Q Our boisterous 2-year-old male Labrador Goofy has really dry, cracked pads. He licks them incessantly at nighttime, too, removing any lotions and creams we apply. Please suggest holistic options to heal them as he now seems to limp on them on and off.
A Pads play a very important role in the well-being of dogs and cats. They provide cushioning, absorb shock, relieve pressure, and are usually quite hardy and weather-resistant, being designed for a reasonable amount of wear and tear. However, some dogs tend to overwork them and end up with painful, cracked pads, just as humans can develop cracked heels and calluses.
Causes: Dogs that go on long hikes with their owners up and down tough terrain and dogs that navigate extreme weather, such as running on hot pavement, around swimming pools, or on snow and ice are likely to develop cracked, dry pads.
Apart from external causes connected to friction,
