|  | | | | | Winter Paw Protection & Snowball Spray -Keeps snowballs from accumulating on your pets fur. | Mushers Paw Wax -No more burning from Salt and Chemicals from Winter Snow Sidewalks or Hot Summer Pavements | Fleece Lined Boots with Self-Tightening Straps. |
|  | | | |
|  | | | | | | |
|
|
|
A Word About Dog Boots
There are boots and there are boots. We can't say enough about our Hound Hikers and G-Boots. These are pretty much the only boots you will find for dogs with rubber soles. Yes, we did say rubber soles . If you every got your heel or foot stuck in a NYC grate, you don't need to wonder why you might want to protect your dog's paw from such a fate. More than a broken shoe heel, a NYC grate could harm your dog's paw. These grates present a greater hazard for smaller dogs. Also, salt is commonly used to melt ice on sidewalks in periods of extreme snow. Salt and other chemicals used for this purpose can irritate your dog's footpads. A sturdy pair of boots like the G-boots or Hound Hikers will offer great paw protection.Unlike inferior designs with cheap vinyl or plastic soles, Hound Hiker dog shoes are made with 100% fused rubber soles. These shoes are simply the best. They're great for hot pavement, snow, water or simply making a fashion statement. Hound Hiker booties are made of suede and canvas with a lightweight rubber Dura Sole that's great for the hiking hound or any dog that requires style and toughness in their shoe.
The G-Boot is a Classic Dog Bootie that is soft and flexible. The Zip-Kro System keeps them on and while the rubber sole keeps your dog's feet safe over any terrain unlike other styles that have a thin vinyl sole. If you only buy one boot, invest in a Hound Hiker or G-Boot for your dog. They come in such great colors, these dog boots are great for matching with clothing or pet carriers.
Mushers and Paw Waxes
Another essential "must have" for pets during cold climates. When you're concerned about protection for dogs during winter, you have to look to the pros. We take are tips from those who endure Alaskan winters. They know a thing or two about very cold weather and winter safety for pets.
Mushers Secret is a extremely dense waxed-based invisible barrier cream that forms a breathable bond between two surfaces, and which remains very tenacious even when extremely hot or extremely cold. It does not stain, is non-toxic and non-allergenic. It also prevents abrasions, burning, drying and cracking. Doesn't that sound like something a pet would need in winter? It's just the thing if you like to take your dog mushing, skiing, hunting, walking or on any outdoor activity.
Mushers wax essentially acts as an invisible boot to prevent potential paw problems. Its easy-to-apply formula contains vitamin E to moisturize and help heal wounds and keep paws healthy.
A slightly more affordable option is Shaw's Paws wax which is another winter favorite. It helps protect his paws year round from gravel, asphalt, ice, snow, hard surfaces, etc. Shaws paw wax contains white oil, paraffin wax, rosin, silicon dioxide and perfume.
Sidewalk Safety
Another thing about those sidewalk grates in NY. Just last year, a woman was killed on a NYC sidewalk while walking her two dogs. New Yorkers already brace themselves for falling buildings, pot holes and flying darts, but it seems even as mundane an activity as walking the dog can be dangerous. In the case of the young doctoral student, Jodie Lane, she was killed last January when she stepped on a metal plate with her dogs and was electrified by an underground cable. The dogs survived, but sadly, Jodie died. Con Edison now has a panel consisting of three electrical safety experts to review the safety of NYC streets. This aside, even on drier days, sidewalk grates can present a problem for the paws of small dogs that get stuck. Dog walkers in NY are advised to be careful when walking their dogs. In the meantime, rubber soles may be the thing.
Outdoor Pets and Metal Dishes
Remember that classic scene from "A Christmas Story" and the Tongue Dare? Well, tongues on objects can freeze in seconds in cold weather and your pet's tongue on a metal dish left outside is no exception. Try using a plastic or ceramic dish which will safeguard against such a catastrophe. It wouldn't hurt to check outside water periodically.