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Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax 60 g (2.1 oz) - Moisturizing Dog Paw Balm that Creates an Invisible Barrier That Protects and Heals Dry Cracked Paws - All-Natural with Vitamin E and Food-Grade Ingredients?
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First, have you tried getting boots for him? Some dogs hate them, some don't mind them; if he's the latter, it could really help extend the walks. If he's the former, some paw wax may help some.
Second, have you tried mental stimulation games with him? My dog gets worn out pretty well with some of those games. Heck, even some hide-and-seek works wonders when he's antsy (though this really needs two people).
Also, does he like sniffing things? If so, you might want to try some nosework with him.
Get wax don't use boots
Edit: here's what my bird dog uses
Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax (2.1 Oz): All Season Pet Paw Protection Against Heat, Sand, Snow. with Beewax, Great for Dogs, Cats, Horses, and Chickens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IJQDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q1atFbGCK24QS
Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax (2.1 Oz): All Season Pet Paw Protection Against Heat, Hot Pavement, Sand, Dirt, Snow - Great for Dogs on Trails and Walks! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IJQDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EZ6RZ647KJVH445T95GD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
> doesn't bother my dog's feet anywhere near as much.
My parents' dog always had problems with this and hated the little boots, so I found them a paw wax that works way better than I imagined it would.
Here's the amazon link if you want to look into it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IJQDC
I'm sure there are other brands and whatnot and this was a product I assumed wouldn't work that I put into a Christmas gift bundle, so you may want to look around and see what's up because I did basically zero research on this. It ended up working well but who knows what's out there.
Also -- paw protection? I used to use Musher's Secret for Shadow and our GSD, who were both prone to cracked pads year-round. Strangely, my smaller dogs never seemed to have that problem. I've already noticed Mouse's paws getting pretty rough, so off to Amazon I go...
The boots are somewhat useless for high energy dogs. Gentle walks would be fine, but my black/white NEEDS to fetch balls or Frisbee
Coats and jackets are just for looks, wife likes to make them look cute.
I think its Mushers Paw wax is what I have been using. Haven't actually been using it this year as it hasn't been a problem for their paws yet.
https://www.amazon.ca/Mushers-Secret-Pet-Protection-60-Gram/dp/B0002IJQDC?th=1
Another vote for sled dog wax. Neither of my dogs will tolerate booties no matter how much I try. I know the booties are better, but only if they stay on -- sled dog wax is the next best thing.
One other view on this is to use Musher's Wax instead. I have had two danes that absolutely refused to walk in any sort of boot/shoe that I got them. Shmear some wax on their feet before going out and you are good to go.
THIS. My lab actually just ripped her pad open a few days ago. Now she is down for the count until she heals (LOL tell a Lab no fetch or running that's hilarious). We had issues with her paws last summer bleeding a lot because we hike and go to the lake frequently. Booties are a MUST. There is also pad balms to condition and strengthen their pads. Musher's Secret is what I use on my babes.
I want to commend the OP for their empathy and earnest desire to learn how to help this dog. What's going to happen to this dog when your go back to school? I see four long-term solutions:
- Help educate mom/bf on how crating him up so much is cruel. (Unlikely to work if they haven't shown any common-sense empathy for the dog.)
- Take dog back to school with you if your living arrangements will allow for it. I know you didn't plan on this, but could be a wonderful experience for both you and the dog.
- Convince mom/bf to let you rehome the dog. Make absolutely sure you do not surrender him to a kill shelter. Search for senior dog or no-kill rescues/shelters in your area. If one particular breed stands out in him, try finding a rescue that focuses on that breed. They might take him.
- If they won't agree to let you rehome him, the last option (in the name of kindness to this dog) is for him to "wander off" while mom/bf out of the house. BTW, "wander off" is code for you surreptitiously taking him to a pre-arranged rescue that will find him a good home. Not ideal, but this is about doing what's best for this little derp.
Also, if you take him on walks in the hot months, try using some dog paw wax. I use this one and it's great and preventing hot paws: Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax
I feel like if you have to be told this, you shouldn't have a dog as you aren't a responsible owner. That being said, I use this when walking in hot environments as well as not taking my eyes off my dog in case of any issues. I typically also try to encourage her to walk on the grass while I walk on the pavement.
Mushers wax works well for us! It’s good for sidewalks too if they’re going to put salt down.
Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax (2.1 Oz): All Season Pet Paw Protection Against Heat, Sand, Snow. with Beeswax, Great for Dogs, Cats, Horses, and Chickens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IJQDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_veN0Fb9E15NZ3
Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax (2.1 Oz): All Season Pet Paw Protection Against Heat, Sand, Snow. with Beewax, Great for Dogs, Cats, Horses, and Chickens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IJQDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q1atFbGCK24QS
Here's what I use in snow for my bird dog!
