If you want to buy dog boots, chances are your dog probably needs them for one reason or other. Is your dog getting older and finding it harder to accompany you on your daily walks? Or does he or she have a medical condition like arthritis that makes it hard to lift the feet over rocks or steps. Dog boots are even useful for packs of hunting dogs where the rough terrain might injure their feet during the chase.
So you know you’re definitely in the market for a great pair of dog boots for Rover or Chichi but how do you buy dog boots that suit your pooch? The first thing you need to is to let your dog try on a pair that looks like they might fit. You can also ask the salesperson for help in fitting the boots.
Start by putting one of the dog’s paws into the dog boots and attaching the Velcro® until it seems to be snug around the leg. Next hold your dog’s leg and give the boot a pull with your free hand. If the boot remains in place it’s fitting properly. Dog boots should always be secured properly to make sure they don’t come off in mid-run and cause your dog to stumble.
Depending on the duration, type or level of activity of your dog you may need to secure the dog boots more firmly. You can use Vetrap to do this. Vetrap is a thin, stretchy, rubber coated material which sticks to itself but won’t adhere to your dog’s fur. You can ask your local dog boot store for advice but here’s the basic procedure:
Secure the dog boots by taking some Vetrap and wrapping it around your dog’s leg at the height of the top of the boot and then put the boot on. The rubbery layer will provide traction and prevent the boot from moving around or slipping off. If you want extra slippage protection you can use duct tape and tape the boots to the Vetrap – avoiding your dog’s fur!
When you buy dog boots always remember that your dog will tend to slip when he wears them. This is because his toenails are no longer able to help him grip the surface of the ground and because the nylon fabrics that the boots are made of are naturally slippery than their paw pads. To stop your dog from slipping when he or she walks you can add a layer of liquid rubber to the soles of the boots. Try ‘Shoogoo’ which you can find at your local supermarket or sporting goods store on your dog boots.
When you buy dog boots choose the best quality you can find. The better the boots are the longer they will last. Nylon boots do wear out over time from the abrasive action of the ground. Obviously the more your dog wears the boots, the sooner you are going to need to buy new ones. However there are some things you can do to make the boots last longer for example, clipping your dog’s toenails and coating the bottom of the boots with liquid rubber.
So how long should your pet wear the dog boots? The more your dog is allowed to walk without using the boots the tougher his paws will become. It is also important to remember that your dog sweats through his paws so if you keep them covered all the time they will become softer and more likely to be injured.
It’s best to only let your pet wear its dog boots when he really needs them for example if he is walking over rough terrain or to protect an injured paw. If your dog walks over sticky snow then the boots are a good choice. Using them in this way keeps your dog’s paws tough and also helps the boots last longer.
You can buy dog boots in winter or summer varieties at many stores. Boots with pad protectors are ideal for reducing the build-up of ice between the toes when walking in snow and protecting the paws from sharp ice and cold.
If your dog has hurt its paw on rough terrain, try using some antibiotic cream on the wound and covering it with a soft sock (a baby sock is fine) then place the dog boots on the foot. The sock will stop the cream from getting on the boots and help protect your dog’s foot. It will also stop your dog from licking her sore paw and allow it to heal while allowing your dog to continue its daily exercise.
But what do our canine companions think about dog boots? Strangely enough dogs don’t seem to mind wearing them and since they are associated with walks and fun they actually love it when the boots come out because, like a leash it can mean only one thing. A good thing indeed!
Most dog owners report that their dogs are completely happy to wear dog boots and in fact, using them means that they can clamber over all and any terrains in almost any kind of heat, cold, snow, ice or desert. This means that Rover is happy, his feet protected and isn’t that what all of us want for our dogs? Exercise is important for your dog’s health, so why not invest in a pair of dog boots for your dog – especially if they will help him to live a happier, longer life.
Contact http://www.wolfpacks.com for more information on where and how to buy dog boots. They stock both winter and summer boots designed for all shapes and sizes of dog. Make the most of your dog’s life and get out there and have some fun!