Rough pads are a sign that
the dog is normal.
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and was thinking that maybe running on the road was the cause
Any abrasive surface is going to thicken and create rough pads, just as if you were to walk on the street in your bare feet, over time the skin on your feet would thicken.
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but my other dog does not have the rough pads
Pure genetics and possibly as a result of the different mechanical way it runs as opposed to the other dog.
Do the pads appear to be cracked? Is the dog in pain or limping? If not then the only issue is that you don't like the sandpaper feel. Applying a little lotion won't harm anything. But over doing it to the point of softening the pads might cause problems- easier for their paws to get cuts.
Per dog stepping on one's foot, the only problem I have is when one of their nails is a little long and they curl their toes as they step on me. Out comes the nail clippers! :eek: