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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Doggie Paddle :: dog boots
 
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wharrier
01/04/2018 11:08AM
 
I tried to take my dog into the boundary waters last week. The day that was supposed to be above zero. But when we were loading up to go, it was -11 and I saw my dog huddled holding his paw in the air. So, we called it off.

He's been good at hikes we've done down to -10, but we're always moving, so stays warm. But when at camp when I'm busy doing things, he might not be as active.

So, I'm in the market for some boots for my dog. Can anyone recommend a brand that would be good for winter camping. When we've been out in the snow, I noticed that he flairs out his toes to give him more loft. So one of my concerns is that the boots will inhibit his ability to stay on top of the snow.

Thanks
 
LindenTree3
01/08/2018 09:38PM
 
I took my dog on a hike a few years ago at -10 degrees, we hiked for about 30 minutes without boots on her.
She must have gotten her feet frostbitten and I didn't know it, now she can't take temps outside under 15 above for any time at all, and she will regurlarly pick up a paw.
She hates boots, my only advise is whatever boot you choose be careful hiking pups in -10 degrees without boots. I'm sure every dog is different, my pup is a 80 pound German Shepard mix.
Good Luck.
 
Jaywalker
01/05/2018 09:23AM
 
I think dog boots are like people boots; what works on one foot won't work for another. I've tried several different brands and here is what I've experienced with my lab.


Ruff Wear are cool with their Vibram soles, but can be the most confining on the foot so fit really matters. My dog really did not like these because of the confinement. I'd use them for hazardous areas with sharp rocks or thorns, but gave up on them for winter. They were most expensive too.


Next I tried Muttlucks (in yellow in photo). The faux leather bottoms provide some good protection and are more flexible, so the fit is much better. These work great if its cold and Im walking my dog on hard surfaces (protection against cold and chemicals/salts). I found that when my dog ran through unpacked snow, however, snow collected inside that black cuff and formed a ring like a donut around his ankle. 5 minutes in deep snow and he's biting at his ankles. I sewed some velcro to the top of two of them to try to keep snow out, but the jury is still out on this.


Last I tried some unbranded simple fleece square boots that are sold at a nearby dog shop. They have a plastic/vinyl bottom and different color velcro's for different sizes. These are the cheapest (about $5-6 per boot) and generally work the best so far.


So for me the cheaper and simpler they have been, the better they have worked. Cheaper also means you can buy more of them. If you go camping or extended day hikes, they can easily get wet and then are no good - but if they are cheap have some back ups handy. On that note, I'll toss out one more brand for you to consider - Kondos up in Ely. . They make an even simpler heavy nylon boot for dog sledders who only want enough to keep the snow and ice chunks from getting between the toes. They are really cheap, especially if you buy in bulk!


Lastly, and slightly off topic, when my dog has been running in snow without boots and gets somewhat sore in between the toes, I use Musher's Secret - a waxy paste that helps protect that inner foot. Also tends to both protect against and heal up sores from road salts and chemicals.

 
wharrier
01/08/2018 11:32AM
 
Thanks for all the information. I'm sure it will help me come to a decision. I think I need to get some of the musher's wax. He is annoyed by salt when walking in the city.