If you do not live in a part of the nation which never views a flake of snowfall, you almost certainly are aware that a snowy wintertime can be pretty harmful for ones canine. Unfortunately, your pet probably doesn’t understand or care. He or she more than likely enjoys their walks so much that it’s difficult for you to say no even though you understand what snow, ice, and slush are capable of doing to a dog’s feet.

Snow and ice can easily get built up in those furred places between his paws and make him or her downright uncomfortable. Not only does it damage, but a great deal will get packed inside that they lose grip, slipping and sliding around the icy surfaces. One particular option would be to keep the hair between the pads trimmed. But really though, how many pets will sit still while you snip around using a sharp pair of scissors?

Anytime layer after layer of snowfall gets frozen together with one another, this may lead to uneven, jagged, and sharp areas that could actually damage or slash your dog’s feet. Probably the most sensible solution to these types of issues is pet snow boots, specifically if you reside a place with prolonged, severe winters.

Perhaps the idea of snow boots for dogs may seem like a strange concept to you, but believe it or not, they’re the most effective answers to those issues. Not only can well-built boots keep your dog’s feet dry, warm, and ice free, but consider all those awful chemical compounds that our cities or streets use to de-ice and melt snow.  Dog snow boots ensure that these kinds of harmful chemical compounds remain off of paws and also out of the house.

A great set of snow boots for dogs are not only water resistant and cozy but the soles will often be constructed with rubber offering great grip on slippery surfaces. Many even have toe protectors. Many puppy snow boots include cuffs that could be pulled upward high on their legs for added warmth as well as support. These types of higher cuffs will keep the snow from balling up in the hair upon their legs if your canine is long-haired.

An additional issue with the snowball build up on your pet’s paws is how to handle it when you arrive home. You may either give it time to melt naturally, leaving puddles and soaked spots where ever your canine walks, or try and pull them out. This is likely to hurt and make your puppy distrustful each and every time you touch their paws. Snow shoes or boots for dogs slide off simply and may be placed outside on the porch right next to yours.

Once you have convinced yourself that dog shoes are a good idea for your puppy, you should know exactly what size to buy, the best way to put them on your pet, and the way to get him or her used to wearing them.

Choosing The Correct Size Dog Shoe

When buying a durable set of winter dog boots on the internet, don’t simply presume you know what size to order. Just like people, pet’s feet are all different sizes and must be appropriately measured in order to determine what that size is. Here’s a simple method to measure your canine’s foot:

1. Measure the length of the paw starting with the back of the large base pad to the end of his toe nails.*

2. Measure the width from the external edge of the two outside pads.

3. Pick the shoe dimensions by evaluating the actual width and length you measured to that upon the sizing chart for the shoes you desire to purchase. Usually each shoe style will have a different size chart.

*The following is a hint for a simple way to measure your dog’s paws. Have your dog stand (not sit) on a piece of paper and use a marker to mark the top, heel, and each side of the foot. Then use your ruler to measure between these markings.

Getting the Shoes on the Dog

Ok, you now have some snazzy new hiking dog booties for Boomer. Getting them on is the next step. The majority of shoes or boots are available with Velcro straps that wrap all-around to hold the bootie on. Here are a few hints with regard to putting on that kind of shoe.

1. For the front booties, stand above your dog with your legs straddling him just below the rib cage. Lightly hold him or her there with your legs.

2. Pick up a paw and insert it into the shoe. You could use your thumb like a shoehorn by placing it down the back of the boot, tucking the foot in while pulling upward upon the outside of the boot to secure it in place.

3. Once the paw is inside the bootie, place the paw down so your dog is standing steadily on the shoe. And then tuck any extra fur inside the shoe, wrap one side of the strap over snugly and secure the Velcro. You may actually raise the opposite leg in order to make sure complete weight is on the shoe.

4. If the boot has a longer Velcro strip, wrap it around and around the dogs paw right beneath the dewclaw and secure it.

For the back feet, stand perpendicularly to your canine and push your leg against their side. Put the booties on the same way as you did the front boots.

Getting Your Dog Used to to His Booties

The first time you set booties on your puppy they are bound to seem a bit unusual to him. He will most likely high step and do a funny little dance because the ground probably feels unusual to him. Take him outdoors right away and try to get him or her into a regular playing routine. In other words, distract him from the booties but examine them periodically to see if they are still good and snug upon his feet. Attempt this a few times before you really take your pet out on their walk, jog, or hike. This will not just break in the new boots, but break him in to being dressed in them too.

Dogs and boots – for some folks this might could be seen as a silly concept. After all, canines have been around as long as mankind and also have gotten along okay with what God gave them; a durable set of 4 paws with protective padding. But man used to wander the world barefoot, too, and eventually realized that life can be less difficult and more comfortable with something to safeguard their feet.

Sure, puppies do not need to wear shoes or boots on a regular basis like humans do, but there are several of conditions when a good tough set of dog boots are a great thought. As an example, winter in snow country may just be one of the better reasons to invest in boots for dogs. A lot of people do not realize how much harm freezing snowfall and ice could do to feet. It can get build-up in the dog’s fur between their pads and actually scratch as well as cut making your poor dog totally uneasy. If enough snow gathers on the bottoms of the paws they will lose traction.

Snow boots for dogs may be the solution. Without a doubt, your dog will be pretty cute in them, although the logical reasons for him or her to wear them far over-shadow the fashion. A high-quality set of snow dog boots can keep their feet dry and warm which will help prevent ice build up. They should furthermore protect the paws from the salt and also chemical substances used to de-ice streets in the winter months.

