Dog supplies: Dog boots

3 comments | Leave your own comment

Say the words "dog booties," and images of pampered lapdogs in snazzy pink high tops may spring to mind. To many dog owners, canine footwear seems about as necessary as those Hermès collars.

But believe it or not, booties aren't just for dogs who own more accessories than you. Canine feet may be tough, but certain conditions--extreme heat or cold, rough terrain, or just a lot of running on pavement--can cause serious wear and tear. In these case wearing boots can help keep your dog out of pain and on the go.

Does my dog need boots?

Think about what your dog walks on.
Do any of the following apply?

You live in a cold climate where salt or chemicals are put on streets and sidewalks to melt the ice. Not only can salt and ice-melters irritate paws, they can cause stomach upset when your dog licks her feet. Note: You don't necessarily need to buy boots for this; you can also rinse your pup's feet in warm water after wintertime outdoor walks.
Your dog walks on hot pavement in summer
Your dog walks and runs--a lot.
You often take your dog over rough terrain, subjecting her tootsies to jagged rocks, thorns, burrs, and foxtails
Your dog's healing from a paw injury
You want to keep your dog from scratching herself

Take a look at your dog's feet. Many dogs aren't crazy about having their feet handled, so be slow and gentle and praise her to the skies if she cooperates. Look for these warning signs that her paws are getting beat up:

Blisters, burns, or swelling
Cracks or cuts
Redness
Seeds and burrs stuck between the paw pads

Gently press on your dog's paw pads. Wincing or yelping is a sign of tender, sore feet.

If your pup's lifestyle is tough on her feet, and her paws are [Continued]

« 1 2 »

Many dogs aren't thrilled with their new shoes at first. Feed her treats every time you slip them on her. Eventually she'll learn to tolerate them. Count on seeing some hilarious action as, newly shod, she takes her first few walks. You might want to keep a camcorder handy.

see more tips »

Comments

“Booties are also good for keeping wood floors from being scratched by their nails.” — Bacon Bits, Mar 26 2008

“I know here on the east coast its very important. The salts they use on roads burns the dog's pads. Yesterday, I forgot to put the booties on my dog, and after 15 minutes he started to hop. So I had to carry him home 2 full blocks. ” — thickruggernyc, Feb 13 2008

“my dog Miss Thang loves her booties. especially on cold days. she takes them to her bed when she's not wearing them.” — iluvpoodles, Dec 05 2007

newest topics:

Products & Gear

See ALL topics in this forum

12 topics, 31 posts

topics	replies	views	last post
Anyone have tips on how to keep doggie shoes on? We just bought shoes for our border collie because he slips and slides on the hardwood floors. They seem to slip down where they flop on... (continued)	1	117	Aug 15, 2008 4:02pm by cowgirlchick78 view
nipping my puppy australian cattle/terrier she is seven weeks old what do about him nipping at my feet. She moves so fast that once in a while I step on her paws. please help.	2	149	Aug 8, 2008 9:05pm by annalauraatkins view
Collar on new puppy We were given a pug puppy that is between three and four months old. He was left alone quite a bit. He hasn't worn a collar until now. We... (continued)	2	198	Jul 15, 2008 7:25am by Luna view
1 ft leash (loop) The trainer in our class suggested this leash (it's really just a loop), as a solution for walking tall dogs. It was hard to find, local... (continued)	0	130	Jul 12, 2008 2:42pm by Luna view