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Anyone know why snow tears up my dogs feet?

n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
edited February 2011 in General Discussion
I have a Shepherd and a Lab. I take them outside and play with them daily and my Shepherd's paws bleed every day...sometimes even her dew claws get torn slightly and bleed. The lab doesn't seem to have any problems, but she probably doesn't run as hard as the shepherd...Any ideas? Thanks!

Comments

  • skicatskicat Member Posts: 14,431
    edited November -1
    Cold air is dry air and the frozen water is hard and sharp. Labs have webbed feet and shepherds don't. Perhaps the lab's feet don't punch as far down through the snow and suffer less damage for that reason. 1 penny, 2 pennies
  • swampgutswampgut Member Posts: 5,555
    edited November -1
    It's cold, wet and sharp....

    When your feet get wet do you think the skin would tear easily?

    I use Tuf-Foot on my dogs but they get a lot of exercise on dry, rocky terrain daily and have some pretty serious callouses built up.

    The Tuf-Foot moisturizes and gives them a thin wax layer for some added protection.

    http://www.tuffoot.com/

    They claim people can use it too...long distance runners apparently.

    It won't hurt them if they lick it off either.

    Or you could go high class and buy these. If you do film the first time you put them on her.

    http://www.ruffwear.com/Barkn-Boots-Polar-Trex?sc=2&category=11
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    Grab a handful of snow, squeeze it to compress it a bit, then rub it between your hands. You'll feel that it is not soft and smooth.
  • dongizmodongizmo Member Posts: 14,477 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I ruined a good pair of boots one year walking in snow, the ice layers cut like knives....
    Don
    The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools.
  • Blade SlingerBlade Slinger Member Posts: 5,891
    edited November -1
    If they use salt in Id on roads, the salt is real bad for dogs feet, we have to wash off the paws after a walk in the road. Salt sucks in many ways for road use, to many to list.
  • SCOUT5SCOUT5 Member Posts: 16,181 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Snow is ice, ice is rough. Running dogs on frozen ground is hard on their feet. * hounds, beagles etc. all wear the pads off their feet if allowed to run enough to do it. Frozen ground does it quicker.
  • john wjohn w Member Posts: 4,104
    edited November -1
    Start rubbing them with Bag Balm and it will get them conditioned for the cold and heal them also.
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    How to Walk a Dog in Snow


    Walking your dog is a great way for both of you to get exercise, as well as strengthen the bond between owner and pet. Unfortunately, cold weather and snow can make walking difficult for you and your best friend. Use these tips to safely walk your dog in snow.
    Difficulty: Moderate
    Instructions
    1
    Buy a sweater or jacket for your dog, especially if he has a short coat. Although some breeds have coats designed to keep them warm in cold weather, others need some extra protection.

    2
    Wipe your dog's paws off periodically to remove any snow or ice that has accumulated around the paw pads and between the toes. The compacted snow and ice can hurt your dog's feet and cause bleeding. Plus, the salt that's used on roads and sidewalks can burn your dog's paw pads and is harmful if he ingests it.

    3
    Purchase some dog booties or slippers from your local pet store and see if your dog will tolerate them. Although they're a great way to protect his paws, he may not be crazy about wearing anything on his feet.

    4
    Avoid sidewalks that are heavily salted, as well as extremely icy spots and deep snow.

    5
    Trim the hair between your dog's toes if it gets especially long. Balls of ice may form on long hairs and they can be extremely difficult to remove.

    6
    Look for alternatives on really cold days. Play fetch inside with your dog for a half hour.


    Read more: How to Walk a Dog in Snow | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2078204_walk-dog-snow.html#ixzz1Ei0E8Gwd
  • chasemdownchasemdown Member Posts: 306 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bag balm Works great an its Cheap use it on my beagles all the time.Southern states sells it for i think 7.99 an it will last for years.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,404 ******
    edited November -1
    crusty snow and ice is razor sharp.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • swampgutswampgut Member Posts: 5,555
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by dennisnielsen
    Quote,
    Or you could go high class and buy these. If you do film the first time you put them on her.

    http://www.ruffwear.com/Barkn-Boots-Polar-Trex?sc=2&category=11



    +1 on filming the event [:D]


    I got some for mine and he just lays down like he's paralyzed.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xWkarRnGP4
  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In particular, the salt used to melt snow is REALLY bad for dogs paws, though just the water, ice and coldness is bad too.

