Hi, can any one help? my 4 year old staff is suffering with very sore pads and claws which look like they are about to blood. he's about 2 and a half stone and likes to play football with my son but after a good game on the 16/3/05 he can hardly walk, I've only had him for about a year and he's my little baby, hate seeing him in pain and not to sure what to do for the best any info would be a great help  Thanks Angie & Buster 

Hi Angie & Buster,

You should probably have put this on a different board to get more attention   Firstly, if there looks to be any redness, cracks on his pads, swelling of the toes, quick exposed on his nails then take him to the vet for a proper check over! Probably best to do this regardless of obvious physical signs as you state >>>hate seeing him in pain<<< 

In any event he obviously needs to rest his feet a little until his pads etc are less painful.  This doesn't necessarily mean no exercise but just ensure it's done on grass for a few days - definitely no mad running around and without a football    Friends of mine had this happen playing with their kids and dog on a tennis court for a couple of hours - the surface (red ash type stuff - it's late!) was too coarse for the dog's feet and caused damage to the pads and irritation of the underside of the nails.  Bathing and gentle exercise on grass for a few days was enough to get things back to normal.

Good luck with Buster, and let us know how he gets on   regards Teri 

There is a horse treatment I heard someone talking about on another board recently that is good for the feet. Maybe someone will know what it is called.

there's a product on the market called PAW WAX this is supposed to be good for sore pads.  I've not tried it but it's avaliable online from pet supermarket I think.  Do a google search and I am pretty sure you will find it.  Good luck

Put into search engine robert mcdowell.  He is a guy in Australia who is very good.  Treats by herbal remedies. You can put into his page what is wrong and he will reccommend treatment.  Have you tried Aloe Vera Gel.  Or Aloe Vera Tablets. Also Colodial Silver Spray. You can get these from a good health shop.