Doggy Boots/Shoes?

E

ElleKayCee

Forums Regular
I'm not really interested in boots/shoes as a fashion accessory but I do have some questions about their more practical uses. I've already decided to get my sheltie boots for the winter because I heard that the road salts can damage their paws.

However, the other day stepped out onto my porch with my bare feet for a few seconds and it was COLD! It got me thinking about Riley's paws because its been pretty wet and rainy lately, so he's had cold and wet feet.

What temperature are shelties, in general, able to tolerate? Is colder weather a concern in terms of his paws getting too cold?

Right now, the temperature is just above freezing and my sheltie doesn't seem to have any problems but I was wondering if I should buy some shoes for fall or will he be fine?
 
Mine are rarely where they can get salt or de-icing material on their feet. They don't seem to mind the cold on their feet at all -- they're always rarin' to play in the snow. I have one set of boots in case anyone ever has a sore paw, but that's about it.
 
Except when it's super freezing (e.g. -25C) my dogs really don't seem to mind it too much. But I'm fortunate that my dogs can walk in fresh snow.

That being said, slush and salt is really, really bad on their paws. If you have to walk in slush and salt, there are a number of products you can try.

- There are topical paw protectors you rub on their feet

http://drmaggie.ca/products_paw_protector.html

- you can buy booties, like these. There are other brands but the muttlucks seems to fit the best.

http://www.muttluks.com/product_home.php?cat=2

- or my favourite....Pawz. They are super ugly but will not slip off. For extra warmth for those dogs that need it, I advise them to put baby socks on first, then cover with the Pawz. They are rubber and can be reused several times (with socks underneath, they might last the whole winter)

http://pawzdogboots.com/

Hope this helps!
 
I second Muttluks. I don't get snow here, but for some time, there was alot of construction in the neighbourhood and I found all kinds of crap on the pavement on our walking route (debris, glass, etc), so I got a set for Romeo. They fit very well!
 
Road salt can be very bad if ingested, but its otherwise more of an annoyance. It can definitely cause paw irritation if you're not careful but not lasting damage.

I don't think boots are necessary for warmth unless like BarbV said, you live where its going to be -25 deg. C. A dog's paw pads are pretty tough, they don't feel the cold like we do. One thing to watch out for though is the formation of snow balls/ice between the paw pads when the temperature is below freezing. Keeping the fur between their toes trimmed short (just below the paw pads) helps a lot.

Unless your dog has super sensitive feet I don't think they're necessary to protect from road salt either, unless you live in a very urban area, like down town Toronto.

With my three I find they'll usually hold up their feet at the beginning of winter the first time they re-experience a bit of road salt, but they're otherwise not overly bothered by it.

However I do make a conscious effort try to keep their feet out of obvious big piles of salt and walk them on clean(er) snow if I think they may have gotten some in their feet. I also clean their feet off well at home. It always seems to do the trick and they've never had any foot issues.

All of the products BarbV mentioned are great ideas if you do end up needing boots.
 
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I live in the city, and though we don't use it always, we do use boots on Precious on days when the snow's been out for a few days and salt has been sprayed EVERYWHERE. There's no avoiding it here and things get very dirty. I don't risk trying to be able to get everything out from a feet wash, I find the boot really helps keep her safe in that way without worrying too much that it'll hurt her paws when we go on walks. That being said, there's SO much salt here, Precious digested it once when she licked the top of her boot once and she had crazy poop for a whole week and it really is very bad. Keep your furbabies safe, use boots as needed, not a 100% preventative from salt but better than nothing. I don't think it's silly if its for their wellbeings. Best of luck with the winter months! :)
 
You can also put on paw protector solutions

Two that I know of:

Dr. Maggies

http://drmaggie.ca/products_paw_protector.html

You can also rub coconut oil on their feet.

I've also got a new product in the store which is combo of both products. Its a roll on product but the name brand escapes me at the moment. I'll get back to you.
 
My Belgian's feet freeze quickly. She can't be walked in the winter because of it. I've tried boots but they don't stay on well in the snow but I like the idea Barb put forward and might try it for her.
We'll find out what Tin is like this year as last year he didn't walk on lead, had very little coat from his his ribcage back so he didn't spend much time outside.
Salt is bad. It causes irritations which lead to dermatitis of the foot and can be hard to clear up because the dog licks at it. I wash and dry feet if they have been were salt has been used and I don't use salt at home; I use sand if I have to for ice.
I wonder what kind of winter we'll have this year.
 
Tagg said:
My Belgian's feet freeze quickly. She can't be walked in the winter because of it. I've tried boots but they don't stay on well in the snow but I like the idea Barb put forward and might try it for her.
We'll find out what Tin is like this year as last year he didn't walk on lead, had very little coat from his his ribcage back so he didn't spend much time outside.
Salt is bad. It causes irritations which lead to dermatitis of the foot and can be hard to clear up because the dog licks at it. I wash and dry feet if they have been were salt has been used and I don't use salt at home; I use sand if I have to for ice.
I wonder what kind of winter we'll have this year.
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Ok, for sure socks and Pawz I think. The Pawz won't slip off....in fact many people are concerned that they fit too tight around the ankle. I don't think that's a concern.

A coat or sweater for Tin would be a really good idea if he has trouble with the cold. You can get some that also have legs (e.g. like PJ's) and then put a thicker fleece or sweater on top.

Sure, pup, will look super silly! :biggrin2: But maybe he can at least be able to have some walks outside.

Best of luck to you!
 
Thank you all for your input, it has been very helpful!

I live just north of Toronto and salt will be unavoidable in the winter (its even used in the park where I walk him). Earlier this week I went shopping and actually saw Pawz boots but they looked like balloons to me so I wasn't sure how sturdy/effective they would be. However, I do like the option of using baby socks with them so I think I'll give them a try.

I also hadn't even considered snow/ice balls sticking to his paws. I was thinking the opposite, letting the fur grow to protect his paws but now I will keep them trimmed.

Hopefully it will snow this winter because it didn't snow much last year. I'm excited to see Riley's reaction to snow as this will be his first winter. He is 7 months if that makes a difference to his paw sensitivity.
 
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