We happened to see the funny dog video at the bottom of the page & it inspired us to look for dog boots if for nothing else than the comedic value.
Tips to Protect your Pup’s Paws during the Winter Months and Summer Months
What’s important to note is that during the winter months, you need to be protecting your dog from the chemicals he will be running into on the streets.
One of the biggest threats to healthy paw pads is the salt used to melt ice on driveways, roads, and sidewalks. Prolonged contact can lead to chemical burns on dog paws. If your dog is limping by end of a walk, de-icing products may be hurting his feet. Try to keep your dog off the salty sidewalk (think grass or snow) whenever possible.
Another threat from de-icers is ingestion. Dogs may lick their paws or your boots and ingest deicing salts. To prevent your dog from ingesting deicing salts, keep a shallow bowl of warm water and a cloth near the entryway to your home so that you can wipe your boots and your dog’s paws when coming back inside.
Another common cause of sore paws during the cold winter months are the ice balls which form between the pads and toes of hairy-footed dog. To reduce the risk of ice balls, keep inter-pad hair trimmed neatly and short during the winter months. Not only can hairy feet contribute to the development of ice balls on the feet, but paw hair can also retain a lot of those nasty deicing salts. If your dog has hairy feet, trim them throughout the winter.
Dogs left in the cold for long periods of time are also at risk for frostbite on paws and hypothermia. It is not advised that dogs spend hours in the cold. In winter, frequent short walks are better for your dog than a single long walk. But if your dog insists on spending time outdoors when it’s cold you can always dress them up fashionably.
Bag Balm, available here on Amazon.com in 3 sizes can be applied in a thin layer daily or every other day should help keep your dog’s paws from cracking and bleeding. Keeping a humidifier in the house should also prevent dry, itchy skin for both you and your pet. This stuff works great for your own feet as well.
Products For Protecting Dog Paws in Winter
There are many products designed to protect dog paw pads during the winter month, from pet-safe deicing products to protective waxes and dog booties. Safe Paw is a common pet-friendly de-icer, but sand, small stones, and kitty litter (non-clumping) are also options for deicing while protecting your dog’s pads from injury and chemical burns. Musher’s Secret is one of the most popular paw waxes. Paw wax is applied to the pads of the feet before a walk, forming a protective barrier between the paw and the salty sidewalk or pavement. Paw wax will wear away after extended exercise and should be reapplied before each walk.
Click to Order Paw Protection Products Here:
Invisible Dog Boots – Protect Paws From Sand, Hot Pavement, Ice, and Salt with All Natural 100% Wax-Based Cream. For Dogs Who Just Won’t Wear Boots. Or if you have your own dog sled team, the larger 1 LB size MUSHERS SECRET 1 LB Paw Protection Wax
Paw Guard 1.75 Oz.
Eco Paw Wax Protector
The best protection for your dog’s paws and pads is dog booties. Just as wearing boots in the winter protects your pads, dog booties will prevent injury to your dog’s feet. Dog boots can protect your dog’s paws from salt, ice balls, and cutting his pads on sharp items that may be hidden under the snow or sharp ice. Proper sizing of dog booties is especially important in ensuring that the booties are comfortable for your dog to wear and maximize paw protection.
Best Dog Boots for the Paw Protection (priced $3 – $15)
We recently visited Arizona on vacation and until then I’d never thought about needing dog boots in the summer but of course there, the pavement is ALWAYS hot. Having boots for your dogs ensures they can still go with you but not burn their feet.
- QUMY Dog Shoes
- Pawz Red Water-Proof Dog Boot, Size tiny to XL
- Colorful House Dog Shoes Water Resistant Dog Boots Rugged Anti-Slip Sole Winter Shoes
- Hcpet Dog Shoes, Dog Boots for Large Dogs
To make sure you have the best-dressed dog from head to toe you could also get your favorite 4-legged friend a warm winter coat.
Dog booties may look silly, but really are the ultimate protection for your dog. Human snowsuits look silly also, but are they not the best for keeping sledding kids warm?
Try these Dog Boots that Stay On to get started. Just as your kid may not want to wear a snowsuit, your dog may not initially like wearing booties. With a little time and patience, you can train your dog to love wearing his dog boots. If that’s not enough incentive, then just watch the video below. you should at least try them so you can shoot some hilarious footage like the dogs wearing boot reel below.
We dare you to watch it and not laugh out loud and then share it with everyone you know!
We thank Petfinder for this excellent information about dog paws and their care.
Dog Coats and Sweaters
This warm winter hooded snowsuit comes in hot pink, red, grey and bright blue and is fur-lined. You might want one for yourself when you see it. Pink Sweetie Dog Coat comes in small through XXL. This one is on sale today! If you want a pink furry coat to match, check your options here.
