Dog shoes? - Page 1

Has anyone used any type of shoes for their dogs? Or are there shoes for dogs? I ask this because I took Auggie somewhere yesterday where we had no choice but to walk on the pavement for a minute to get to the building.  And needless to say when he stepped out of the vehicle he was jumping up and down paw to paw when first stepping out, the pavement was so hot, and it was nearly 100 outside too. I can't imagine how hot the pavement was.  We went in quickly though, but I'm not always able to go places early morning or late evening, sometimes it "has" to be the "heat of the day" when I get a chance to take him somewhere, so we stick to big buildings and places he can go in.  Suggestions on what to do for his paws?

Yep, have used Muttluks (@Amazon approx $40) & Ultra Paws Rugged/Durable (@ Amazon abt $34). Both of my dogs run alongside my bike with a Springer attachment. One pulls & "scrabbles" & tends to get blisters so she need boots. My other dog just trots easily alongside & doesn't need boots. I found the Muttluks do not hold up well to the forces she exerts. The Ultra Paws are sturdier & I can buy Shoe Goo @ WM for $5 to 'repair' small holes that develop. If your dog is just walking easily, either will work for you. I think the Ultra Paws boot is easier to put on but ymmv. The pavement temps in AZ can reach 140-150° (infrared thermometer readings) so we definitely stay off it during the daytime without boots. Since dogs dissipate heat through panting & their paws, probably a hour or so of wearing boots would be max.

gaf

They make dog shoes, but many dogs can't stand wearing them.  http://www.muttluks.com/product_home.php?cat=2

Thanks.  And what I'll need is just for literally a couple of minutes of walking.  When I actually walk "walk" my dogs it's very, very early in the morning before the sun is really up.  Before most stores are open even.  Mid day typically is around the time where I have some more time to take the dogs places to socialize or for whatever reason.  But being that we typically have very, very high humidity here,  I don't have my dogs outside very often because the heat/humidity.  But back to what I was saying, we're literally on pavement for just a couple of minutes when the sun is out and the temps are hot.  I'd prefer something cheaper if possible for that reason as I don't bike with the dogs unless it's cooler, typically 70 or below.

Check Amazon. They may have something cheaper that will work for you. I only wanted sturdy & durable for my use. You could also try Musher's Secret, which is a wax-like product used mainly for keeping snow & ice off paws in winter climates. It allows the pad to sweat, isn't greasy or carpet staining either. I put it on all paws for summer protection too. Seems to work & can't hurt.

It is somewhat entertaining putting the boots on the 1st few times... watching the antics. Some really high steppin' feet. Lots of treats & short time wearing the boots at first seems to help too.

Musher's Secret is great for toughening pads, I used it on my GSD before her AD. However, I don't think it would protect against a hot pavement. If I were you, Guy, I'd get rid of that WL and get me a SL; they are a lot tougher and will walk on hot pavements without making a fuss.

Put away the slings and arrows.....this is a joke. Guy will get it.

Made from 100% natural waxes

Protect your dog from:
Salt and Chemicals
Ice build-up
Snowballing
Sand and sandburn
Hot pavement
Rough terrain

I got these cheap balloon like things at Petsmart. For just a quicky walk they do well. 12 sets for like $16. Definitely not ment for more than a 5 - 10 min walk. You can also try enforce you buy. I got them for the puppies at around 12 - 13 weeks.

Toddler socks and some velcro :) They wont fight you because they can still fell their feet in them!

Marjorie
http://www.gsdbbr.org The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (a health registry for registered German Shepherds)
BE PROACTIVE!
http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group http://www.mzjf.info/hgate Heaven's Gate  

I should have read the information on the can of Musher's Secret. Looks like it is recommended for protection from hot pavements. Good to know, thanks.