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December 11, 2013

Puss In Boots: Volume Two

Last year I learned how hard a city winter can be on a pup’s paws.  Between frigid temperatures, unforgiving pavement and minefields of rock salt, there are a lot of ways for a dog’s paws to get injured.  I invested in a pair of dog boots that Eko initially

Last year I learned how hard a city winter can be on a pup’s paws.  Between frigid temperatures, unforgiving pavement and minefields of rock salt, there are a lot of ways for a dog’s paws to get injured.  I invested in a pair of dog boots that Eko initially hated but he eventually came to recognize them as the sign of an imminent winter adventure. 

It is a cold and snowy week here in Chicago, so before today’s run I decided it was time to break out Eko’s boot for the season.  I hoped he would remember all the fun he had last year in his boots, but unfortunately that was not the case.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, adventure, dog blog, dogs, photos, pets, adventure, chicago, winter, dog boots

Eko warily sniffed the bag as soon as I set it down

Rhodesian Ridgeback, adventure, dog blog, dogs, photos, pets, adventure, chicago, winter, dog boots

He then examined each boot carefully

Rhodesian Ridgeback, adventure, dog blog, dogs, photos, pets, adventure, chicago, winter, dog boots

And promptly attempted to destroy one

Much to my chagrin, Eko will have to relearn to become comfortable in his boots. Although I have to admit the learning process is absolutely hilarious.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, adventure, dog blog, dogs, photos, pets, adventure, chicago, winter, dog boots

Once I got him in his boots, Eko stood perfectly still like this and refused to move.  Eventually though I did manage to get him out the door

Rhodesian Ridgeback, adventure, dog blog, dogs, photos, pets, adventure, chicago, winter, dog bootsLike last year, Eko was all “woe, is me!” at first but I did coax him into a nice short jog to help him remember that the boots aren’t so bad

I have to admit that I was a bit exasperated with the process and wondered if it was really necessary to boot Eko up for our runs.  The universe sent me a loud and clear answer when Eko lost one of his boots in a snow bank.  We ran for a while before I noticed, so for part of the run his pad was unprotected.  Back at home, I was surprised by the difference between Eko’s protected and unprotected paws.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, adventure, dog blog, dogs, photos, pets, adventure, chicago, winter, dog boots

Like all Ridgebacks, Eko has thick paw pads.  He has built up some healthy, protective calluses from our adventures.  As you can see though, his unprotected paw looks raw and sore

Luckily the damage to Eko’s paw was strictly superficial.  Although I’m not glad I had to dig through a snow bank to find the boot, I am glad I got this reminder about the importance of protecting Eko’s paws on our runs.  If you have an active pup, I highly recommend looking into a pair of boots for the winter.  There is a bit of a learning curve, but at least it is a funny learning curve to watch!  Another good way to help keep your dog’s paws healthy this winter is to use Musher’s Secret – a Vaseline like paw-protectant that’s very easy to apply.

Winter time romps may require a bit more effort and equipment but they are definitely well worth the effort!

Comments for Puss In Boots: Volume Two

  1. That’s the post for my mom, she is a boot-o-maniac :o)

  2. raisingdaisy says:

    We have boots for Daisy too, but she manages to get them off before we can even get her outside. This year will be harder because instead of freezing in place with boots, she tends to lift her legs up as high as possible when she walks, and since she’s only on 3 legs most of the time, that will make it really hard for her to walk. Should be interesting!

  3. Kuruk says:

    I’m so glad I have furr covered snow paws! Keep your feet safe Eko! Woooowoooooo!

  4. Mags Corner says:

    Good thing to know Will, thanks for showing the difference wearing boots makes in the cold harsh weather. Hugs and nose kisses

  5. Marcela says:

    Will, you are the best dad ever. Once Alex is back on her feet, I’ll get her a pair too. Thanks for the info.

  6. Emmadog says:

    Katie has worn boots on occasion, but Bailie and I go “barepaw”. Our paws seem to be just fine and we are out a lot but maybe different dogs have different pads? By the time Mom gets bundled up and puts on her boots, I don’t know if she would survive putting on 12 more boots to creatures that don’t want the boots in the first place! Katie lost one once too, but they are not cheap, so we had to go back and find it too. Good luck Eko, my friend!

  7. Elizabeth Izzo says:

    What brand boots did you get? Are your pups still wearing them now (2019)?

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