Bleeding claws

[Rosanne]

i have three border terriers, one English bulldog and one Boston Terrier.
The only game they all love, and truly beyond measure, is to take and shake a length of tatty sisal rope about two metres long. The pleasure they get from this is inconceivable, but none of them more so than the Boston. He is by far and away the smallest and the most game. He is also the one that invariably initiates the game by finding the rope wherever I have hidden it. However, latterly he has participated in this game to the point extent that he has completely worn away one claw on his front foot and abraded his toe. This started when they played on the cobbles of the court yard, but still continues even though they are now confined to the paddock. It would break his heart to be prevented from playing the rope game with his mates. Any suggestions please as to how to deal with this problem !

 

[millymojo1]

I love Bostons
Oh yes he has to play, he sounds lovely.
Have you thought about a boot? That’s the only thing that comes to mind at the moment.

 

[JoanneF]

I really think you would have to limit his play. He may be getting an adrenaline high which would mask the pain but if he is continuing to the point where he is injuring himself, the responsible thing to do is stop the play sooner.

 

[Rosanne]

I love Bostons
Oh yes he has to play, he sounds lovely.
Have you thought about a boot? That’s the only thing that comes to mind at the moment.

I have thought about a boot. Have you any experience whatsoever about them ?

 

[millymojo1]

I have thought about a boot. Have you any experience whatsoever about them ?

No, sorry Rosanne I don’t, although I’m considering getting a set for winter for my dog because she suffers with itchy feet when it’s wet.
If anyone can recommend any please, that would be helpful!

 

[Rosanne]

I really think you would have to limit his play. He may be getting an adrenaline high which would mask the pain but if he is continuing to the point where he is injuring himself, the responsible thing to do is stop the play sooner.

You are so right. This is exactly the conclusion I have come to, although I assumed that little if any pain would be felt due to the high threshold of pain that dogs have ( doubtless due to the adrenaline surge ). The trouble is ,though, that they all get so much pleasure from the rope game, especially the Boston terrier. That being said, I guess that either abstinence or boots are the answer. Many thanks.

 

[RalphDog]

get some kids socks and put them on for a bit - maybe your dog is is biting them too much or they are pulling on the floor.... dog socks or boots are great for protecting your doggies paws

 

[gypsysmum2]

You don't have to ban the game just limit it to a sensible level. Of course the toe must be fully healed first. The vet nurses at your local practice may be able to show you how to cover the foot until it is fully healed.

I would invest in an APDT or IPDT trainer to come round and show you how to control the game so that everyone can enjoy themselves.