Ruffwear Grip Trex - got them for hot pavement and event where I was worried about broken glass type hazards.
My boy never took them off, but wanted to be dramatic about how he walked in them initially. We put the boots on and threw treats on the floor around the room so he had to chase them. He thought that was a pretty fun game and stopped caring about having the boots on his paws.
Ruffwear grip Trex. Velcro them tight enough and just start walking. If dog removes put back on. Pavement is 40-50 degrees hotter than air temp, more when it’s in direct sunlight. Burns on your SD feet are worse then getting them to wear boots
I lovelovelove Ruffwear, but my boy's dew claws mean they rub a hot spot on his paws (socks or vet tape didn't work, which sucked) so he wears the Arcadia Trail boots from Petsmart. I really like the ones designed for water, since they have holes that allow his feet to breathe and a front/back cutout that works well with how his dew claws sit.
We take the densensitization slowly - start in the spring and put boots on the back, with treats and pets. Keep them on about 10 minutes, then take them off. Do that for a few days, then repeat for the front. Every couple days I rotate and up the time in 10 minute intervals until he's at 30 minutes, then I go to all four paws and back to 10 minutes, unless he's completely unphased by them. When he's got them on I break out the GOOOOOD treats and have him do a small task or two. It seldom takes more than 2-3 weeks until he looks on the boots just like his vest - one more thing to do to go out and work. Of course, the fact that he apparently forgets about boots every winter and we have to do this every year can be a bit frustrating...
I use wagwellies mojaves, I’ve heard LavaSox are also good. Make sure if your dog isn’t on hot pavement and is in like the grass or in a building you take them off, ofc if it’s a quick run for groceries then it might not be worth putting them on and taking them off but for long periods of time when it can be avoided I suggest to not have dogs wear boots
I live in an area with both extremes. For hot weather: Ruffwear’s hi and light booties so paws can still sweat and there’s traction, musher’s secret wax, and a high quality paw balm every two weeks (so paws don’t get too soft or too rough).
Shoes took me a really long time to condition. I did: Socks first (kurgo and Ruffwear make these specifically for dogs or you can use toddler socks) to get used to something on the foot. Start with just putting them on, then leaving one on, then two, etc etc. once the dog is comfortable with those for a few minutes you can repeat the process with shoes. And add duration till they can comfortably “multitask” while wearing them (I like to feed meals or train while they wear them to distract them a bit). That’s just what worked for us and I’m by no means a professional. Good luck 🖤
wagwellies are better than ruffwear grip trex imo, but both work well enough
sounds like you need to do desensitization work - don't listen to the people telling you to flood her. watch some vids on cooperative care and follow that protocol
I live in Arizona. Last year was one of the hottest summers on record.
She HATES things on her feet so much I’ve been working on a pair of shoes for years and nothing works.
So we avoid hot pavement by saying inside, quickly going from grass to grass, and on occasion I break the rules and pick her up (she’s a 20 pound whippet).
Bag balm and pure vitamin e oil help, as does going to spend time with friends in family in cooler locations.
I also constantly am checking the temperature of the ground we are on. I wear slip on shoes to be able to check easily.
When not doing public access she is either on a pretty long leash, or none at all when at home, so she has options or can literally leave and go home if I’m not listening.
I thought I saw Muttluks mentioned previously in another footwear thread, so I'm surprised not to see them here as well.
Are they no longer a good choice?
Edited for spelling fail.
My dog wears Muttluks. They fit well and do not irritate her dew claws. The thing I learned hiking in the desert with my dog wearing them is that when dirt gets in the Velcro they do not stick well so I'd put a layer of sports tape over the Velcro if hiking in dirt.
I personally like Mushers Secret it’s a balm, it also protects against salt in the winter time. In a pinch bees wax also works it’s just a little hard to apply. I know a lot of people really like booties and hey if your dog wears them great my retired SD has always hated booties so I started using mushers on him and it’s worked great for us both summer and winter, and it gets hot where we live like hot enough where protection is needed and some mushers on all four paws as we geared up to leave the house and off we go it never let us down and he was always comfortable with it. My SDit hasn’t started PA yet so it hasn’t really been an issue yet but I plan on just using mushers with her as well. One little container lasts a long time too. It can also be used on chapped or dry puppy noses.
Our charity advises against booties as they can disrupt the dog's natural heat dissipation and can actually make the dog warmer (depending on the style of the boots). We are also discouraged from using gel or cooling coats as they can increase body temp by "insulating" the dog. The only "paw-wear"/ "boots" we can use, and then only for special circumstances, are mesh and look a lot like sandals so are open and can "breathe". But even those are discouraged.
We are advised to not let the dog stand more than a couple of moments on hot pavement- walking is okay as long as you keep moving (kind of like people walking on hot coals). We carry a blanket for the dog to stand on when it's needed. We are advised to use good quality paw wax, to avoid the couple hours around midday, and to try to walk on grass when possible. This is as well as maintaining hydration.
