pads <---News to me. Rocks, hot pavement, hot asphalt, etc...basically if you won't put your feet on it, they shouldn't (to an extent). I went to Cabela's and got Tuff-Foot, I think they sell it on Leerburg too. In order to heal cracked pads, put your dog on restrictive duty and put bag-balm on plentifully at night. Once they are healed only use Tuff-Foot twice a week, and don't continue with bag-balm because it will make their pads too soft.

Well, there it is, my first major whoops. Update, they are all healed now after a week and a half

Great information Spencer - thank you for sharing this! I'm glad to hear your pup's pampered paw pads are practically perfect!

As they say, if you can walk barefoot, your dog can walk on the same surface.

Lot's of Arizona hunters put booties on their bird dogs to extend hunting time in the desert since it's so hard on feet.

Amazingly, the type of bootie that is most popular is a bike tire inner tube, cut into about 4 inch lengths and, yes, duct-taped around the dog's leg above the foot. The bottom end just stays open. Looks like hell, but the dogs seem to like them better than the commercial boots. Go figure.

Wonder what the police guys do for their K9's in the summer here? I'd guess they try to train on grass when they can, but, for the dogs at work???

(For non-Arizonans, summer pavement temps are probably 140 degrees plus on hot days.)

Have you ever heard of Mushers Secret?

It might be a good product for where you live because it is so dry there. It is made of waxes so it would probably be more moisturizing.

Part of this is probably just that the pup hasn't developed enough of a callus yet. He will toughen up over the next few months.

BTW: I think you are a great dog dad!

 Quote: lauren jeffery

Have you ever heard of Mushers Secret?

It might be a good product for where you live because it is so dry there. It is made of waxes so it would probably be more moisturizing.

Part of this is probably just that the pup hasn't developed enough of a callus yet. He will toughen up over the next few months.

BTW: I think you are a great dog dad!

If you would've seen my face when I saw his cracks, and my wife looking up at me like "How could you! You told me you would find all of this stuff out!" I was completely crushed. He's been missing his walks but we have orbee crazy moments several times a day in the backyard!

Btw you really have to watch a dog who is ball crazy, because he will literally go until he throws up. We have to practically time it because he will not stop whether he should or not.
HAHA! dogs and their balls.

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

Part of this is probably just that the pup hasn't developed enough of a callus yet. He will toughen up over the next few months.

I think this is it, too, Lauren, combined with the brutally dry conditions right now.

I run a pet booth at a local street fair every summer. It never ceases to amaze me how many dogs are "hot footin'" in to get a drink (shade?)... and owners have no idea the hot asphalt might be uncomfortable for their feet. Thank you, Spencer! I'd thought about it before, but this is the reminder I needed. I will make up a flier (hopefully the paper will publish) before hand this year!

 Quote: spencer martin

If you would've seen my face when I saw his cracks, and my wife looking up at me like "How could you! You told me you would find all of this stuff out!" I was completely crushed.

I know how you feel. I have definitely been in the same situation. Once I FELL on my dog when she was a pup. I nearly burst into tears, I thought I killed her! She was ok, just a little shaken up.

They are tough little guys!

 Quote: spencer martin

Btw you really have to watch a dog who is ball crazy, because he will literally go until he throws up. We have to practically time it because he will not stop whether he should or not.
HAHA! dogs and their balls.

Oh I totally know what it looks like, my girl was super crazy for balls until she was allowed to play by herself with them.

Just remember not to go too long when you are playing with him, both because of his growing bones and because of heat. Dogs who are really into it will go far beyond what is good for them. One time this past winter I completely
lost track of time and tossed snowballs for Tasha for over an hour!

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

Have you ever heard of Mushers Secret?

It might be a good product for where you live because it is so dry there. It is made of waxes so it would probably be more moisturizing.

LOVE Musher's Secret for snow/salt/ice. Not so much for summertime use though. I think it makes the pads too soft. I would go with the Tuf Foot for the summer months.

I am book marking this thread! Very useful info, granted we are in wisconsin but where we are has everything from long grasses to lots of rocks and gravel down by the river. I will have to mention to hubby that these might be some considerations.

Thanks everyone for the great info!!!