    Consider dog boots.
  • 4627046270 Member Posts: 12,627
    edited November -1
    get him some boots
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by swampgut
    It's cold, wet and sharp....

    When your feet get wet do you think the skin would tear easily?

    I use Tuf-Foot on my dogs but they get a lot of exercise on dry, rocky terrain daily and have some pretty serious callouses built up.

    The Tuf-Foot moisturizes and gives them a thin wax layer for some added protection.

    http://www.tuffoot.com/

    They claim people can use it too...long distance runners apparently.

    It won't hurt them if they lick it off either.

    Or you could go high class and buy these. If you do film the first time you put them on her.

    http://www.ruffwear.com/Barkn-Boots-Polar-Trex?sc=2&category=11



    I'm not getting a dog boots...but I'll look into this other stuff. Thanks for the info! [8D]
  • coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 7,516 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by chasemdown
    Bag balm Works great an its Cheap use it on my beagles all the time.Southern states sells it for i think 7.99 an it will last for years.


    Bag balm is about the most useful thing in my medicine cabinet.
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Get an all-weather all-terrain dog! [}:)][:p][:D][^][;)]

    P1240382.jpg

    CIMG0019-Copy.jpg

    P8280111.jpg

    P7040856.jpg

    P2070560.jpg
  • 4627046270 Member Posts: 12,627
    edited November -1
    I love your Bear Dog.
    I have 2 dogs
    I have the killer, and then the clown
    the clown will show the thieves where everything is, and then lick his had, the killer will take blood.
    here is the killer
    MVC-243F.jpg
    here is the clown
    shiba17.jpg
  • john wjohn w Member Posts: 4,104
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by chasemdown
    Bag balm Works great an its Cheap use it on my beagles all the time.Southern states sells it for i think 7.99 an it will last for years.


    Its also good for cracked hands. Slop them down and put 2 old socks over them and go to sleep!.
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks! Is the clown a Shiba Inu?
  • chasemdownchasemdown Member Posts: 306 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by coltpax
    quote:Originally posted by chasemdown
    Bag balm Works great an its Cheap use it on my beagles all the time.Southern states sells it for i think 7.99 an it will last for years.


    Bag balm is about the most useful thing in my medicine cabinet.

    Yea Coltpax I never leave home without it my dogs tear up there tails going through the brush an pouring the blood an bag balm heals it in a couple days[^]
  • storm6490storm6490 Member Posts: 8,010
    edited November -1
    you have to keep them off gravel roads and completely off roads or sidewalks that have ice melter salt or magnesium chlorite on them. It tears the hell out of their feet. I rinse their paws if we do get into it when they come inside for the day. After cleaning them and checking for damage, treat them with vaseline or mink oil. hopefully they wont lick most of it off like my GSD's did!

    if you keep them on the clean snow, you wont get the problems you are seeing. keep her activity down for now and let the scab bond. you can use neosporin for now since there is an open wound and a great chance of infection.

    never ever run your dog on gravel, pavement, asphalt or other man made surfaces. they can do it but it tears them up bad!


    good luck!

    nick
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ECC


    I'm not getting a dog boots...but I'll look into this other stuff. Thanks for the info! [8D]


    Because you don't care? Because you think it looks stupid? Or because you can't afford it? I'm guessing that YOU don't go barefoot in the snow.

    FYI -- Many working snow dogs wear boots.
  • storm6490storm6490 Member Posts: 8,010
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    quote:Originally posted by ECC


    I'm not getting a dog boots...but I'll look into this other stuff. Thanks for the info! [8D]


    Because you don't care? Because you think it looks stupid? Or because you can't afford it? I'm guessing that YOU don't go barefoot in the snow.

    FYI -- Many working snow dogs wear boots.


    boots dont work on working dogs. they're for fi fu purse dogs.
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by storm6490
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    quote:Originally posted by ECC


    I'm not getting a dog boots...but I'll look into this other stuff. Thanks for the info! [8D]


    Because you don't care? Because you think it looks stupid? Or because you can't afford it? I'm guessing that YOU don't go barefoot in the snow.