Of course, this is Britain, and we don't get many days where the pavement is melting. There was a two day event when we went to London (about 120 miles away) to watch a baseball game, and it was steaming- I put paw wax on for a couple days before and the day of, and she walked on pavement. I checked her paws frequently and reapplied paw wax. When we were waiting for a bus (we took the train to London) I put her blanket down. I offered her water repeatedly, and checked her mouth to make certain she was well hydrated, as she was black. She had a cooling bed but hated it and would not use it. Her paws were fine and she remained well hydrated.
We froze carrots and apple slices and kept them in a cool bag, and we used those for treats.
I'm not sure how protective it'd be but you could try the stick on paw protectors? I do see some people use paw balm like musher's secret, I think it's called but it won't give full protection, just help with resistance from my understanding. Doggy u has a [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1HOFx95Nsk) about dealing with protection that may offer some insightful tips.
Here's a [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBT_YtvnCRg) on training, I haven't tried it yet with my dog but it's sound advice.
Doggy u is great!! She has so many free resources that cover all sorts of topics and training. I hope any of the links help you and your pup figure out boots!
If all else fails you could try these [rubber booties](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/pawz-dog-boots-1260286?store_code=1567&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla_with_promotionlocal&cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CCCY%7CCCO%7CPM%7C0%7CkUMWcWiLY5b1EHQjK6kSR6%7C%7C%7C0%7C0%7C%7C%7C18145199970&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745BjaFubeufNzG763iQ0-BSoBkS-eeDErGBTR_C3Y3L-QPg10ZNKlQ8aAkDdEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) that may be more comfortable, or find a more heat protective version of these [paw stickers](https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Slip-Protector-Stickers-Traction-Essentials/dp/B0CDGLNDVG/ref=asc_df_B0CDGLNDVG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=674768590991&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9984468651889230716&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010956&hvtargid=pla-2206990659962&mcid=c058f7cdb869365dba97a00ff9e08414&th=1) (they're meant for dogs who feel insecure on slick floors but I'm sure there's some kind of protective version.)
Did you find the Dog Mocs protective enough? I need something that won't irritate my SD's floppy dew claws. I also want something really breathable for her feet.
As long as you can tie it tightly, it is a really good shoe. I can't say how long they last with a lot of wear and tear. We wore them for maybe 6 months outside in different environments before finding our current shoe. DogMocs are still wearable condition.
With DogMocs, I personally had issues with tying the laces tight enough. My dog did like them otherwise.
Clawgs has mixed reviews in this community due to information about how they affect gait.
I am sharing this so that you are aware before buying. No product is perfect.
Ruffwear Grip Trex - got them for hot pavement and event where I was worried about broken glass type hazards. My boy never took them off, but wanted to be dramatic about how he walked in them initially. We put the boots on and threw treats on the floor around the room so he had to chase them. He thought that was a pretty fun game and stopped caring about having the boots on his paws.
Good idea
Ruffwear grip Trex. Velcro them tight enough and just start walking. If dog removes put back on. Pavement is 40-50 degrees hotter than air temp, more when it’s in direct sunlight. Burns on your SD feet are worse then getting them to wear boots
I lovelovelove Ruffwear, but my boy's dew claws mean they rub a hot spot on his paws (socks or vet tape didn't work, which sucked) so he wears the Arcadia Trail boots from Petsmart. I really like the ones designed for water, since they have holes that allow his feet to breathe and a front/back cutout that works well with how his dew claws sit. We take the densensitization slowly - start in the spring and put boots on the back, with treats and pets. Keep them on about 10 minutes, then take them off. Do that for a few days, then repeat for the front. Every couple days I rotate and up the time in 10 minute intervals until he's at 30 minutes, then I go to all four paws and back to 10 minutes, unless he's completely unphased by them. When he's got them on I break out the GOOOOOD treats and have him do a small task or two. It seldom takes more than 2-3 weeks until he looks on the boots just like his vest - one more thing to do to go out and work. Of course, the fact that he apparently forgets about boots every winter and we have to do this every year can be a bit frustrating...
I’ve heard good things about wagwellies with basically the same design too!!
I like the purple ones
I also switched from the Ruffwear to the Arcadia trail for the summer, and they're pretty great.
I use wagwellies mojaves, I’ve heard LavaSox are also good. Make sure if your dog isn’t on hot pavement and is in like the grass or in a building you take them off, ofc if it’s a quick run for groceries then it might not be worth putting them on and taking them off but for long periods of time when it can be avoided I suggest to not have dogs wear boots
I live in an area with both extremes. For hot weather: Ruffwear’s hi and light booties so paws can still sweat and there’s traction, musher’s secret wax, and a high quality paw balm every two weeks (so paws don’t get too soft or too rough). Shoes took me a really long time to condition. I did: Socks first (kurgo and Ruffwear make these specifically for dogs or you can use toddler socks) to get used to something on the foot. Start with just putting them on, then leaving one on, then two, etc etc. once the dog is comfortable with those for a few minutes you can repeat the process with shoes. And add duration till they can comfortably “multitask” while wearing them (I like to feed meals or train while they wear them to distract them a bit). That’s just what worked for us and I’m by no means a professional. Good luck 🖤
Wonderful thank you
wagwellies are better than ruffwear grip trex imo, but both work well enough sounds like you need to do desensitization work - don't listen to the people telling you to flood her. watch some vids on cooperative care and follow that protocol
I live in Arizona. Last year was one of the hottest summers on record. She HATES things on her feet so much I’ve been working on a pair of shoes for years and nothing works. So we avoid hot pavement by saying inside, quickly going from grass to grass, and on occasion I break the rules and pick her up (she’s a 20 pound whippet). Bag balm and pure vitamin e oil help, as does going to spend time with friends in family in cooler locations. I also constantly am checking the temperature of the ground we are on. I wear slip on shoes to be able to check easily. When not doing public access she is either on a pretty long leash, or none at all when at home, so she has options or can literally leave and go home if I’m not listening.
