Home Forums Birds & Dogs Hunting Dogs Dog boots for winter snow

My GWP loves the snow, but keeps getting ice balls in between the pads. Her pad seem to have a bit more "return" than I've noticed in my other dogs. Anyway, she's good for ~10 minutes, then starts hobbling until I pick out the ice balls (or she licks/gnaws them out).

One of my previous wirehairs hated boots and mushers wax worked great, but that was 15+ years ago. Certainly dog boots have improved since then. Willing to try again.

Which ones have folks had success with, and which ones should be avoided?

For dealing with only ice and snow between pads (not rocks, cactus, etc), I've had good luck using the light weight 330 denier cordura nylon booties made by Dogbooties.Com out of Anchorage. They don't last a more than a winter worth's but they are light, flexible, and keep the ice balls from forming. Plus, they are easy to put on, and stay put fairly securely with their stretchy velcro closures.

We used pies of motorcycle tube for grass burrs, don’t know that would work in snow.

If your best friend doesn't mind having her feet handled get a dog trimmer to cut the hair between the pads as short as possible. Ok bear with me, I'm wondering about a cream or hair conditioner & if it would work for awhile. Conditioner worked for my GWP for burs etc. It didn't stop the tangles but the sure made combing them out easier. Kind of an off beat solution for sure, just throwing it out there. Good luck. GWPGUY. 🐾👣🇨🇦

Trim the hair between her toes.