If you’re thinking about buying affordable dog boots to help your Tripawd with traction, here are some things to consider:
Boots are great for helping Tripawds navigate challenging surfaces, but not all dogs will wear them. Some, like Wyatt, will take to them immediately and not mind them. Other dogs won’t budge, will try to chew them off, or fight you so you can’t put them on.
It also takes a mobile dog to wear boots. We’ve been told by a rehabilitation therapist that dogs with degenerative nerve issues should not wear thick boots because the soles impair their already limited ability to sense where their feet are. Tripawds who can otherwise get around fine usually do well in boots, if they will tolerate them and the boots are properly fitted.
If you have a dog with mobility issues, or just want to see if your dog will tolerate having something on her feet, there’s a great product you can try, PAWZ Dog Boots. Tripawd Maggie recommends them, and you might like them too!
PRODUCT REVIEW AT A GLANCE
Wags
- At less than $20, these affordable dog boots an inexpensive way to test your Tripawd’s tolerance for boots
- Made with durable material
- Reusable, disposable and waterproof
- Thin material feels natrual, provides dogs a sense of balance
- Many sizes available for even the tiniest dogs
- Stays put without straps or Velcro
- Easy to carry in your wallet; great when encountering unexpected treacherous surfaces
- Can be worn while swimming
Whimpers
- Not sure how long each one will last beyond first couple of uses
- Must keep dog’s nails trimmed or risk prematurely puncturing the boot
- We think they look goofy, but we’re willing to overlook that considering the benefits
PAWZ PRODUCT REVIEW
PAWZ Dog Boots are natural rubber booties that slip over your dog’s feet. They look like little rubber socks that you slip on over their paws without zippers or velcro closures. They’re fairly inexpensive, reusable, waterproof and offer great paw protection for hot and cold surfaces.
The Pawz company recently sent our Wyatt Ray three booties to try out. Upon opening the package, it seemed the boots were far too small for his huge feet. But as we slipped them on his feet, Pawz went on just fine. We also thought that his too-long nails would easily puncture the rubber, but we were wrong. Only one boot got a tiny puncture; the rest resisted puncturing.
Wyatt didn’t seem to mind wearing them. He wore them during his obedience class and the Pawz boots provided fantastic traction, even when running through a water puddle. We also had him run around our kitchen with them on, and again, they provided all the slip resistance he needed to navigate safely.
PAWZ Affordable Dog Boots are marketed as being reusable and disposable. We’re not exactly sure how many uses a dog can get out of them, since Wyatt has only worn them twice, but Pawz come 12 to a package and the manufacturer says “each boot may be worn many times.”
We like how Pawz are small and thin enough to carry in your wallet. With Pawz dog traction boots you’re always prepared for unexpected slippery or treacherous surfaces with your Tripawd.
All in all, we give these inexpensive little boots a “Three Pawz Up!” Below you will find sizing information and links to various online sources where you can buy them. Purchases made through these links help support efforts to maintain the Tripawds community.
Pawz Dog Traction Boots Sizing & Recommended Breeds
Tiny (light green): For paws less than 7/8″
- Brussels Griffon, Chinese Crested, Maltese, Toy Fox Terrier
XX-Small (yellow): For paws 7/8″ – 1 1/4″
- Chihuahua, Papillon, Teacup Poodle, Teacup Yorkie
X-Small (orange): For paws 1″ – 1 1/2″
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Pug, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu
Small (red): For paws 1 1/2″ – 2″
- Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Fox Terrier, Shiba Inu, French Bulldog
Medium (blue): For paws 2″ – 3″
- Beagle, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Lhasa Apso, Greyhound
Large (purple): For paws 3″ – 4″
- Airedale Terrier, Akita, Basset Hound, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Collie, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever
X-Large (dark green): For paws 4″ and up
- Bernese Mountain Dog, Bullmastiff, Great Dane, Saint Bernard
I use these booties (purple) in the winter when my dog was healthy. The negatives are that they are very hard for one person to put on. Since they are just rubber booties they will wear out but that is expected.
The positives are that they stay on, are easy to remove and my dog does not mind wearing them. No more salt burns.
Now that he is disabled, I need an anti-slip boot. I am worried that these are too tight around his ankle and so I have not left them on for too long. Perhaps my fears are unfounded.
I recommend this boot otherwise as I have not found a boot that will stay on as my dog loves to scuff…
Thanks for the feedback, Len! For a great non-slip solution, consider the Ruff Wear Grip Trex Dog boots.
Hi Len – I recommend Pawz boots too! And since they put 12 boots in pack, you get 4 sets. I find that if the boots are firm around the leg water doesn’t drip down into the boot like velcro boots.
Gary
Also, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend leaving the boots on a dog that is dormant. Makes sense, since they are so tight and surely are too much for the circulation. They also said not to leave them on all the time, since it is not healthy for the pads to be covered all the time.
If the dogs don’t like them in the beginning, the way you get skittish dogs to learn how to use dog boots, is just put on one at a time, let them get used to it for awhile. Then two, etc. Usually, I find, starting w the back paws is less “weird” for them, since their front pads are sensitive. Lots of support and finally they will get used to them.
I don’t think just trying to get them on all at once, w the dog nervous, and the parent upset is making the dog think this is a pleasant experience. So yes, he probably will fight you when you show up w the little rascals.
I got PAWZ to cover a paw that was cut,bandaged and needed protection. The paw part of the boot is a bit too big. I got “Large” size for my Border Collie who’s paw measures 4″ from back of heel pad to tip of longest toe..which is how I was instructed to measure. My concern is how tight the top of the boot is. It literally fits like a tourniquet-like rubber band. I wanted to be able to leave it on to protect the dressing but think it will definitely interfere with circulation…bummer.
Thanks for the feedback Ronda. Please consult with your vet to see if circulation will be an issue when wearing the PAWz booties. We have had vets tell us they like them for providing traction and protected pressure sores, etc. Be sure to express any concerns directly to the manufacturer too!
I use these often for my tripawd who is nervous when she has to walk on wood or tile. At home we have rugs for her but a trip to the vet’s office made her nervous on the tile floor until we tried these booties. They give her confidence and she is more calm. I have learned to put them on myself. The same booties have lasted for months.
Joyce, you rock! We’re so glad you use these for your pup. We agree, they do so much for confidence at the vet clinic!
Just ordered a set to try on our tripawed German Shepherd. I will follow up and let you know how he tolerates them.