Paw pads too dry?

[alschwahn]

I've been trying to moisturize Aspen's paw pads with Musher's Secret because this cold has taken quite a toll on his feet. I was worried about the especially dry parts near his nails - does this look like they're just really dry or does it look like there's something else going on? They're really scaly and get caught on everything. It really hurts when he tries to bat us too cause they're so scratchy.

Also is it just me or does this texture really gross you out?! I hate snakes cause their scales gross me out and that's what his dry paws remind me of!

His elbow paw thing:

The really rough patch under his nails:

 

[Ashley]

I know what you mean, Quinn's pads and nails are super dry this year...some of her pads are peeling and they hurt if she brushes them on me! I got her an all natural moisturizer, but to be honest it isn't doing much and I know I am so dry this winter too, so other than a humidifier, there is not much else to do but wait for spring! His pads and nails don't look abnormal to me.

 

[Jen]

They look pretty normal to me.. I think they’re supposed to be rough and tough for when they walk on things.

 

[Kelsey]

I’ve been using coconut oil on Axel’s pads, it’s really helped as they were dry and cracked as well. Only bad thing is he loves coconut oil so I put it on right before bed and that stops him from licking it all off

 

[Shaz82]

That looks normal to me, although I would keep an eye on the side of that nail in case it peels off a bit.

The pads are only rough one way, if you stroke them the opposite way they are smooth.

 

[MellowYellow]

Those look completely normal, but with this weather and salt on the roads I would continue to rub mushers in.

 

[snowbunny]

I'm going to say they look normal, too. Keep washing off the salt and grit as that can make them ill if they lick it, and rub the Musher's Secret in regularly. If I don't use it enough, I find that Shadow's pads actually split and bleed a little bit.