Ok, I admit it, I’ve become one of those crazy dog people. I finally broke down and bought Fenway some dog boots.
And, as goofy as they seem, I’m really happy with them and how they have been protecting her feet. This time of year I often have to stop on walks because Fenway starts limping. Usually it is because someone has used salt or a harsh chemical on their section of the sidewalk. I can’t really blame them, the pet-safe stuff is really expensive and doesn’t work as well, but it breaks my heart to see Fenway limping like that. The only way to help her is to rub fresh snow on her feet, melting it and washing the chemicals off of her paws.
The other day it was bitterly cold when I took Fenway on her morning walk. The air temperature was -11 degrees, and it was -31 degrees with the windchill. Fenway needs her walks so I took her out for a relatively short one, just around the neighborhood. Fenway didn’t seem to bothered by the cold, but as we approached home she started limping again, this time because her feet were so cold. I grabbed her paw and warmed it in my hand. Then she lifted her other front paw, and then one of her rear ones. That was my breaking point.
After carefully measuring her paws, I ordered Fenway a pair (set? couple of pairs?) of boots and socks from Ruffwear, the same company that made her backpack. They arrived last week and she’s been adjusting to them better than I had expected. It’s a little tricky to get her little socks on, and she still does a little boot dance when we first put them on, but once she’s outside she seems to forget that they’re there. And most importantly, she hasn’t limped on any of her walks since she started wearing them.
I don’t think it’s such a crazy idea, given the weather conditions. I especially like the last picture with all the “boots”: very funny!
Not a crazy idea – keeps there paws/pads protected from sharp ice and salt as well as keeps the paws/pads warm. Very stylish too:)
Fenway, you are lucky to have such a good mom!!
Also of interest: http://www.physorg.com/news/2012-01-dogs-ice-paws.html
Aunt Mary – That’s a fascinating article. In the past I’ve never seen Fenway bothered by cold paws – usually the problem is the salt and then ice balls that form in the hair between her paw pads. Someone told me to use cooking spray to prevent those ice balls, so it’s nice to see that confirmed. When she started limping on that super, super cold day I thought it had to be the cold because there was no reason for fresh salt to be out. Maybe she reached her limit, who knows?
I love seeing Fenway’s four boots among the rest of the people boots. Brings me joy!
So awesome! Maybe you could keep her boots in her backpack??
Oh my gosh, those are the cutest things I’ve ever seen and they look exceptionally well on Fenway. I too love the look of all the boots sitting there. And now you don’t have to wipe her paws off when she comes in!
What a clever and practical solution! Fenway’s boots sitting among the people boots is the cutest thing, and it warms my heart how loved Fenway is.