My adventure dog, Finn, is finding winter conditions to be hard on his sensitive paws. When I rescued him, the pads on Finn's feet were as silky smooth as baby skin. That is because Finn had never been outdoors. Recently, during a walk at the park, Finn stopped moving and started whimpering a bit. After quickly checking his feet, I realized he was communicating discomfort related to an ice ball that had formed between the toes on a front foot. Not long after that incident, Finn let me know that he could not tolerate any small amount of the chemical de-icer that was present on city sidewalks and roads. What to do?
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Organic Beeswax
- Organic Carnauba Wax
- Jojoba Wax
- Non-GMO Vitamin E
Since I have just started using this balm on Finn's paws, I'll have to keep you posted about our longer term results. I am fully expecting good outcomes given all of the positive online reviews. Stay tuned for updates.
Before closing, I thought I would share some fun facts I discovered while searching for information about dog feet.
Fritos Feet
What is that corn chip smell?? Why do dogs have feet that smell like Fritos, Cheetos, or popcorn? Actually, that is totally normal. The smell comes from natural bacteria that grow on canine paws (mixed with a dog's unique paw sweat gland odor).
Did You Know?
Some dog breeds, think Greyhounds, Dobermans, and Akitas, have "cat feet" (smaller feet with high arches). These features, along with the lightness of their feet, enhance their endurance.
Pop Quiz
Does your dog have webbed feet? If so, you should ace this quiz. In the comment section, please name a breed of dog with webbing between the toes/pads.
Finally, have you had to treat your pet's feet at certain times of year? If so, what worked well for your four-legged friend?
Did You Know?
Some dog breeds, think Greyhounds, Dobermans, and Akitas, have "cat feet" (smaller feet with high arches). These features, along with the lightness of their feet, enhance their endurance.
Pop Quiz
Does your dog have webbed feet? If so, you should ace this quiz. In the comment section, please name a breed of dog with webbing between the toes/pads.
Finally, have you had to treat your pet's feet at certain times of year? If so, what worked well for your four-legged friend?
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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I love organic creams for both animals and pets. Yes their paws and other parts are sensitive to the outdoors. Sometimes we never think about it, but a small pebble in our shoes would hurt us, so it is with them. I'm glad you found a natural way to help Finn and other people's dogs too!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard Finn express pain, so it broke my heart to hear him react like this. It made me realize how extra vigilant we need to be with animal paws. They are even more sensitive than I had imagined. Anything we can do to provide an effective barrier against chemicals and the elements is an important responsibility of any loving pet guardian.
DeleteGlad to hear you found a product that will give Finn's paws protection and relief from irritating substances. I've often wondered what experts with search & rescue dogs use to protect dog's paws in dangerous conditions, but never thought about similar protection needed for family pets in everyday conditions.
ReplyDeleteI imagine those search and rescue dogs experience quite a few injuries to their feet. I'll bet a good number of those dogs wear special booties made to provide extra protection. I think of all the animals that had terrible burns on their feet as a result of our latest wildfire season. It took months to treat those life-threatening injuries. The pain had to be excruciating.
DeleteIt is so hard to know when and why our puppies are hurting! I am glad that Finn was able to communicate his need to you. I'll have to pay closer attention to my furbabies. Merlin, who is a Labrador Retriever and yes, has webbed feet, hates the cold of ice and snow on his feet. Our Daisy, who is part Golden Retriever does not have webbed feet even though they are common for a goldie, has never complained about any surface, but as she ages, she may well start experiencing it. I will definitely keep the Ruff Relief in mind for her. Merlin may already need it.
ReplyDeleteYou get an A+ on the quiz. Thanks for playing along. I almost cried when Finn let me know he was hurting. I just can't stand it when any of my animals are sick or in any kind of distress (even minor). Some older dogs and cats, and especially newly rescued dogs, tend to have skin hot spots in areas where they habitually come in contact with hard surfaces. This balm would be very good for those areas they tend to rub raw (typically near their elbows or other joints).
DeleteI'm so glad that you and Finn have such a close, loving connection that enables such intuitive communication and allowed you to quickly identify what was causing him pain so you could seek out a solution to relieve it, and also to prevent its recurrence. The balm you selected looks fantastic, based on the ingredients. (I'm tempted to try some on my own dry feet and hands, especially on my perennially cracking heels!) You're such an amazingly loving guardian, and I know that love comes back to you many times over.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child, I remember my dad using some animal balm on my hand to treat a painful burn. So, if I had cracked skin today, I surely wouldn't mind using this product. As you mentioned, the ingredients are just as good for us as they are for our pets. As for communication, I am so happy that Finn has found his voice, and that he knows how to use it. I remember how quiet he was when first rescued. It takes these shelter animals time to decompress and learn how to ask for what they need (heart to heart).
DeleteI appreciate this tip. We have a few dogs in our family where walking outside here in the blistering cold is brutal. Sounds like a good option for that.
ReplyDeleteI'm always glad if I can share a useful resource. I would think a balm like this would be a necessity up your way.
DeleteI wonder how this compares to Bag Balm? Willy has (normally) the most rough and scratchy pads. And both Willy and Daisy have hot spots and sensitive skin. Ruff Relief sounds like a really good option. I think I'll have to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteYou got me wondering also. I took a look at the ingredients in Bag Balm. First, a main ingredient in BB is petrolatum (petroleum jelly). A key point there is that if petrolatum is not completely refined in the United States, it can contain toxic chemicals (it is classified in the EU as a carcinogen). Another difference I noted is that the ingredients in Bag Balm aren't organic. In terms of which balm will work better for your animals, I cannot say. However, I would feel better using a food grade USDA certified product made in the USA. Wishing you all the very best with the health of your precious pets.
ReplyDelete