Doggy Boots

[tyroleancutie]

I never thought I would consider buying boots for my dog but since all our neighbours are using salt for their sidewalks, my dog refuses to go outside.

Any recommendation which brand I should buy? I saw that Petsmart has a bunch of different kinds but I have no clue which we should get. To be honest, I doubt anyways that Bandit will walk in those boots but I really can't have her inside the next 5 months.

[blazedog]

I don't have a recommendation but years ago when I lived in NY I had boots for my dog exactly for those reasons -- it's really hard to get the caked snow off the dog's paws and it would wind up melting and also I didn't like the idea of my dog licking off the chemicals.

Make sure that the boots are easy to get on and off -- as I recall mine had a strap across the front with velcro -- my dog didn't especially like it especially since just the sight of the leash brought him to such a state of squirming ecstasy. :D He adjusted just as he adjusted to his raincoat -- same reason really because when it was really pouring outself, trying to dry him off was impossible.

[gertdog]

My dog's one and only experience with boots was a disaster- she hated them. But you want something with velcro like Blazedog said- that way they go on easily, but stay snug once on. The kind we had were Muttluks. They seemed really well made- Gertie just refused to move when they were on.

[newcook]

I have Muttluks, here is the link. There was definitely an adaptation time for me, at first it took me 15 minutes to get the boots on and Mini would lift each leg high in the air sideways at every step. It took a few times before she would walk normally. Now she walk normally on the boots are on in 2 minutes.

http://www.muttluks.com/our_products/index.php

[scudgal]

If you decide against boots, you might try this - which they sell in pet stores, but I found online at www.doctordog.com

Paw Wax Paw Protector
Code: B-665657
Price: $7.99

Paw Wax protects and conditions dog's paws all year round. Helps prevent paw damage from gravel, asphalt, ice, snow, salt-treated roads, hot pavement and all hard surfaces. Wax adds a protect layer and keeps paws soft making them less likely to crack. Also provides grip on slippery surfaces. 1.75 oz. (49 g)
Directions: Rub paw on wax or apply thin layer to cover pads completely. Do not apply paw wax if paw has cuts or wounds. Wipe paws before letting your pet back into house.

[colleency]

Mini would lift each leg high in the air sideways at every step.

But I bet it was funny to watch! :D

[tyroleancutie]

I just picked up the Muttluks at the Petstore and now I am literally fighting with our pooch. She won't let me touch her paws because she is afraid that I am gonna trim her nails :rolleyes: Maybe DH has more luck when he gets home later.

[VictoriaL]

It's a good idea to get the dog adjusted to these before taking him out for a walk. We put them on our dog in the evening, just for a half hour or so, and let him wander the house, lay down, etc. with them on. After a few days, he didn't mind them and that's when we went outside. As I recall (this was several years ago), we had to put them on his front paws first for a couple of days before he allowed us to put the boots on all four paws.

[ninedoves]

Oh, I'm laughing! My little poodle received tiny boots from my boyfriend one Christmas. We unwrapped them, oohed and ahhed over them, put each one gently on each of her four feet, and she daintily stepped up and out of all four, and walked away! There they were, four empty boots standing there on the floor!

[mbrogier]

I just picked up the Muttluks at the Petstore and now I am literally fighting with our pooch. She won't let me touch her paws because she is afraid that I am gonna trim her nails :rolleyes: Maybe DH has more luck when he gets home later.

You need to touch her feet a lot more--so she doesn't associate touching with nail trimming. I do that with my cats so they don't mind getting their nails trimmed.