[gemy]

Again my thoughts KJC. First check nail length, nails need to be trimmed very regularly specially with pups, and or especially, if you change the walking time and environment from say asphalt concrete to more dirt/grass. Less natural wearing down of nails on firmer surfaces.

Okay I live in Canada too, perhaps a more temperate spot than you. I live in Toronto. I have a boy that loves to lay over the hot air vents when he is home. This will dry out the hair but not the skin.

Yeah back feet not ususally first sign of boredom, that is often the easier to reach front paws.

Mild flaking is where?

Do you trim the hair in between the paw pads? If not have someone hold a flashlight so that you can truly see in there. When were were camping in Manitoulin one summer. We hike swim, etc. Although I check end of day everyday ears/eyes/pads; Razzle began in the later evening to "nibble" at one back paw. After fifteen minutes of peering and searching' hubby and I finally got a flashlight - one shone, the other looked and sure enough, there was a small size sand pebble embedded very close to the skin of one inner paw pad.

Consider adding fish oil supplements or something similar to his diet ; but talk to your vet first. I am very conservative and add only 1/4tsp to the food daily, and take off one wk a month with no additives of any nature to the food.