Hi Michelle, read your post, one lucky dog to have you I think ! Anyway, I do use the bag balm on one of my pugs often, she seems to always have a dry flaky nose to the point it looks white and crusty. The balm helps it so quickly. Maybe you could put the balm on at night before bedtime. Bet it would surely help.

I have 3 labs who get dry pads during the cold winter months. A friend suggested using Musher's Secret. It worked like a charm. I got it at Jake's Dog House. I am not sure if Petsmart or one of the pet supply chains carry it, but in the event there is not a supplier near you and you can't find it, you can buy it online at drsfostersmith.com. I have copied a description below of what the product is for and what it does. I have found it especially useful when there is snow and ice, and because of stuff we put down to melt it. The ice melt is a pet friendly product and non-toxic, but I still don't want it getting into the cracked paws.

The product is more waxy than greasy and I have used on my 12 year old who has advanced hip dysplasia. She had no problems keeping her balance with the Mushers on my wooden floors. You could ask your vet, perhaps there may even be a prescription med that would work better? The Mushers was a pretty inexpensive solution for us.

An all-natural, 100% wax-based cream, Musher's Secret reduces abrasion and protects paws year-around from sand, hot pavement, ice, and road salt. Contains vitamin E to moisturize and help heal wounds and keep paws healthy. When applied to pads and between toes, Musher's Secret dries in seconds to form an invisible boot to prevent potential paw problems. Originally formulated to toughen, strengthen, and protect the feet of sled dogs, Musher's Secret remains tenacious and effective even when weather is extremely hot or cold. Allows perspiration to escape through toes. Also provides protection and relief from fly bitten ears, open sores, and cracked toes. Soothes scratches and bites. No need to shave fur, ears, and open sores. Keeps flies off and away. Non-toxic, non-allergenic, non-staining formula can be used weekly or as needed. For persistent problems, see your veterinarian. 60 gram jar.

Good luck and post how your dog is doing.

Michelle,

A dog's pads should be rough, like fine sandpaper, so it can comfortably walk on surfaces such as concrete. Unless splits & cracks exist, treatment may not be required. I've heard about Bag Balm, but I don't know if it would make a dog's pads too soft & smooth for comfort.

Ruby has the roughest paws, enough to scratch! The vet said they were fine, but we can put cream on them if we want (she is not a paw licker).

I tried some pure cocoa butte with vitamin E, figuring if she DID lick it off it would be fine.

I barely survived, she hates having her paws touched and she nearly bit me to death ROFL. I haven't attempted it again.

Never rile a pug.

Labmomma,

Thanks for the info on Musher's Secret. I walk my dogs faithfully everyday regardless of the weather in hail, snow, sleet, rain, frigid temps. I worry about their feet on jagged icy sidewalks, & road salt.

the Musher's Secret sounds like what I am looking for. None of my others dogs have ever had pads like this. Thanks for the info; much appreciated.