Paw protectors for your dog is one of the most important elements of outdoor gear a pet owner can provide. Many pet owners are under the impression that the pads on their paws will protect them while running through the field, walking along the street even playing at the dog park. The pads on a dogs paw is tougher than that of bottom of their pet parent’s feet, however they are at risk.

The route you take while walking your dog may be safe, others can cause serious problems. Extreme temperatures either hot or cold can damage the pads on your dog’s paws. In hot weather, the asphalt can be like walking on red-hot coals literally burning and tearing away the skin on their paws.

Without paw protectors in the snowy cold weather of winter, snow can build up between paws melt and then freeze. This build can cause frostbite or become hard enough to tear into the skin leaving an open wound vulnerable to infection if left untreated.  The wood surface of untreated decks often found in some parks will leave behind splinters that lodge themselves in your dog’s paws again causing infection. If left on treated a serious infection could result in amputation.

Paw protectors add a layer of safety against the harsh elements of extreme temperatures. This comes as no surprise to sled dog owners and their Husky’s. Although these dogs have been breed to resist the cold with their double insulating fur, their paws are not.

Although humans are brought up wearing shoes to protect our feet as infants, your dog will take a little time to adjust the first time you outfit him/her with paw protectors. The experience will look like something out of America’s Funniest Home Video’s but stick with the goal. Once your dog walks, runs, and plays they will get used the feeling.

Every compassionate dog owner has an innate desire to protect his or her dog from harm. Outfitting your dog in paw protectors gives pet owners another opportunity to look out for their dog. If you like running with your dog through your neighborhood along concrete sidewalks where the crossing of clean streets is your route then perhaps paw protectors are unnecessary. But those same sidewalks and streets in winter may be a different story.

At the end of the day be conscience of the where your dog walks and plays as well as the weather conditions. As your dog will protect you from harm as responsible pet parents, it is our duty to protect them.

Husky's In Paw Protectors

Humans go to great lengths to protect themselves from foul weather, however when it comes to our dogs most pet owners think their fir is enough. For almost all dog breeds, this could not be further from the truth. Our pets are just as susceptible to rain, snow, hot and cold temperatures as we are.

The principle concern is extreme temperatures. Either extreme hot or cold without adequate shelter could take the life of your dog. Several pet owners keep their dogs outside while they are away at work or overnight, while this is perfectly acceptable you need to have a dog house or some place they can go for shade or get out of the wind & cold.

Dog houses provide the best protection if sized correctly, that is large enough for them to stand and turn around in but not so large that their natural body heat cannot warm the space. For hot weather, a vented dog house located in the right spot can provide a cross breeze keeping them cool. Should the temperature drop to single digits you need to bring your dog in the house. Although several dog breeds have a double coat that can protect them from extreme cold such as a Husky, unless they are breed for this and regularly experience these conditions they are not prepared.

Shorthaired hound dogs are better suited to warmer conditions that are more humid and can survive quite well with a covered porch as long as it provides some shade. In cold weather, even a short walk can leave this breed shivering and exposed to danger. If you keep your hound dog indoors at the first sight of snow they look at you as if you’re nuts when it’s time to let them outside.

Investing in a quality dog coat or dog sweater will keep them warm and snug for their daily walk. No matter the breed, every dog that spends time in harsh extreme cold weather needs to have a pair of paw protectors. As humans release body heat through our heads, dogs do so through their paws. The same is true in the heat. We place a cool towel around our necks or on our head, dogs will walk on cool grass or stand in water.

If you live in an area where your dog path is made of asphalted, during the summer this can become blistering hot, giving your dog the feeling of walking on hot coals if left unprotected. In snowy areas the heat from your dog’s paws will melt the snow forming ice crystals between their toes causing severe damage even frost bit if left untreated. Paw protectors provide the measure of safety you need from either condition.

Lastly is hydration. There are many solutions on the market today, which will provide your dog with the water they need in any condition. A heated water bowl works great for cold weather and a continuous water fountain keeps fresh cool water available for your dog.

Regardless of your location or climate, your dog breed, there is a measure of protection pet owners need to engage in and be aware of. When the weather turns extreme bring them in the house and out of harm’s way, provide the protection they need daily by supplying the gear they need to be comfortable and safe.

by Remarkable Dogs