Sparkys paw-pads ..

[Brandy Hunter]

Sparkys pads are changing under his paws and they've been really bothering him, and finally the 'skin' changed and fell off tonight on his front paws.

BUT, his back paws.. they look like they were.. shredded. I never saw his pads in the process of 'changing', is this what it is? It doesn't hurt him to walk, but it bothers him when I play with them, as did his front paws before they changed.

I can take a pic if anyone wants to see

[Sally888]

I'll pass lol.

[cmontario]

OMG poor Sparky

[Brandy Hunter]

I tried to pull on it but he kicked me in the face.

[Lynn49]

Was he out in the cold? If it was mid-winter, I'd think it was the cold and the salt they put on roads...we always clean paws off because of that...

Perhaps put a nice thick moisturizer on them and hope he doesn't like to lick it off...that's very strange, for sure....Poor wee thing....

[Shaykeija]

Has Sparky been to the vet? I have 4 small dogs and their paw pads have never changed or shreded. I would be a little concerned if my babies had foot problems.

[Brandy Hunter]

Was he out in the cold? If it was mid-winter, I'd think it was the cold and the salt they put on roads...we always clean paws off because of that...

Perhaps put a nice thick moisturizer on them and hope he doesn't like to lick it off...that's very strange, for sure....Poor wee thing....

He doesn't go outside often because his knees & heart.

Has Sparky been to the vet? I have 4 small dogs and their paw pads have never changed or shreded. I would be a little concerned if my babies had foot problems.

It's not a 'problem' they just change, just as 'shedding season'. I just don't know what this is

My friend said she never noticed her dogs paws changing, I swear I don't spend my days watching his toes

[Brandy Hunter]

Sorry if it's a bit icky

[Brandy Hunter]

See his toe on the far left? How dark it is? That pad just 'changed' thus why it's so dark.

[Sally888]

Ummn not to be rude but.... why aren't you trimming his paw hair? If you do not trim it around the pads you end up with problems (like you have.) When I had a dachshund it was the number one thing my breeder said to make sure I do. They can get infections, pad problems such as fungal infections. You should be trimming the hair down at least once a month if not more. He might have a fungal infection, paw pads are not supposed "shed". You might have to take him into the vets to be checked out...

I searched a few links for you

http://www.becomeagroomer.com/Groomi...kPeekSage4.pdf

http://www.ehow.com/how_4868418_clip...dogs-pads.html

[Jezebel]

I was going to say the same as Sally I never saw
my doggies pads change and I looked at her feet
all the time because I took her to dog shows so
I always trimmed the hair on her paws...plus in the
winter it prevented snow clumps between her pads....

[Natalka]

uh, ew.... gee, it looks like it must hurt him.

[AmberLab]

Bella, I've never seen paws roughed like that in 13 years of dog ownership. Please take him to the vet to rule out infection, better safe than sorry. I agree with others, you need to keep the claws trimmed, paw fur trimmed at least monthly. In the winter when you come inside, check for salt and other stuff that may be stuck between his paws. Or even invest in some doggie boots for winter.

[Sally888]

Did you take him to the vets? It's not like you not to be on all day.

[maddie2008]

It looks to me like it might be a yeast infection, bacterial or fungal infection. My aunt owns a grooming shop and we see it frequently. Some dogs are more prone than others. Some dogs and breeds never get it.
Does your doggy lick his paws much? Thats usually a sign. Until you can get him in to get check, if he will let you, rub some monistat or vagisil cream on his pads and put some booties on his paws so he doesn't lick em. You could also try soaking his paws in luke warm water with epsoms salts for about 5 minutes(IF HE WILL LET YOU or as long as he will tolerate).
No worries, it should heal quickly once you get him checked out.
Hug the cute doggie for me