I don't know if I believe any of these Tuff Pad type things will work. I just bought Cut n Heal yesterday and all it is is oil and some moisturizers. I just don't see how linseed oil is going to harden and toughen pads. It'll put a nice finish on a cabinet though. And the alcohol ones make the pads feel tough because it dries them out. That can't be good for the feet. Have any of you used one that really coats the pad and makes it more like a callus?

Super glue.....

I have used it on my own feet as well as my dogs. You need to hold the paw for a few minutes to let the glue set, but it creates a hard shell over any sensitive areas. I would not recommend putting it on an open abrasion, but for slices you can super glue them shut and it works real well.

Try it on your own feet if you get a bad blister or hot spot. For those not comfortable using super glue, you can fork over the big money for the surgical equivalent.. which is replacing stitches as the least invasive/scarring technique.

I love bag balm. I use it on dogs, horses, kids, & me lol....It is great stuff!!!

Boots out of the question? I still recommend them, since some conditions -- chukar hunting and hunting where sand spurs and prickly-pear are present -- warrant their use. Don't think any dog really enjoys wearing them (you should see the look my dogs give me). My dogs -- who have granite-tough feet -- came up lame two weeks ago in an area (MI) that I have never had to boot them. One day of hunting in VERY dry conditions is all it took. Didn't even hunt my female the last two days. No amount of roading or miracle "juice" is 100% fool proof. Some terrain is just too rough for any dogs feet to bare.

My dog sliced the pad on the foreleg, where the dew claw used to be. It's not split, more of a deep scratch. I've put EMT on it and it's starting to heal pretty well. I'm taking her out again this weekend and I'm thinking about taping it so that it doesn't re-open or pick up any dirt. Do you think I can just use regular athletic tape? Also, is there any good way to protect those dew claw pads? They never get tough because they're not weight bearing and never get any use.

Solid Liver

Solid liver,

EMT gel is great! Funny you should mention dew claws, as neither of my dogs have had theirs removed. Guess I have been very, very lucky they've never injured them.

Athletic or medical tape should work fine. Just wrap it well and keep an eye on it over the course of the hunt. Good luck.

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.