my 18 month old lab has a problem with his front paws. He keeps getting an absess between his toes. The vets intially said it was ingrowing hairs but the absess can appear whilst out walking with him. He keeps lifting his paw off the ground and licks his pads (not between his toes where the absess is) indicating that his feet hurt. We have checked for grass seeds and found nothing. It is almost like an allergy or sensitive paws/pads. He has always disliked walking on stone chippings, most dogs do, but now I am getting concerned. Any thoughts as to what it may be would be appreciated. Thankyou

Well, it could be like the vet said. It just flares up while he's walking because that irritates it more than just lying around the house. It presses on it. Is he on antibiotics for this absess? You could put on some leather booties that they make for dogs. You can look online and see what you can find. This might soften the contact with the ground but not much to do about the weight of the dog on his foot. Maybe you could insert some sheep skin into the boot and/or around his toes. That's no fun when our pals have pain. I do hope he improves. Did the vet drain it? If it doesn't clear up after doing everything you can, you might get a second opinion. Good luck.

Carrie

My first chow had the same problem.It started when he was 18 months old.
I used to bath his feet in sea salt water.I used to get some cream called Padsonal some greyhound owners use it for greyhounds feet.Aloe Vera gel is good also.Another one was bob grass.
I used to buy him Boots also.I would bandage his feet then put the boots on.I found it helped the boots stay on.
If I was you I would go to the nearest greyhound track and speak to some of the greyhound owners.They are very good when it comes to feet.
I know one greyhound owner he is a minefield of information.
If you email me I think I still have some cream I bought for his feet.I will send it to you.
Chow.             anderchow@btinternet.com

Try Liverine k9 unction cream, beloved by greyhound trainers and brilliant for wounds, feet etc etc.  Most saddlers or good independent pet stores will carry it. Old fashioned but effective.

One of my Golden Retrievers has very sore, cracked front pads, he certainly seems to be uncomfortable on stony ground - especially going downhill. When exercised only on grass , he does get better. We use Clenderm cream from the vet which does seem to help the symptoms, but it does not actually address the problem.