You are pretty much at booties or cream. They do have booties for hiking/jogging/concrete, but I have no experience with them.
I use this on my dogs feet before hiking. Supposed to help with concrete too. http://www.amazon.com/Mushers-Secret-Pet-Protection-60-Gram/dp/B0002IJQDC/
I was just talking to family about this yesterday. One of my fiances aunts is our resident dog expert. A lot of her dogs have a similar problem, sensitive paws and hates boots. What she does is she gets this paw wax stuff, or paw protectant/conditioner. Rub it on your dogs paws and in between toes before walks or once a day and you should be good to go!
A highly recommended brand is Musher's Secret. Can be had on amazon (big size) for about $18 +shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Dog-Boots-Pavement-Wax-Based/dp/B0002IJQDC
So I tried to put booties on my dog, who is our child, and umm... It did not take. I have not laughed that hard in a long time how much he did not like them.
I have this in my amazon shopping cart for my go bag for him.
I have a lab/pit mix and I live in Wisconsin, so we understand cold and snow around here. I have a couple of different coats I use with my guy. He has the lighter pittie fur with not much on the belly.
When he gets cold, he tends to cuddle up against my legs when we are outside. He uses the red coat in the fall as he is getting used to colder weather and the blue one when it is really cold out. When we are out running around at the park he doesn't really care about the cold and I don't bother with a coat unless it is below 0. When it is below 0 I make him wear the blue coat since it covers his belly as well as his back and is water resistant for when he plows through the snow and the ice. I can't get him to do booties, but I use Musher's paw wax on his feet to keep the snow and ice from sticking to them.
I would definitely recommend a coat. Make sure to take good measurements of her. Like my guy, the chest is going to be your biggest issue. The coat may seem too large in other areas, but you need it to fit around the broad chest.
My dogs are not small (70-80 lbs) but my younger one is a pittie that will start shivering around 50 degrees. He has a snowsuit that he wears when its really cold. It basically just leaves open so he can potty, but covers everywhere else. He also has a fleece version when it is cold but not single degree and snowy cold, as well as an assortment of different coats and sweatshirts, most of which cover the belly too. Since your dog is smaller, it should be much easier to find full coverage outerwear for him.
Some of them are:
Use Musher's Secret on the paws in the winter. Helps protect them from the snow/cold and keeps snow and ice from clumping into the paws. My guys won't wear boots, but this definitely helps.
We do dog parks year round. I was just there last night for about an hour in single-digit temps. There are lots of dog parks in the Madison area, especially between the Madison ones and the Dane County ones. Just make sure to get a dog park permit. There is even one that is just shy of 80 acres.
For the inevitable wet and muddy times, towels like these are great. Get the wet and mud off them easily. And, if they are still cold once you get inside, its a great time to put on some pajamas and snuggle.
My dogs are also not fans of the rain, but absolutely LOVE the snow. At least until they get too cold. Don't be surprised if your dog ends up liking the snow. Snow zoomies are definitely a thing!
Consider putting this on their paws https://www.amazon.com/Mushers-Secret-Pet-Protection-60-Gram/dp/B0002IJQDC
Just give them some paw wax they'll be fine.
https://www.amazon.com/Mushers-Secret-Pet-Protection-60-Gram/dp/B0002IJQDC
It really depends on the dog and the temps. My current ACD mix, who's just as shortcoated as your dog, does need a coat for winter hikes below ~25F, but at least for temps down to 0F (the point at which we switch to short walks and mostly-indoor exercise), she's never needed anything beyond Musher's Secret on her paws. It forms a kind of seal that protects well against salt and also repels snow and ice, but doesn't actually protect from cold per se. Some dogs just do have more sensitive pawpads, though--you'll know it because you'll see them limping, holding up their paws, etc., even with Musher's Secret on--and for those cases I like these booties, which are another product lots of mushers use.
My dog was going through something similar as well. He was itching and licking to the point where he had hot spots and was bleeding, it was really bad. His hair was also thining a bit and he had a lot of dandruff. We went to the vet and the prescribed us Apoquel allergy medication which came in tablet form, which my dog has to take lifetime because he has bad allergies. The vet also told us to give him a medicated bath once a week every week for 3 months and one every two weeks after that. We also give him omega 3 supplements everyday. It's been almost 3 months and there's already a huge improvement. No more licking/itching, no more hot spots, hardly any dandruff, and most hair has grown back. It's a lot of time and energy and very time consuming but maybe you should try tht out. Here's the link for the shampoo I used (can be used for both dogs and cars I think). Also for the shampoo you have to work it into the skin and let it sit there for 10min then rinse it off https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IJQDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_uj6RFbJEARTHK Here are the supplements. And for the medication I think that has to be prescribed by its Apoquel and it really helps with allergies https://www.chewy.com/nordic-naturals-omega-3-pet-soft-gels/dp/35743 I hope this helped and I hope your animals feel better!