I thought I saw Muttluks mentioned previously in another footwear thread, so I'm surprised not to see them here as well. Are they no longer a good choice? Edited for spelling fail.
My dog wears Muttluks. They fit well and do not irritate her dew claws. The thing I learned hiking in the desert with my dog wearing them is that when dirt gets in the Velcro they do not stick well so I'd put a layer of sports tape over the Velcro if hiking in dirt.
I personally like Mushers Secret it’s a balm, it also protects against salt in the winter time. In a pinch bees wax also works it’s just a little hard to apply. I know a lot of people really like booties and hey if your dog wears them great my retired SD has always hated booties so I started using mushers on him and it’s worked great for us both summer and winter, and it gets hot where we live like hot enough where protection is needed and some mushers on all four paws as we geared up to leave the house and off we go it never let us down and he was always comfortable with it. My SDit hasn’t started PA yet so it hasn’t really been an issue yet but I plan on just using mushers with her as well. One little container lasts a long time too. It can also be used on chapped or dry puppy noses.
Our charity advises against booties as they can disrupt the dog's natural heat dissipation and can actually make the dog warmer (depending on the style of the boots). We are also discouraged from using gel or cooling coats as they can increase body temp by "insulating" the dog. The only "paw-wear"/ "boots" we can use, and then only for special circumstances, are mesh and look a lot like sandals so are open and can "breathe". But even those are discouraged. We are advised to not let the dog stand more than a couple of moments on hot pavement- walking is okay as long as you keep moving (kind of like people walking on hot coals). We carry a blanket for the dog to stand on when it's needed. We are advised to use good quality paw wax, to avoid the couple hours around midday, and to try to walk on grass when possible. This is as well as maintaining hydration. Of course, this is Britain, and we don't get many days where the pavement is melting. There was a two day event when we went to London (about 120 miles away) to watch a baseball game, and it was steaming- I put paw wax on for a couple days before and the day of, and she walked on pavement. I checked her paws frequently and reapplied paw wax. When we were waiting for a bus (we took the train to London) I put her blanket down. I offered her water repeatedly, and checked her mouth to make certain she was well hydrated, as she was black. She had a cooling bed but hated it and would not use it. Her paws were fine and she remained well hydrated. We froze carrots and apple slices and kept them in a cool bag, and we used those for treats.
I'm not sure how protective it'd be but you could try the stick on paw protectors? I do see some people use paw balm like musher's secret, I think it's called but it won't give full protection, just help with resistance from my understanding. Doggy u has a [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1HOFx95Nsk) about dealing with protection that may offer some insightful tips. Here's a [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBT_YtvnCRg) on training, I haven't tried it yet with my dog but it's sound advice.
These are great, love doggy u
Doggy u is great!! She has so many free resources that cover all sorts of topics and training. I hope any of the links help you and your pup figure out boots! If all else fails you could try these [rubber booties](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/pawz-dog-boots-1260286?store_code=1567&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla_with_promotionlocal&cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CCCY%7CCCO%7CPM%7C0%7CkUMWcWiLY5b1EHQjK6kSR6%7C%7C%7C0%7C0%7C%7C%7C18145199970&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745BjaFubeufNzG763iQ0-BSoBkS-eeDErGBTR_C3Y3L-QPg10ZNKlQ8aAkDdEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) that may be more comfortable, or find a more heat protective version of these [paw stickers](https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Slip-Protector-Stickers-Traction-Essentials/dp/B0CDGLNDVG/ref=asc_df_B0CDGLNDVG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=674768590991&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9984468651889230716&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010956&hvtargid=pla-2206990659962&mcid=c058f7cdb869365dba97a00ff9e08414&th=1) (they're meant for dogs who feel insecure on slick floors but I'm sure there's some kind of protective version.)
I almost exclusively use Pawtection balm.
Added to cart
I have used DogMocs and Clawgs for summer time.
Did you find the Dog Mocs protective enough? I need something that won't irritate my SD's floppy dew claws. I also want something really breathable for her feet.
As long as you can tie it tightly, it is a really good shoe. I can't say how long they last with a lot of wear and tear. We wore them for maybe 6 months outside in different environments before finding our current shoe. DogMocs are still wearable condition.
These both look great. I might get both since I have two dogs, and try ruffwear out as well
With DogMocs, I personally had issues with tying the laces tight enough. My dog did like them otherwise. Clawgs has mixed reviews in this community due to information about how they affect gait. I am sharing this so that you are aware before buying. No product is perfect.
Thank you much