I will tell you what I told a guy from Iowa... My dog does that frequently. He is tough, rough, and ready, so when you get out and get ready to go, he hunts with a God-given desire. I try to work him outside on rougher surfaces before the start of season, to toughen up his pads, but they still give him trouble. I use EMT gel. It is not very hard to find. I know lots of people who use it on horses, so I know it will be good for my Buddy. I really believe in it. Don't forget, somtimes the best thing to do is just to let them lick. They have lots of special enzymes in their saliva that help to speed up the healing process. The only time you shouldn't let them lick it, is if you have just put something on it. Good Luck/ I feel for you. I know how it feels.