Badly cracked/dryed out pads

[Keri]

On close inspection the other day of our 1 year old male's pads on his feet he has deep cracks and grooves. Their not bleeding or painful to him but I was wanting to know if there is a cream we can use on them or oil of some kind? He does live in the city and walks mostly on concrete except when we visit the park daily. Also his coat seems a little dry to me. Slight flakes of dandruff can be seen on his back near his hindquarters. He is currently eating Proplan growth formula. Should we mix in a little olive oil with his food or give him the occasional egg? Thanks Kindly:D

[RottiMomCT]

You can add things to the food, or switch to a better brand of food altogether that will provide proper nutrition and supplements all in one for his coat. etc. Others will tell you that there are foods better than ProPlan out there. Basically, anything that is commercially sold (ie, grocery store) and widely available will more than likely used fillers and low-grade meats, if any, in their formulas.

If you are wililng to spend the extra $$ you can get a really good foor, and you will actually save $$ because you'll feed less of the good stuff. Also, you'll be cleaning up the yard after the poops land as the dog won't be 'depositing' the un-necessary stuff back onto the lawn!

As for the cracked pads, you can buy 'bag balm' at any feed store (used to soothe cows udders), and I have some in my kitchen for my hands after being out in the garden all day.

There are other things specifically for dogs feet as well. If you go to www.JBPet.com or www.KVVet.com, you can do a search for items for dog feet.

[mccoy]

Keri,

I don't know where you are but I
get bag-balm at our local Wal-Mart.

[Dagos-Dad]

Bag Balm works great. You'll find a million uses for it once you have it. We originally got it for diaper rash :D