bathing paws in epsom salts

We're becoming quite expert at bathing Penny's feet in Epsom salts. Here's how we do it:

Penny doesn't mind standing there for five minutes (though we've never made it to ten minutes, as recommended).

Why does she stand so obligingly? Yes, you guessed it. A steady diet of treats the whole time. I think there might have to be some discussion of her weight after a week of no exercise and lots of treats.

Today she had two little walks, each one just mooching around on lawn for five minutes, followed by a wash of her feet. There are only little spots of unhealed skin now. Maybe in a couple of days it will be back to normal. Here's hoping.

gravel rash on Penny's front paws

I've discovered that two other dogs who were with us on our long walk at Marysville also have sore front paws.

In one way, it's a relief to know, because now I can rule out other possibilities about Penny's sore feet. I've looked on the internet to see what other people do for these types of injuries and there's lots of information.

One site mentions treating the sore places with Neosporin. I don't know that medication, but discovered it's an antibiotic cream available in the US. An article at Wikipedia - which I don't completely trust - says it might be better not to used antibiotics like this, because there's no evidence they speed healing, and they may promote the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The article suggests using simple petroleum jelly (which we have at home and which a more experienced dog-owner already told me should do the job). On the other hand, I'm not fond of medications that are by-products of the oil industy.  Here's a little snippet about Vaseline brand of petroleum jelly:

Chesebrough originally promoted Vaseline primarily as an ointment for scrapes, burns, and cuts, but studies have shown that Vaseline has no medicinal effect nor any effect on the blistering process, nor is it absorbed by the skin.
Vaseline brand First Aid Petroleum Jelly, or carbolated petroleum jelly containing phenol to give the jelly additional antibacterial effect, has been discontinued. During World War II, a variety of petroleum jelly called red veterinary petrolatum, or Red Vet Pet for short, was often included in life raft survival kits. Acting as a sunscreen, it provides protection againstultraviolet rays.^[4]Petroleum jelly's effectiveness in accelerating wound healing stems from its sealing effect on cuts and burns, which inhibits germs from getting into the wound and keeps the injured area supple by preventing the skin's moisture from evaporating.

If Penny's not very much better tomorrow I might try the petroleum jelly. Of course, if she's really sore, we'll go to the vet. But I don't think that's necessary, because already it's healing well.

I might put some aloe vera gel on it. (We have the plant growing in our garden.)

Here's a little bit about aloe vera:

There are a few homeopathic remedies for minor soreness and injuries. A soak of diluted salt water can help with soreness and small cuts or abrasions. The salt has antiseptic properties.
Aloe Vera and tea tree oil are other good homeopathic options. Aloe Vera is safe for dogs to lick and may be applied directly to the paw. It soothes and heals, and contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties. If using a store bought gel, make sure the gel contains 100% Aloe Vera. If it does not, the gel may contain additives that are not safe for the dog to ingest.   

Note this quote doesn't say tea tree oil is safe for dogs to lick!! As far as I know it is dangerous.  


The other possibility is to put manuka honey on it, but the thought of stopping Penny licking it off daunts me.

Another site I found useful is this short video by a vet on care of dogs' paw pads.