The Bare Necessities of Paw Protection

Even the toughest dogs are prone to frost bite, burns from hot pavement, the sting of rock salt, or cuts from sharp rocks or broken shells.  The good news is that paw protection is simple if you plan ahead.

1. Just the Wax, M’am

Paw waxes and balms like Musher’s Secret or Natural Dog Company Pawtection seal pads with a dense, breathable film that protects from exposure to snow, salt, ice, as well as hot sand and pavement. It’s year-round protection that prevents dryness and promotes healing. Dry pads are more sensitive to heat and cold, and to the sting of salt, and they are more susceptible to cracking…and you want to whatever you can to avoid cracked pads because like any open cut, they are painful and prone to infection. So, wax on.  Smooth generously on all pads and between toes every couple of days…or more frequently if you wipe paws on re-entry.  Another big bonus for dogs with furry paws…wax and balm will stop ‘snowballs’ from forming between toes. For dogs with ‘feathers’ or curly or long fur on their legs, go ahead and rub wax or balm in right up the ‘elbow’ to prevent the abominable snowman effect.  Best use: year-round, any terrain, any dog…especially dogs who don’t like their paws being messed with.

2. Wear Your Rubbers

Pawz Natural Rubber Dog Boots (also available in black) are reuseable & disposable paw protection that come in a set of 12 for about $15.  Depending on the amount of use and length of nails, you can get multiple seasons out of them. For a little over $1 a boot, they are an extreme value if only as a backup for very cold, icy days when you want a little more barrier than the film a wax or balm provides. Not to mention they’re great for covering gauze when you do have a wounded paw (for extended wear inside in the case of wound protection, poke holes in rubber for breathability, and cut off the elastic ring at the top). Sizes Tiny to XL cover almost any size paw.  Bonus: other than waxes and balms, rubber booties are typically the easiest to put on, and dogs forget about them almost immediately. Best use: winter salt protection, wound protection and mud season for any size dog…and especially great for dogs who don’t acclimate easily to a heavier boot.

3. Give ‘Em the Boot

Just like with footwear for humans, the more solidly constructed, the more buffering any boot will provide from the cold and tough terrain, and the longer it will last. If you are out with your dog for extended periods of time in very cold or very hot weather, or on any kind of rugged terrain (rock-salted sidewalks, shoreline or rocky trails for instance) consider investing in a little more advanced paw protection, i.e., a permanent boot.  By that we mean a lightweight shoe made of a breathable, durable material that wraps completely around the paw, providing both a long-lasting barrier, and traction underfoot. Ruffwear Grip Trex and Ruffwear Polar Trex are great examples of booties that are breathable, lightweight, easy to flex and designed for proper fit. They are sold in sets of 2 for about $40-50.  A new addition to the pack for boots with a rubber sole is Goo-eez.  What we love about Goo-eez is their form fit. They function like a super stretchy sock, and they have a very flexible jelly sole. If you are looking for a bootie without a rubber sole, we love Salt Sox.  Salt Sox are easy to put on, almost weightless, and they stay on well when cinched with the attached velcro closure.   Best use:  exposure to rock salt on city sidewalks, extended outdoor activities, dogs of all sizes. 

4. Sock it to me

A sock or liner makes putting a furry, wiggly paw (especially with long toe nails) into a narrow bootie much, MUCH easier. Plus, a sock or liner can help take up excess space for a better fit. We like Ruffwear Bark’n Boot Dog Socks for their wicking and quick-drying properties.  Best use: improving fit and warmth, or easier boot entry in winter; wound protection year-round.

5. Beat the Heat

Summer boots are a paw-saver in hot climates. Imagine walking barefoot on hot pavement…not fun!  For dogs who are comfortable with booties, we love the Ruffwear Grip Trex (see Tip #3 above) as just a great year-round boot because the mesh upper breathes, and let’s water run right through (which is great along the shore).  And Salt Sox now has a summer version called Lava Sox, just as easy to put on as their winter version but lighter and more breathable.  Best Use: Year-round, any size dog, any weather, any terrain.