Mon, 12/07/2009 - 10:42
I have a very large Alaskan Malamute. While he gets regular short walks up and down our street I recently took him for a short hike in the woods. As a result his paws seem to be sore and hurting. I don't see any bruises or sores on his paws. What would cause this? What's the best way to treat it? How can I prevent it in the future? I would like to continue the short walks in the woods
His pads were sore because they aren't used to hiking in the woods. He just has tender feet from walking on the sidewalk most of the time. Short walks in the woods several times a week will slowly toughen them up. It's just like our feet have to toughen up with callouses, theirs' are the same way. I know some animal catalogs sell pad protector products (mostly for working dogs).