Rottweiler feet pads

Question
We had a lot of kids at my home, and my Rottie did a lot of running around playing. Now the pads on his back feet are sore. The pads sort of blistered and the skin came off. His pads look ok, but they are very sore and it hurts when he walks. Will they heal on their own and is there anything I can do to help with his pain? I have tried ice and it seems to help. I feel helpless.Is a vet needed for this type of problem? Is there an ointment that might help?

Answer
Dawn,

Blistering of the foot pads often occurs if the dog is on a hot surface for too long (walking/running on pavement, gravel, sand, etc. as opposed to grass). This usually results in painful feet with either a loose flap of the pad, or as you are describing, an ulcerated area where the flap has come completely off. You can apply a light coating of antibiotic ointment and wrap the foot with gauze or apply a sock or bandage. Don't let him walk outside on unbandaged or uncovered feet until the pads have healed in order to avoid an infection. If you aren't able to clear this up soon or relieve his pain some at home, the best and safest way to handle this is to take him to a veterinarian. This will ensure that the injury is properly treated and bandaged, and they will be able to dispense any pain medication and antibiotics that are needed.

Good luck!

Ashley