http://www.care2.com/greenliving/winter-paws-and-diy-dog-booties.html
Winter Paws and DIY Dog Booties
By John Monahan, Natural Solutions magazine
Crisp air and fresh snow can bring out the silly puppy in the most regal of Rovers. But ice and snow mixed with salt, sand, and chemical de-icers will ruin winter fun in short order. Dog boots (adorably referred to as “booties”) help protect a pooch’s paws from harsh winter weather, says Jim Sinning, DVM, a holistic veterinarian—and he ought to know, since he practices in snowy Minneapolis.
“Booties are great as long as they’re not too tight,” Sinning says. Most brands offer sizing charts to make sure you get a boot that will work whether you have a Bernese or a Bichon. We like Ultra Paws Rugged Dog Boots made from recycled tire materials and nylon.
If your dog can’t abide booties, Musher’s Secret, made with a blend of organic waxes, will protect your dog’s dogs from cracking, drying, salt burns, and collecting those painful between-the-pads ice balls. For paws irritated by winter weather, Sinning suggests applying calendula salve or aloe vera gel to soothe and using vitamin E ointment as a moisturizer for pads and between the toes.
To make your own dog booties, see this awesome DIY for “cool and cheap little dog sneakers or boots from duct tape” from Instructables.com.
Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.
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6 comments
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Kabin
Konteyner
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Old Baby Socks work well for the inner lining, and eliminates the need to make laces. Just wrap the bottom foot part up to first joint with the tape and the cuff of the sock holds the bootie on securely.
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The article says to start with putting cloth around the foot then tape. They even used silky stuff, spoiled pup! I have used canvas and wrapped the foot then put tape on but it seems to come off. If you make these form fitting ones they will fit better and probably stay on. Good idea for my spoiled pups. It is also a good idea if you go to a rocky area and the dog isn't used to it.
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Unless these are lined with some kind of material, this is a ridiculous idea. The sticky side will stick to the animal's fur and hurt when it is pulled off.
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I do some blogging and would very much like to share this information on my blog. I intend to write my own piece, not copy this one, but will draw my information from it. Is it ok with you if I do this? I will gladly mention from whom/where I got my information. I feel this is something that many of my readers will not only find interesting, but will find useful. I'm not sure how to arrange for getting a response from you, for I certainly don't want to give my email address here if it isn't necessary or if it's improper to do so. In the meantime, I will simply "flag" the item and check back from time to time. Thank you. It is a great post on a subject that dog owners should be aware of.
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Cool! I'd never even conceived of such a problem, living in sunny South Africa, but those home-made booties look just the thing. And I can't imagine how else you'd get a pair that fits.
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