Dog Booties - comparing types and costs

[groupieindenial]

I felt HORRIBLE last night, after our walk Vegas was crying and biting at his paws. I thought I avoided salted areas, and I didn't think it was that cold, compared to the days before on our walks wihich were -20C. Bad mommy I wiped down his paws with a cool wet cloth, and smeared bag balm all over, and it seemed to releive the pain.

I've reread all the posts about this. Looked into pricing, and well I'm sort of a bargain hunter. Residing in Canada, I try to order things within Canada since I been screwed on duty fees in the past, that amounted to nearly the same cost as the product. Not to mention shipping accross the border is about twice as expensive.

So anyways, the best ones I could find were those Neo-Paws, and even though they are an international company, they are manufactured here in Canada. They are designed like a real boot, with treads and rubber soles, and the neoprene extends quite high on the leg, with a stretch wrap around velcro for fastening. THe price is about $58 CAD plus shipping for a pair. Pretty pricey, but look like very good quality.
http://www.neopaws.com/shoes.html

I found a site where this lady in the U.S. makes insulated, and non-insulated booties out of 500 Denier cordura, Dupont Codura. They are only $10 US/ set! I was thinking of trying these out, and if they don't stand up, i don't have much to lose, and i could then by the Neo-paws.
http://www.geocities.com/bamsdaugt/

I also looked into dogsled equipment, and found www.dogbooties.com THey don't look insulated, but they are cheap enough too. Shipping was 3x the cost of the booties, so that option is out for me. But may be a good option for you Americans. Depending on the boot, they range from $1 - $1.85 US per boot.

I've read that either a double velcro, or the wrap around keeps the booties in place best. I have no experience with booties. Any of you have any input, tried any of these? I have found others online, but these stood out to me.

[Canadianrotti]

You read my mind on this thread, I was going to ask the same questions. I don't mind the cold, but the salt is a big concern for me.

I would love to hear what others think about this.

[brunie's mom]

Are you sure it was the salt?
It was so bitter cold here yesterday (-30c in the a.m.) and we have no salt here because we live in the country. All of the dogs were limping within a few seconds of being outside...hopping from one foot to the other or just holding up frozen footsies. I just rub them with my my gloved hands and then they can walk for a minute or two more.

A small pack of baby wipes with lanoline would be something to carry in your pocket while walking if you think it's the salt.

I have also heard of Muttlucks...I know they are made in Canada. When Sept.11th happened the company sent hundreds of pairs to the search dogs searching the World Trade Centre. They are a good company.

Not sure how Vegas will feel wearing booties , but you must get a picture of it.

Gina

[lblax]

are by any chance are you putting stuff on his paws to keep them soft and supple if you are dont.

[groupieindenial]

I hadn't put the balm on in a while, but I did put the bag balm after the walk, which seemed to help. On the walk, he did lift his heind leg near the end. The pain didn't settle in till after we came in, which makes me think its the salt. The day before we went for a walk, and like i said it was colder than -20, and he was fine. Definately the salt, cuz it wasn't half as cold.

I thought their paws are like glands, that they sweat through them. IF thats the case, then ofcourse any amount of salt is going to hurt. When the salt is melting the ice, it makes the remnants zub zero, VERY cold. Try putting your hand in slush melted by salt, C-C-C-C-O-L-D!!!

So far I havn't had much problems getting him used to things, like the rain coat I bought him a few months ago, did very well with it the first time he wore it. I will DEFINATELY post pictures when I do get some for him!

THe Muttluks are $50 CAD, I was looking at them, but for an extra $10, the Neo-Paws look 100x better. I also want something thats going to last if I'm going to fork out the $.

[groupieindenial]

I also found this dogsledding equipment supplier offering booties made of the cordura, lined with plar fleece for $25 CAD / pair. I think the cuffs come up midway on the leg, instead of just fastening at the ankle only. They only recently offered these, so there is no picture or info on their website.
http://www.ravenswatch.on.ca/