I found out what was wrong with Ranger now i feel AWFUL because its my fault :(

[cowpie]

Originally Posted by Tae1107

Don't feel bad..... you did not do anything wrong that I can see....I see someone who cares about her baby....

My little guy had his paw stung by a hornet there was nothing I could do it happened lucky he was not allergic.

[delisa2850]

Amanda my friend, you are being a silly girl now. You are the most awesome mom that Ranger and Ryder could ever possibly have. You put their needs and desires above all else. Ranger is such a little go-getter that he probably loved it when you took it up a notch. (Totally off topic, but you are such a skinny little fart anyway - SLOW DOWN!!!!) Just like when we get a hot spot on our feet, we don't really stop until we have worn it too raw. Ranger's little feet are going to heal fine, and unless I miss my guess, you are already trying to figure out how to get a Ranger form of Nike Shox so that you can continue the abuse of running together. Hmmmmm, I know mole skin helps protect our blistered areas, I am curious to see what you and Robert are going to figure out, because Ranger doesn't want to sit and watch the world go by.

No more guilt trips. You are amazing.

Roxy and I love you!!!

[amandawash]

Originally Posted by cowpie

My little guy had his paw stung by a hornet there was nothing I could do it happened lucky he was not allergic.

Oh no! That would be awful! My golden got stung by a wasp and the entire left side of her face swelled up SO BAD, I had to take her to the vet- TWICE!!

Originally Posted by delisa2850

Amanda my friend, you are being a silly girl now. You are the most awesome mom that Ranger and Ryder could ever possibly have. You put their needs and desires above all else. Ranger is such a little go-getter that he probably loved it when you took it up a notch. (Totally off topic, but you are such a skinny little fart anyway - SLOW DOWN!!!!) Just like when we get a hot spot on our feet, we don't really stop until we have worn it too raw. Ranger's little feet are going to heal fine, and unless I miss my guess, you are already trying to figure out how to get a Ranger form of Nike Shox so that you can continue the abuse of running together. Hmmmmm, I know mole skin helps protect our blistered areas, I am curious to see what you and Robert are going to figure out, because Ranger doesn't want to sit and watch the world go by.

No more guilt trips. You are amazing.

Roxy and I love you!!!

Awwww! Thank you so much! You are such a mommy, always know how to make me feel better! Also, you know me WAY TO WELL!!! Lookie here....

Bark'n Boots™ Grip Trex™ Dog Boots - all-terrain, all-condition, all-season paw wear - from Ruff Wear

Unfortunately, they don't make Shox for doggies I wanted to get matching shoes, but I would feel soooo bad making him wear pink tennies!!!!

And no, you're right, he would be sooo sad to watch the world go by- HE wants the world to watch him! Plus, he is great motivation to run with and doesn't pull me off my feet like the dumb old lab!!!! I love you and Roxy too!

[delisa2850]

Originally Posted by amandawash

Awwww! Thank you so much! You are such a mommy, always know how to make me feel better! Also, you know me WAY TO WELL!!! Lookie here....

Bark'n Boots™ Grip Trex™ Dog Boots - all-terrain, all-condition, all-season paw wear - from Ruff Wear

Unfortunately, they don't make Shox for doggies I wanted to get matching shoes, but I would feel soooo bad making him wear pink tennies!!!!

And no, you're right, he would be sooo sad to watch the world go by- HE wants the world to watch him! Plus, he is great motivation to run with and doesn't pull me off my feet like the dumb old lab!!!! I love you and Roxy too!

Ok, I am sitting here laughing and Roxy is just staring at me. Will Ranger get red or black? You are so funny - so predictable - and such a good mommy! Ranger and Ryder need to come visit - you won't have to worry about him blistering his little feet trying to keep up with Auntie D., then he will be healed and ready for his new shoes when you and Robert get home. What a plan, huh? And while I am on a roll - you are still on for the 3rd, right???

[Nancy1999]

Poor little Ranger has such a bad mommy. Seriously, isn't it the worse, thinking that you are doing something good for him and instead it was kind of bad? You've got to hand it to the little fellow, he's a real trouper, but now that you know he'll do something even when it hurts, you need to be on your toes! So many people think, "lazy dog", or "spoiled dog", but he didn't stop, until he really needed to. No one's a perfect mom; we all make mistakes, good mommies learn from them, and help others learn by their mistakes as well. So in my book that makes you a good mommy, and next time Joey plops his little butt down, and won't take another step, I'll think of Ranger.