There is this CBD salve made my Suzie's cbd treats. It's a topical salve, kind of like a thick balm that helps alleviate any pain your dog is feeling for on her paws. Here's the link to the website: https://www.suziespettreats.com/product-page/cbd-cream-for-dogs When your dog plays out in the snow, putting on a paw protection can be helpful as well. Mushers secret paw wax is a good product for protecting paws against snow. Here's a link to the product on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IJQDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_uj6RFbJEARTHK I hope your dog gets well soon!
> I want a medium to large sized dog that bonds well with ... one owner but friendly to the rest of the household.
Hounds tend to do this.
> I was looking at scent hounds ... they will go on auto-chase mode the second they have their attention pulled by something.
We hound owners tend to call it "scent deaf."
Basically, don't ever expect to be able to walk a hound off-leash in an unfenced area (unless you are in a REALLY rural area, and basically hunting with them). They will notice a squirrel, or catch an interesting scent, and their ears shut off, and all their brain power goes into hunting mode.
> If I'm willing to put lots of time into training can this be controlled?
Mitigated to an extent. For example, my Plott Hound doesn't dash off if you accidentally drop her leash (at least any more...), but we will never be able to walk her off leash.
> Are there any recreational activities I could do with a scent hound involving tracking something down?
Nose work is a thing, and I believe some areas will have competitions in it, somewhat like agility competitions. There are also breed and hunting groups that will have competitions that include nose work.
Walking through a forested area with the hound on a field line (~30-foot leash) would be fun, though you would likely spend half your time untangling the dog from wrapping the leash around trees. In a forest a 4-foot leash would probably be better in that respect. But hounds love walking and you letting them lead the way in a scent-stravaganza.
> There's no small toddlers or anything in my house but I have a 9 year old sister and 4 cats if that's anything to worry about.
Small kids don't tend to be a problem for most hounds (I have a 3-month old baby; the hounds mostly ignore him), but the cats would generally be an issue, unless you got the hound as a 10-week old puppy, and raised him with the cats around.
> I don't want a lazy dog, I like walking and want a dog to walk with me. 6-14km a day?
Hounds were bred to chase and track prey for hours, often through rugged terrain. Hounds are not lazy dogs (a well-exercised hound is a lazy dog around the house, after they've gotten their energy out).
My wife regularly runs our hounds for 60-90 minutes, anywhere from 3 to 6 times a week. But working a hound's mind is just as good a way to burn off their energy. A 60 minute walk filled with interesting smells, and the dog is given the chance to sniff to their heart's content, will almost wear them out as much as a 90-minute run. Just make sure to vary the route, so things don't get boring for the hound.
Hounds are generally single-coated breeds. They do shed, but nothing like a Husky or a German Shepherd.
> Also location wise, it's Canada so it gets pretty cold so I'd like the dog to be comfortable with walks in -20 degrees celcius
Being single-coated breeds, hounds sometimes don't like the cold. My Plott hated the cold (never mind that we found her as a starving stray in Wisconsin, in December), but then my wife bought her a coat. At first the hated the coat, and it freaked her out. After one or two trips to the dog park with her coat on, she LOVES it.
Granted, I live in the midwest USA, not Canada. We generally don't see more than a few days in the 20's or teens (Fahrenheit) each winter.
Musher's Secret is another essential for outside activities in such cold conditions. We've been using it for years (larger container than the one linked, but we're still on the first canister).
> Maybe one that's comfortable sitting still for periods of time? Not alone, but I like to relax just as much as I like to walk.
Do you mean pausing for a rest in the middle of a walk? Or at home? A well-exercised hound will certainly lounge around the house for hours. But mid-walk? They'll usually only stop because they are over-heated.
> I'd like a dog that's alert and maybe a bit suited to be a guard dog, strong and intimidating, but I don't want to struggle to control him or her every time a stranger walks by, so can this be trained to be manageable?
A dog that is alert, and a guard dog, are two VERY different things. Guard dogs require constant intense training to reinforce the guard dog behaviors, and they are a MASSIVE liability risk (seriously, go talk to your home owner's insurance rep).
But a hound will certainly alert bark if they hear something amiss. My Plott has a deep bark that makes her sound much larger than her 44 lbs. frame really is.
Overall, I think a hound breed might work well for you. Other breeds might work just as well, or better. But I can tell you from experience that a hound dog will love you like no other dog.
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