It’s been a tough winter in Toronto. The de-icer they throw down in heavy piles all over the side walks, roadways and pathways is brutal on the pups paws, and it can burn through them in a matter of seconds. While dog boots may look like a fashion statement, they serve a huge purpose when you’re living in a concrete jungle that’s saturated in chemicals that causes visible pain and discomfort to our fur kids.
Did you know .. Ice-melting chemicals commonly contain sodium chloride or rock salt, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and/or urea, also known as carbonyl diamide.
The two most common concerns regarding pets and ice melters are:
Ingestion – the fear that your pet could eat a poisonous amount of the product.
Dry paws – concerns that the chemical on the ground can get into your pets paws and dry out the soft pads.
Providing your dog with a good foot wipe-down when coming in from outdoors, will usually suffice in removing most of the de-icer. A little added licking (by the dog) will remove any additional- ingested in small amounts, this is usually harmless,
Keep a container of water by your door to dip and rinse each paw, then wipe dry. This will wash away salty residue, especially with longer haired breeds. It also helps to clip the longer fur between the pads to keep them clean.
These are my personal top picks for dog paw protection. As a dog walker, I’ve used and tried many-a-boot, on every sized dog paw, and have found these are the most practical and useful. If you’re going to invest in dog gear, you might as well skip the try-it phase and just get what really works!
*I have no affiliation of any of the products listed below. These are strictly my personal favs.
Pawz is the world’s only disposable and reusable, waterproof dog boot. Made of natural rubber, Pawz are 100% biodegradable. Pawz are designed to go on easily and fit securely without zippers or straps. Fashionable yet durable, Pawz offers serious paw protection. Pawz is the most natural-feeling boot your dog can wear because without padding your dog feels the ground, providing a needed sense of security. Like a sock, Pawz moves with your dog, allowing full paw motion and maximum comfort. And imagine never losing another expensive dog boot again! Pawz come 12 in a package and each boot may be worn many times.
Proudly designed and made in Canada since 1994, Muttluks are not just fancy footwear for canines. They provide superior performance and “Pawsitive Relief” for your canine companion. Available in eight sizes and two models: Fleece Lined Muttluks and All Weather Muttluks.
- Self-tightening straps provide a secure fit
- Reflective straps for nighttime visibility
- Genuine leather soles for a soft flexible fit
- Comfortable adjustable stretchy leg cuff
- Machine washable
- Fleece Lined Muttluks feature warm and cozy fleece interior ideal for winter protection
- All Weather Muttluks feature a nylon exterior ideal for summer or winter protection
Musher’s Secret is a dense, barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog’s paws. Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, it provides tenacious protection even in the most extreme conditions.
Safe and Natural
Made from a blend of several food-grade waxes, then refined according to our our own special formulations, Musher’s Secret is the safe, non-toxic way to protect your dog’s paws. The semi-permeable shield is absorbed into the paws, allowing perspiration to escape through the toes.
Made from 100% natural waxes and easy to apply!
Spread a light coating of Musher’s Secret on the pads and rub in. Mushers will absorb in minutes (rub a little on your hands, when it is absorbed you will know it is absorbed into the pads as well). We use an old rug near the door for application purposes. In very harsh cold or snowy conditions be sure to rub up in between the pads to prevent snowballing. For year round use, 1-2 times a weeks is sufficient. During extreme weather additional applications may be necessary. Frequency may depend on length of your walk and weather conditions.
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