By the way, I think some of the creams and lotions you use to soften a dog's pads might not be a great idea for dogs that really need a tough pad. It's like when you're learning to play the guitar, you develop calluses, but if you overdue the lotions the skin never toughens up, although, something might be needed temporarily.

[alaskayorkie]

Wow, that must have been some walk! Ranger must be in great shape. You should be proud of that. There's no way you could tell he was hurting his pads. Don't beat yourself up!

A couple questions and a couple suggestions:
* Are you sure it was just wear and tear on the pad, or is there salt or a chemical on the road that might have irritated it? If there's a chance it was a chemical, make foot-washing after walks part of your regular routine.

* I'm sure you've looked into it, but I Googled and one of the first things to come up was the below link. It suggests washing the feet twice daily now that they're cracked. Use an anti-bacterial soap and treat them with an antibiotic to prevent infection.

How to Help a Dog With Winter Paw Pad Injuries: Dog Paw Injuries, Cracked Dog Foot Pads are Common in Winter

Those booties you found look pretty cool. If you get them, just make sure they're not putting too much torque on his ankles. I'm always leary of heavy-duty booties on Yorkies because they can create false pivot points on tender ankles. I think you'd be better off starting with a fleece or nylon sack and no heavy duty sole.

This link shows the kind I like for the snow. They might work just to protect the pad. Unfortunately, the sizes aren't small enough for most Yorkies.

Dog Booties

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh Amanda, don't beat yourself up!! Sometimes, it is SO hard to figure out what is wrong with these guys, I've been there - many times! You did figure it out though, so now he is on the mend and all will be well with you doting on him.

[nikkinack]

Kingston has really sensitive feet and he refuses to wear the boots. I found these Companion Road® Bootie Socks - Apparel - Dog - PetSmart he really is no bothered by them and moves normally.

[amandawash]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Poor little Ranger has such a bad mommy. Seriously, isn't it the worse, thinking that you are doing something good for him and instead it was kind of bad? You've got to hand it to the little fellow, he's a real trouper, but now that you know he'll do something even when it hurts, you need to be on your toes! So many people think, "lazy dog", or "spoiled dog", but he didn't stop, until he really needed to. No one's a perfect mom; we all make mistakes, good mommies learn from them, and help others learn by their mistakes as well. So in my book that makes you a good mommy, and next time Joey plops his little butt down, and won't take another step, I'll think of Ranger.

By the way, I think some of the creams and lotions you use to soften a dog's pads might not be a great idea for dogs that really need a tough pad. It's like when you're learning to play the guitar, you develop calluses, but if you overdue the lotions the skin never toughens up, although, something might be needed temporarily.

Thanks Nancy I figured you would jump in sometime!!! I felt really bad because he DID stop, I just thought he was being stubborn. It took a bit before I stopped to think that something must really be wrong. But yes, I did learn, and knowing Ranger, if he stops, there is something really wrong!

I wasn't going to put anything on it right now as I don't want to soften them up, I know he needs the calluses. This happened to my golden a few years ago and we actually brushed betadine on her pads to toughen them up, but I am leary doing that with Ranger or Ryder, they are just too small! Oh, and never Ryder because his feet RARELY touch the ground as it is.

[amandawash]

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

Wow, that must have been some walk! Ranger must be in great shape. You should be proud of that. There's no way you could tell he was hurting his pads. Don't beat yourself up!

A couple questions and a couple suggestions:
* Are you sure it was just wear and tear on the pad, or is there salt or a chemical on the road that might have irritated it? If there's a chance it was a chemical, make foot-washing after walks part of your regular routine.

* I'm sure you've looked into it, but I Googled and one of the first things to come up was the below link. It suggests washing the feet twice daily now that they're cracked. Use an anti-bacterial soap and treat them with an antibiotic to prevent infection.

How to Help a Dog With Winter Paw Pad Injuries: Dog Paw Injuries, Cracked Dog Foot Pads are Common in Winter

Those booties you found look pretty cool. If you get them, just make sure they're not putting too much torque on his ankles. I'm always leary of heavy-duty booties on Yorkies because they can create false pivot points on tender ankles. I think you'd be better off starting with a fleece or nylon sack and no heavy duty sole.

