Hot Pavement

[Laura & Sophie Doodle]

Hi guys!

I realize this should probably go in the "AZ Doodle" group but it doesn't get a lot of activity so I was hoping some of you may live in extreme climates as well. I live in AZ and it's already heating up.. I'm concerned about my doodle's paws on hot pavement. I know to walk her at the coolest hours of the day and to avoid cement but I know that the pavement can stay very hot even at midnight and it's impossible to avoid completely! Anyone have experience with preventative measures such as protectant paw wax or dog boots? Any recommendations welcomed.. thank you! 

[Sheryl & Safiy]

Good question, I live in California and tempts are in the 100s summer time- so I'm interested as well.

[Michele & Kallie]

I have used boots for hot sand.Both Ultra Paws and Ruff Wear are good. Ultra Paws stayed on better for a running doodle.Seems like I found info on dk about them.Musher's Secret is the best foot protector wax.

[Laura & Sophie Doodle]

Thanks for the tip! Would you suggest getting both boots and wax or do you recommend one over the other?

[Michele & Kallie]

Well Kallie was 6months old when I got them last year.I went on the manufacturers web site to find the right size.I thought the Ultra paws might be too small by the end of the summer when I needed them and got the Ruff Wear later in a bigger size.(vibram sole I thought I could use for hikes too).But RW was too loose and spun around on her foot.UP is what worked well on the beach and water and has two velcro fasteners rather than one.Got quite a few comments on them but I am glad we had them. I will try the Ruff Wear this summer since she has grown a bit.Not sure how well the paw wax worked but made them soft! Reviews on Amazon were very positive and I suggest you get both.I got both from Amazon but I think Petco had the Ultra Paw boot. May be handy to check sizes.They take a little getting used to but most forget about them once you run a little.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I live in Henderson, Nv and we get some pretty high temperatures.  Along with taking Hurley out earlier and earlier (before dan) as the temperature increases I invested in booties.  Even before the sun comes up, in summer, the pavement can be to hot for his paws.

 It takes me a bit to get them on Hurley but he is fine with them.  I went to a pet store that I go to often and the owner helped me select the right size for Hurley and showed me how to put them on.   I put them on from time to time (as is not enough right now for them to be needed) just so Hurley stays familiar with them.  The first time I put them on at home I started with just one paw and let him move around, then another paw, etc.  After all 4 were on I played with him by throwing his ball which he retrieved and returned as if there was nothing different.   

Hope that helps.

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

We camp in the extreme weather during the summer on lake mohave and I'm a big advocate of booties. It takes a while for them to get used to it. My last dog was a believer after I let her walk a bit then covered her feet, there was no argument she got the just of it. These girls we're still breaking in but we only camp three to four times a year for a few days at a time. I bought wax but haven't tried it yet.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Mutt Luks make different boots for different kinds of weather.

They are the best. Expensive but the best

http://muttluks.com/products.php?cat=2&subcat=1

[Laura & Sophie Doodle]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone! I'm going to definitely invest in some boots as the temperatures heat up! 

[Sheryl & Safiy]

Me too!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is the exact question I asked at the Las Vegas romp this past weekend because we were parked in an area where our pups had to walk on the black top for a bit.  The person I asked said she doesn't get her doodles out when it is extremely hot.  This is pretty much what we do here in So. Cal. when it is really hot.  When we camp - like Las Vegas last weekend, we need to be able to potty walk the dogs and sometimes you can't pick the cooler parts of the day so I was hoping for a magic answer.  I will read what others come up with.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Well I haven't had experience with extreme heat, but extreme cold also 'burns'.  Whenever the temperature gets dangerously cold, I have used MuttLuks for my dogs.  They're well made and they stay on. 

[Laura & Sophie Doodle]

Just an update that we ended up purchasing "Ultra Paws Rugged Boots" and they have been AWESOME! They are so easy to get on and after a little "dance" Sophie really doesn't mind them. We've used them hiking, playing, and walking on hot pavement and they STAY ON. So far they are holding up very nicely. You can find them on amazon if anyone else is interested :)