Dog concerns

Question
Hi Patti!I have two dogs in which I have concerns about.I have one question for each of them.I really need your help.Thanks-

1.My first dog is a Pitbull mixed Lab.I have noticed lately that the pads on his paws have been quite dry.Is this normal?If not,what can I do at home for it?I live in Canada Windsor Ontario and it is Summer over here.His name is Bear and I think he's two years old.

2.My other dog is a German Shepard mixed Lab.His name is Taz and he's five years old,I think.He also has dry pads.Is this normal?If not,what can I do at home for it? Also,he has seizures,but those are taken care of and is my other question at the moment.
    Yesterday,my mom and I gave him a bath.We used human shampoo to bathe him as we thought using that would be okay.Is that okay seeming how it was made for humans.The shampoo we used was bought at the Dollar Store from Lander.Herbal Bouquet with Rosemary,Sage and Chamomi Extract is what it said on the front.Also,that shampoo got in his eyes.Is this okay?If not,what can I do at home for it?

I Do Not have the money to go to the vets.Home remedies are needed!Thanks
            Cassidy

Answer
Hi Cassidy,

Dogs can get dry pads for a variety of reasons, depending on what kind of ground surfaces they walk on. Remember, a dog's pads are supposed to feel rough, it gives them traction as they walk. You don't want to make a dog's pad as smooth as you'd like your own hands to be, as it would cause the dog to loose it's footing and possibly hurt himself.

You really only have cause for concern if the dog's pads are bleeding or cracked. As you may know, dogs perspire or sweat through their feet and by panting. You really don't want to apply ointments or lotions to a dogs feet unless it's absolutely necessary, especially in the summer when they need to regulate their body heat.

Walking on cement in winter or summer can cause the pads to dry out and crack. Check your dogs feet often, if you catch a problem developing early, it will be easier to treat.

If you notice your dogs licking their feet excessively you may want to apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the affected foot and tape a plastic bag around it (so the dog doesn't lick the petroleum jelly right off). Hopefully, you can keep the bags on for a few hours to let the jelly soak in but don't worry if your dog rips the bags off and licks the petroleum jelly off, it's not harmful. You may need to do this a few times to heal the cracked skin.

There are also products made especially for dogs which toughens and treats raw, tender pads and also relieve dry, cracked pads. Products to look for are: "Pad Kote" by Happy Jack, "Tomlyn Protecta-Pad", "Soothables Tender Foot" and "Excel Paw Wax". Look for them at pet supply stores or online.

As a rule, your dogs only need to be bathed when they is obviously dirty, with "doggy-smelling" and oily skin, or on the advice of a veterinarian to help control fleas and ticks. Bathing too often can dry out the skin and cause problems.

Use a shampoo specially formulated for dogs. These remove dirt but not the essential oils needed for your dog's coat. Human shampoo can upset the PH balance of your dog's skin. Alternatively, you can use a very mild baby shampoo.

Your dogs will be okay washing them the one time with shampoo that was used, but you really shouldn't make a habit out of using a human shampoo on them, unless you're using a very mild baby shampoo.

When you do shampoo, it's a good idea to rinse the dog three times with lukewarm water so that all shampoo is out of the coat. Traces of shampoo left behind can cause dry flaky skin.

Protect your dog's eyes from the shampoo by using a lubricating eye ointment, which your veterinarian can provide. A drop of olive or baby oil in each eye will also protect the eyes from soap.

If you should get shampoo in your dog's eye while bathing, try to immediately flush out the eye with fresh clean warm (not hot!) water. Signs of eye irritation are: tearing or discolored discharge, blinking, rubbing the eye. If your dog seems to be having any problem with his eye two days after being shampooed, then you should contact your vet.

I hope I've been a help. Best of luck.

Patti