    FYI -- Many working snow dogs wear boots.


    boots dont work on working dogs. they're for fi fu purse dogs.




    fu fu purse dogs wear jewelry and clothing. The don't wear boots because their feet never touch the ground. Many sled dogs wear boots to protect their feet. I've seen hunting dogs that wear boots to protect their feet out in the field too.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,404 ******
    edited November -1
    try either bag balm or Corona.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    quote:Originally posted by ECC


    I'm not getting a dog boots...but I'll look into this other stuff. Thanks for the info! [8D]


    Because you don't care? Because you think it looks stupid? Or because you can't afford it? I'm guessing that YOU don't go barefoot in the snow.

    FYI -- Many working snow dogs wear boots.



    No...it's b/c we are not from Kalifornia. [;)][}:)][:D]
  • NOSLEEPNOSLEEP Member Posts: 4,526
    edited November -1
    We use the boot "paw" protectors for the lab and the shepard when we go ice fishing. The dogs have a tendency to want to run on the ice and there claws can get hooked in the cracks of the ice quite easily and can result in hip injuries and torn pads. To keep the dogs from chewing at the boots when they are first used we tape socks on their feet so they become accustomed to their new foot wear after a few hours, and they don't bother chewing at them or give them a second thought. They work great when we are on the ice for a couple of days or even an afternoon.
  • whiteclouderwhiteclouder Member Posts: 10,574 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ECC
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    quote:Originally posted by ECC


    I'm not getting a dog boots...but I'll look into this other stuff. Thanks for the info! [8D]


    Because you don't care? Because you think it looks stupid? Or because you can't afford it? I'm guessing that YOU don't go barefoot in the snow.

    FYI -- Many working snow dogs wear boots.



    No...it's b/c we are not from Kalifornia. [;)][}:)][:D]


    Because it might embarrass you, right? Screw the dogs. You're a real prize.

    Clouder..
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    Even in the Iditarod, the dogs wear boots to protect their feet...The dogs dont care if everyone sees them and their owners are probably proud of the fact that millions see they take such good care of the dogs feet...and I dont think they are embarrassed one tiny bit...
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ECC
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    quote:Originally posted by ECC


    I'm not getting a dog boots...but I'll look into this other stuff. Thanks for the info! [8D]


    Because you don't care? Because you think it looks stupid? Or because you can't afford it? I'm guessing that YOU don't go barefoot in the snow.

    FYI -- Many working snow dogs wear boots.



    No...it's b/c we are not from Kalifornia. [;)][}:)][:D]


    So you use California as your excuse for everything? Including not taking care of your pet? Good for you. At least here, we take care of our animals.
  • Colonel PlinkColonel Plink Member Posts: 16,460
    edited November -1
    I run my Siberian on county roads in the winter.

    Sometimes, it snows here. I check her feet every 20 minutes or so and have never seen any indication that they were even tender.

    The Lab/Aussie is another beast, so I have to monitor her more closely

    Good topic.
  • HappyNanoqHappyNanoq Member Posts: 12,023
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by storm6490

    boots dont work on working dogs. they're for fi fu purse dogs.



    Ah - so we've been doing it all wrong here for all these years with out sled dogs.

    I'll spread the word.

    Thank you, it'll save us a bundle.
  • Colonel PlinkColonel Plink Member Posts: 16,460
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by HappyNanoq
    quote:Originally posted by storm6490

    boots dont work on working dogs. they're for fi fu purse dogs.



    Ah - so we've been doing it all wrong here for all these years with out sled dogs.

    I'll spread the word.

    Thank you, it'll save us a bundle.


    For.

    The.

    Win!
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by HappyNanoq
    quote:Originally posted by storm6490

    boots dont work on working dogs. they're for fi fu purse dogs.



    Ah - so we've been doing it all wrong here for all these years with out sled dogs.

    I'll spread the word.

    Thank you, it'll save us a bundle.



    Hey Happy...what kind of boots do you guys use on your dogs? I realize you've got working dogs. There's a big difference between a sled dog and a family pet/guard dog.
  • HappyNanoqHappyNanoq Member Posts: 12,023
    edited November -1
    I don't know the specific types used, but expecially in the spring/fall, when the temp is just around freezing - the hunters/sled drivers tend to use boots/socks for the dogs to protect the paw from ripping - and almost always if they'll be going somewhere where it'll be ice/water/slush.


    Often the dog sledder will have a couple of sets with him on the trip - and they're available in a lot of stores.
  • Colonel PlinkColonel Plink Member Posts: 16,460
    edited November -1
    This book addresses it in some detail

    Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulson

    It's a great read.
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