Protecting
Your Dog's Paws in Winter - Relief for Cold Feet
Depending
on the breed of dog, some canine paws are more sensitive
to the winter cold, than others. In addition, the salt
and sand on paved surfaces, can be abrasive to their
feet. Protecting your dog's paws in winter can be important
if you want to spend any time outdoors with them, or
if they are outside for prolonged periods.
One
solution to the problem, is a set of dog
boots. These come pre-made in sets of four, which
fit a given range of foot size, usually measured by
the paw width, and length from toe to back of the foot.
Others are custom made, and for the truly active dog,
these may be the better choice, as you get exactly the
type of structure and leg length that your dog needs.
The
types of material that winter boots are made of, vary
from leather to the preferred Cordura nylon. Little
rubber dog booties are cute, but there are a couple
of issues that you need to consider. First, dogs sweat
through their feet, and if out for a long time, the
dog's feet may give off moisture. If you opt for rubber
boots, make sure they have an absorbent, non-slip lining,
that is removable for washing and drying.
Ideally,
the most protection for a dog's paws, comes from waterproof
boots that fit well around the leg. However, the fit
depends largely on whether the boot is really made for
a dog that size, and whether they close with buckles,
Velcro or laces, that provide a snug top to keep out
the snow.
Check
out the material your dog boots are made from. Do they
have a non-slip lining? Are they made with a minimum
of seams to reduce stress points that could leak? Have
they been waterproofed with tape that makes the boot
too stiff for comfortable movement? Is there a toe cap
that helps to keep the booties from twisting around
their feet?
The
choices in winter dog boots are almost as plentiful
as they are for humans. Take your time and find the
one that will suit your dog's size and activity level.
For
more information on dog boots
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