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Winter Booties? Cold feet, webbed toes

2K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  JPhan 
#1 ·
I've never bootied a dog before so I'm a complete noob at this.
All of my other dogs didn't need them, occasionally they'd get cold feet in extreme weather, and then I'd put a sweater on them, and they'd be fine (kinda like putting on a hat on a cold day will warm up your hands). They were gsd's. If that wasn't enough, or if snowballs were the only problem, I'd slather their paws with petroleum jelly.
My current guy has a double coat but he is from a tropical country. He's always getting iceballs in his paws and picks up his paws alot in slush. I thought it might be the extra hair, so this year I thought I'd clip it back only to realize that he has completely webbed toes, tight too, so that thin skin is making contact with everything.
Soooooo, for the 1st time ever, thinking of booties. How on earth do you choose booties? I take him on off-leash hikes, FAST running and leaping through deep snow, so I think he would need the kind that a dog sledder would use or else they'd just fall off.
Soooo, recommendations? Experiences? My usual tactics (extra sweater & vaseline) don't seem sufficient. Right now, I just leave him home and take off for the big excursions on my own if it's really cold, and if it's not, let him deal with the iceballs himself.
 
#2 ·
A really good place to start: Cordura Dog Boots - Adanac Sleds & Equipment

These work great in deep snow and are so inexpensive you may as well get some extra in case you lose one or two. And, if your dog rejects them, you're only out a few bucks. I have never had much need for boots, but have used these in deep wet snow to prevent snowballs on sled dogs.

The same company has a few other styles for other surfaces and are all proven and inexpensive.
 
#4 ·
A really good place to start: Cordura Dog Boots - Adanac Sleds & Equipment

These work great in deep snow and are so inexpensive you may as well get some extra in case you lose one or two. And, if your dog rejects them, you're only out a few bucks. I have never had much need for boots, but have used these in deep wet snow to prevent snowballs on sled dogs.

The same company has a few other styles for other surfaces and are all proven and inexpensive.
They look just like the ones I use. Cheap enough and basic.

https://dogbooties.com/
 
#3 ·
I know I have had problems at times with some boots for Bob because after an extended period in deeper snow coupled with spirited play or long treks, snow begins to accumulate inside the boot which is a problem for the dog. I didn't want to crank the velcro straps so tight as to impede circulation in Bob's pasterns and paws but still tight enough to keep the snow out and not let it work it's way into the lower boot. I wonder if @Markie might have some helpful tips. I use the Musher's Secret goop when not using the booties and see some benefit, probably the same as Vaseline? I trim the fur as well and it helps. It seems to me it's all about the temperature and moisture content the snow is holding when it comes to ice balls building up, so on many days it's not an issue but a fresh snow on a cold day seems to be the worst compared to stickier snow on a warmer day, I think I have that right???

I think Bob has webbed feet as well. The pic kind of shows it but helps out when Bob swims.
 

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#5 ·
One Beautiful German Shepherd :) okay now what type of booties are you using?
If you take yarn and leave about 1/2 in at the top of the boots put yarn through it to make a cinch then tie it. You weave it in and out of the boots. You should be able to tie it and stick the tie in the boot and not have any issues. Make sure to also strap it. It's like double protection. Fresh snow is fluffy and easy to get in boots yes. Stickier snow stays down on the ground. That musher goop is some good stuff and pretty much the same as Vaseline yes.
I also cut a little bit of fur around my huskies feet just to give it a cleaned up look. If it's about 15-20 degrees I put the booties on mine unless it's wet and freezing then I also put them on. Sharp ice and snow is the main time I put them on. I go through a lot in a race but they where out not because snow gets in them.

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#8 ·
Thanks, I just got back to the dogforum after the holidays.
I'll look into those booties.
On the extreme day -22C, I left him behind. He can't talk, and I can't tell the difference between biting his feet to remove snowballs or just really cold.
On less extreme but still extra cold days a sweater, or I put one in my backpack, and make sure he is free to run to keep himself warm (off-lead walks (me skiing) only, no long leashed walk).
And checking his feet, course.
 
#9 ·
Wearing booties is very safe for your dog especially walking in the cold, but some dogs can't tolerate having boots on their feet. There are gels specifically designed to protect against the cold ground, and petroleum jelly is a safe alternative to such gels.
I read this in a Swifto article: https://swifto.com/blog/walking-your-dog-snow

If your dog can tolerate the boots it will protect the paw by helping them stay dry. Make sure your dog is safe in the cold since it is the winter season!

Good luck :)
 
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