Dogs:Snow: Gear

[Too Tall]

What are you clever lads using for paw protection in snow / ice?
I've got something handsewn with a cordura sole and double velcro closer. This works pretty well but I'm looking for an upgrade.
Ruffwear has something that looks decent: Ruffwear Grip Trexâ„¢ Dog Boots

[cp43]

We have the ruffwears, the dogs hate them. One of our dogs taught himself how to undo velcro to get them off of his feet.

We're trying out these this year: NOW IN BLACK | Pawz Dog Boots

They're kinda just a thick balloon. The dogs forget about them by the time they're out the door. Only two walks with them so far, but they seem to be doing the job.

Chris

[sine]

Rock salt is the biggest concern.

We had a client who's pup wore Ruffwear shoes. One day a shoe fell off and the pup stood still. Would not budge until the shoe was put back on.

You need to reeeeeally tighten that velcro strap.

[caleb]

What I use on my knuckleheads: https://www.dogbooties.com/shop/330-...ra®-booties-2/



I use the 330 ones in the snow, but there are heavier ones if you're using them on pavement. Much better than wax, much cheaper than the Ruff Wear version. The rubber sole also looks like it wouldn't flex enough for the dog to use his claws naturally for grip.

[Too Tall]

Caleb they looks pretty good. Their Closure Wrap choices are hard to understand (for the feeble) if you can 'splain?

[Nierman]

Thanks for that link, Caleb. Looks like something Laura/Joe/SoulRun might make (hint!)...

Huckleberry's been in his cone for over a week now, and some of these could have come in handy. We're getting by with velcroing an IV bag over injured paw before heading out for poops. But that plastic/rubber gets a bit brittle at 5F.

[Noteddy]

We have the ruffwears, the dogs hate them. One of our dogs taught himself how to undo velcro to get them off of his feet.

We're trying out these this year: NOW IN BLACK | Pawz Dog Boots

They're kinda just a thick balloon. The dogs forget about them by the time they're out the door. Only two walks with them so far, but they seem to be doing the job.

Chris

We have used these. They go on easily and the dogs tolerate them. They are terrific if you need to keep a bandage covered. Also one of the few things we could find big enough to fit the Dane. However, they aren't terribly durable - we found they wore out pretty quickly. Also, they don't breathe, so we have found things get damp in there during extended use.

[mainemike]

Just be careful

[caleb]

Caleb they looks pretty good. Their Closure Wrap choices are hard to understand (for the feeble) if you can 'splain?

You want the "Velstretch" closure, which is a stretchy velcro. The other two options are standard velcro, one with the hook sewn to the bootie, and the other with the loop sewn to the bootie.

[robin3mj]

My pup loves the cold. As in, bury her in snowdrifts, and let he chill in the yard in 0 degrees F weather.
That said, the snow/salt sometimes is a bit much. We have been using a combo of coconut oil and Musher's Secret balm rubbed into the pads of her feet before substantial walks, and it has been just the ticket.

Something to think about if booties don't stay on them, or they repeatedly shed them intentionally.

Mushers Secret-all season paw protection for your dog

[jackattack]

I've used the cordura booties with the stretch velcro closure for years on my dog. His back paws are tiny so I get two different sizes. I ordered several sets 3-4 years ago and, while we've lost a few in deep snow, we're still on the same sets. Once he gets moving he doesn't even notice they're on. Pro-tip: get bright colors so you can go back to the woods and find them in the spring!

Cheap/reusable/environmentally friendly.

Excuse the stylize iphoto...

tumblr_kvv5xn4Rz81qa118eo1_500.jpg

[xjoex]

I am a big ruffwear fan, so I bought their snow boots. Maybe it's just because the snow here is deeper than the booties, but the velcro filled with snow and came undone every 2 minutes. I tried for a few walks and gave up. I slather Mushers Secret on their paws when it is below 5°F and it works well.

Mushers Secret-all season paw protection for your dog

-Joe

[sk_tle]

Aren't these *things* supposed to have descended from a common ancestor to the wolf ?

[Too Tall]

Aren't these *things* supposed to have descended from a common ancestor to the wolf ?

Domestication is a cruel master. Imagine what we used to be capable of ;)

[cp43]

We have used these. They go on easily and the dogs tolerate them. They are terrific if you need to keep a bandage covered. Also one of the few things we could find big enough to fit the Dane. However, they aren't terribly durable - we found they wore out pretty quickly. Also, they don't breathe, so we have found things get damp in there during extended use.

Regarding durability, we're finding the same thing. At least 5 of the 8 shoes we've used (for 2 dogs) have holes in them after 4 uses.

They did make a big difference this morning though. The dogs would hardly walk at all with out them in just below zero temps. With the shoes, they were happy to run and play all around the yard.

Chris

[djg21]

I trim the hair between the pads as close as possible and then use Musher's Secret. I tried booties but nmy Goldens pull them off.