Sore pads on my W/L GSD - Page 1

Hey everyone,
I have a 16mo (working line) gsd that I have the all clear on from my vet (that specializes in working dogs) to excersise, run, hike, ect.  We have been taking short 2.5mi runs and bike rides every other day and his pads are sore to the extent he's favoring his front feet.  I noticed this right away, called my vet, she said rest him for a 10/14 days, recommended a product called pad tough, and told me when we start exercising again to keep an eye on him! Bought the pad tough, started using it but after the 14 days, we went on a 2.5mi bike ride on mixed asphault and dirt terrain and his feet are sore again! I have him resting immediately again! Any suggestions to toughen his feet up? What can be causing this? Or if its actually to soon for 2.5mi runs! Suggestions are appreciated! Thanks

P.S. My 5th GSD, 3rd W/L and never have had this issue before. And I'm posting this on the general board because dogs are dogs when it comes to exercise (for the most part).

Miklej, From past expirience, i could guess that where you house your gsd has a cement floor, and may be not so smooth. The other guess is that the "mixed alphat" road you exercise your dog is also hard on your dog's pads. I cannot comment on the "dirt road" which could mean bare to soil: ie as in most farm roads. Now, rest your exercise as recommended by your vet, after the sores are healed, then start your exercise only on the "dirt road" and in fields alone. Remember, if i'd guessed right on his housing floor, then you also wood work to do there or any other less hard materials as flooring. Your dog wouldn't do any farm work on alphat, so i suggest you stop such "wear n tear" exercise. On grassy field is much more better. You vet still has the final say. Goodluck.

I agree - switch to grass and train your dog on this for longer distances before you go back to ashphalt. Before you run him for 2.5 miles on ashphalt I would suggest you walk him on ashphalt and dirt, so his pads get used to it slowly.