This link shows the kind I like for the snow. They might work just to protect the pad. Unfortunately, the sizes aren't small enough for most Yorkies.

Dog Booties

Thanks Mike. I am sure the pads are just worn, and not from any chemicals. We haven't had a speck of snow, and it takes ALOT for them to do anything to the roads. I always make sure never to take him through anything spilled on the road or anything wet. His front paws are worn pretty close to the owie point, but not there yet.

I was wondering that exact thing about those boots. I actually found a product called musher's wax I think, which may be a better option. The Ruff Wear company actually has these boots, too, which may be softer and not so much torque. Bark'n Boots™ Skyliner™ Dog Boots – All-weather, paw protecting dog shoes - from Ruff Wear they look less harsh, don't they? The other problem is finding ones that would fit him, I looked at a few "sack types" rubber and nylon, but they weren't small enough.

I just looked at the link you sent, and I think those would be the most practical way to go. It looks like thier smallest size would fit him! And they are cheap, which is great!

Thanks for your advice, I figured with you guys being out in the salt and stuff you may have a better idea that I. Thank you!

[amandawash]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Oh Amanda, don't beat yourself up!! Sometimes, it is SO hard to figure out what is wrong with these guys, I've been there - many times! You did figure it out though, so now he is on the mend and all will be well with you doting on him.

Thanks Anne. It is so frustrating when you can't figure it out! I had looked at his feet but I think it took a day for the sores to become really apparent. He is obviously feeling better, because he doesn't want to be doted on anymore! He was sucking it up for a while!

Originally Posted by nikkinack

Kingston has really sensitive feet and he refuses to wear the boots. I found these Companion Road® Bootie Socks - Apparel - Dog - PetSmart he really is no bothered by them and moves normally.

Those are cute, but like you said, they are way to big for Ranger. Check out the link in Mike's (Alaskayorkie) post. They are dog booties that mushers use, and they come in little sizes. I think I am going to get some of those and see what he thinks. Knowing him, he would refuse to walk with shoes on, but those seem less obtrusive.

[bdbmamaw]

Isn't funny that as parents we always remember the mistakes we made and feel guilty, while our kids just remember how awesome we were? I'm sure that your little Ranger still thinks you 'hung the moon'! What a lucky guys he is to have a mommy that cares....

[tjdmom]

Aww, you're a wonderful mommy! Do you know how many people on here don't bother to take their pups for exercise at all? Me included- At least not as much as I should! I can't wait to see pics of him in his new shoes!

[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by amandawash

Thanks Mike. I am sure the pads are just worn, and not from any chemicals. We haven't had a speck of snow, and it takes ALOT for them to do anything to the roads. I always make sure never to take him through anything spilled on the road or anything wet. His front paws are worn pretty close to the owie point, but not there yet.

I was wondering that exact thing about those boots. I actually found a product called musher's wax I think, which may be a better option. The Ruff Wear company actually has these boots, too, which may be softer and not so much torque. Bark'n Boots™ Skyliner™ Dog Boots – All-weather, paw protecting dog shoes - from Ruff Wear they look less harsh, don't they? The other problem is finding ones that would fit him, I looked at a few "sack types" rubber and nylon, but they weren't small enough.

I just looked at the link you sent, and I think those would be the most practical way to go. It looks like thier smallest size would fit him! And they are cheap, which is great!

Thanks for your advice, I figured with you guys being out in the salt and stuff you may have a better idea that I. Thank you!

Sounds like you're on top of it! I've heard good things about the musher's wax. That might solve it.

I like those all-weather booties too. The ones I sent are designed more for snow and would likely get holes in them pretty quickly. They could be patched, but it might be more work than it's worth.

If you want to experiment before spending a bunch of money on booties, you could get an old pair of work gloves or fleece gloves and cut off the fingers. Then buy a strip of velcro and wrap around the top. That might give you an idea of how well he'll tolerate them. Of course, it takes some "conditioning" before he'll do much walking in them.

[abaddon248]

AmandaWash keep the emu oil out of reach of the doggies. I was using it because it is great for your skin and Max took it out of my makeup room and ate it I couldnt find the packaging for about 3 weeks.