Light-weight dog boots are great for the summer on the beaches and also at the sea or canal. Your puppy can feel that very hot sand upon their feet just like you can on your own bare feet. Sea shores and riverbeds can be coated with sharpened rubble. Summertime boots for dogs are usually best for protecting paws from all these summertime dangers. They are able to range from land to water for pets that like to swim, also.

There are more good reasons for ones pet to use boots. Why not consider when it is pouring down rainfall? Rex still has to move outdoors to accomplish his business. Canines like Labradors and Golden Retrievers love the rain and it is difficult to keep them contained. But the outcome is soaked, muddy paws that can track up the floors and carpets and rugs. Yet, if your puppy will be decked out in dog rain boots you’ll be able to let them venture out all they desire. Slip the boots off when they come back inside and your house is protected as the dirt remains on the patio.

There are many forms of dog boots and just as many different reasons for your canine to put them on. You can find orthopedic dog boots for a canine who has hip problems that give support as well as proper protection for their toes if he or she drag their legs. Reflective boots make sure they are apparent to traffic during the night while you take an evening stroll or jog. Dog sandals and high top dog sneakers are – well, they’re just simply adorable.

Summer is here and going strong. With all the heat of the summer season comes the traditional ways to escape that heat, not merely for humans but for their four-legged pals as well. This includes journeys towards the beach as well as the local waterways and hour upon hour of swimming for those fortunate to have a pool.

Beaches, lake shores, and riverbeds usually are beautiful methods to gain access to that cool, relaxing water, but they may present some dangers not merely for people with bare feet, but also for pets with unprotected paws, too. A dog’s pads can probably endure hot sand a little better than a human’s bare foot, but it can still be really really irritating for the doggie. There are also broken shells and also the occasional broken glass shards on the seashore that will cut their pads or poke upward between them and cut the feet. Lake shores and riverbeds will often be quite rocky and will be unpleasant and cause unsure footing for dogs.

Consequently how can we safeguard our pet’s feet from all of these summer dangers? Exactly the same way we protect our own feet – with shoes like dog water boots. Manufacturers of dog “paw wear” like Neopaws make breathable, nylon-mesh boots that have a great solid rubber sole. Booties like this are great, not just for hiking and trail running, but for activities at the seaside, lakes, and bumpy streams. When your puppy is sporting boots such as this, the protective bottoms prevent his paws from getting too hot on seashores or even sidewalks and pavement. They will additionally stop broken glass, shells, and sharp rubble from cutting or abrading the feet. They could be worn right in to the water simply because they are made of mesh material.

When it comes to your doggy swimming laps in your pool, his feet are most likely safe. Yet the liner of your swimming pool may not be so safe from these sharp paws as your canine climbs his way out of the pool. Neopaws dog pool boots could be worn in the swimming pool. But for a lighter in weight dog pool bootie which is best with regard to the combination of pets and swimming pools, you may try Pawz disposable dog shoes. These types of useful dog water shoes are made of rubber and could be thrown away at the first signs of wear. For next time, simply pull another set out of the package. These dog pool shoes fit your pups foot like a cozy pair of socks, and offer total range of motion.

To keep your pet’s paws secure and healthy through all the summer time fun, choose dog water boots like Neopaws or Pawz. They are the best way to safeguard Fido’s paws from heat and also sharp objects, not to point out guarding the sides of your swimming pool and also the seats in the boat.

I came across this video when my friend, Dawn Marcus of www.fitasfido.com posted this video on her facebook page.  I can’t help but share this.  It’s is such a FEEL GOOD video.  I dare you not to cry as Cooper, the adopted dog takes his turn walking down the aisle on his very special day.  Hats off the Nevada Humane Society.

A few month back when Cooper and I were visiting Mom in Florida, we took a trip to the dog park. We tried 4 times and each time was unsuccessful. In retrospect I think most of it was my fault as I tend to be an overly protective mom. He didn’t allow any dog’s to sniff him but he was eager to meet them. He was also a scared little boy, which I now learn is quite the contrary.

I found out about a brand new dog park, Pelican Bark Park, that just opened near my home in Mandeville, LA.   It’s about time we have something like this in our area. We took a trip there this past Sunday.  We were so extremely pleased.  The park is absolutely stunning and extremely well maintained.  The dogs were all so well mannered as were their owners.

Cooper in the pool at the dog park

When we got to the park there were four dogs in the large dog area and no one in the small dog area. I was relieved because it gave us a chance to let Cooper get used to the area. We played ball, he sniffed around, jumped in the pool (they had a plastic kiddie pool that was just perfect for him) and had a great time. A little boy in the big dog area (with a Great Dane) felt bad for Cooper because he saw Cooper had no friends. He came over to play with Cooper and then later protect him from what was to come. Then it happened. “Butch” arrived.  He was a rat terrier (i think) around 30 pounds and came in on a leash barking and ready to kill.  His owner said “i’m not sure if i should take Butch off the leash, he can break that little dog’s bones”.  Heck no she shouldn’t. There was a lot of barking between the two but there was also a lot of sniffing. Cooper didn’t run away. Someone suggested that she start over and let the dog in without a leash. My heart sank but I said we should try. Her dog was completely different and he and Cooper walked around together. There was one tackle that made me very uneasy however.

I’ve since come to find out that Cooper seems to be the aggressor. He instigates the other dogs and when they try to go after him he bolts off like a bullet with his tail between his legs.

He only played with that one dog. As we were heading to the parking lot someone with a 5 pound yorkie/shih tzu mix came in and we turned and went right back into the park. The other dog wasn’t very playful but Cooper really took to the smaller dog.

So, all in all we had a good time and a couple of scares. Cooper wants to smell the other dogs but he does not let any of them smell him. I think if we go a couple of times he will really start to love it.

We couldn’t get in the bath fast enough when we got home!

dirty dog at the dog park

What’s your experience at the dog park?