Huskies Who Serve: Boots...but, they never stay on!

Whether your pup is a service dog or you are just looking for a way to protect them from the summer heat and harsh winter chemicals, you inevitably search for the "perfect" pair of boots. Now, if you are like me, lets face it, you want them to look good because they will attract attention. How could they not? A dog wearing shoes?! Now that is a site to see! However, realistically, the fashionable ones usually don't stay on or lack the protection that you are looking for.

We too, have tried multiple pairs of boots to protect Gunnar and Scouts feet from the harsh heat of the pavement when they are working or the many varieties of ice melts outside of stores in the winter. Then there is poor Cullan of course, where her feet freeze the minute they hit the snow and while she hates that, she hates wearing boots even more! With the boys, the struggle has been the big paws but skinny legs and finding boots that fit and can tighten enough. We've always struggled with this, and had settled with the boot on the far right in the photo below.

We bought because it looked easy to slip on, certainly big enough to fit Scouts monster paws and appeared it would wrap tight enough around their skinny little legs. These were about $40 so, the cost is moderate in comparison to others on the market and worked well enough. However, they would fall off from time to time, especially on Gunnar, as the foam padding that is supposed to protect their leg, actually prevented it from being tight enough. Further, the "pad" is actually fairly hard and left some deep indents on both of them after we took the boots off. They seemed to provide enough traction for them, but because the boot itself is deigned to be big, it at times was a tripping hazard for them. These would definitely be good for a bigger dog to use in the snow as it would act almost like a snow shoe for them, and would probably stay on dogs with "fatter" legs better.

Next up, the red in the middle. These boots were the most expensive that we bought being $60. The sizes weren't appropriate as the boot picture is a large and should fit a lab/husky, but in reality is better suited for Cullan. The amount of fleece inside makes it hard to get the paws in as the nails get stuck and the opening doesn't stay open. Elastic was used, most likely to help keep the boot on with its single strap, but in reality makes putting on much harder. Lastly, the traction on the bottom is more plastic based and not enough rubber making the boots slippery on tile and other smooth surfaces.

Now, I saved the best for last! The first boot on the left is not only the best that I've found so far, but also the cheapest at only $17/pair on Amazon (we buy most things on Amazon or Gibsons Natural Pet). First of all, they are shaped more like a paw, the opening stays open making it easy to slide even a big old malamute paw in and they have the perfect amount of soft fleece lining to protect them while wearing them. They fasten on easily, even around Gunnars skinny legs and have two straps to help keep them on. One of which is reflective which adds an extra layer of protection for the dark, especially winter months when its dark out at 4:30pm! The rubber soles provide great traction on smooth surfaces, even ones that are a little wet, though I've noticed they slip a bit on our plastic bumper when the boys wait to get out of the car. The boots are also waterproof, so in the winter, when they are wearing these to protect against ice melt, they won't be walking around in we boots allowing their pads to become raw and infected. Last but not least, they have just enough lining to not be too hot for a snow dog, but to provide warmth for those of you using to keep your pups feet warm and they stay on for the dogs that like to kick up the grass after they've gone to the bathroom.

Boots can definitely be a pain in the butt sometimes, but for service dogs, or other dogs that have to be on hot surfaces or other tough elements, they are essential. They will keep those little pads soft and safe and prevent your pooch from experiencing unnecessary pain. There are lots of different pairs out there, and they range in price, with expensive not always being better, so be sure to do your homework and shop around. If your friends have some, ask if you can try them out before purchasing your own. Ask what they like best and what they like least and be sure to read the reviews of any online.

Hope this helps! Until next time...!