Florida Hot Pavement

[Connie & Kramer]

I just took Kramer for a walk down the street.  I noticed when we greeted some neighbors walking by that Kramer sat down and started lifting one paw, then the other.  I picked up immediately and said goodbye and headed for home, keeping him shaded and on the grass on our return.  I believe he felt the pavement was too hot to stand on.  What do other Florida Doodles do in the summer?  Are there booties we can put on their feet to protect their paws?  What do you guys do about this?

[Cathy w/Shiloh~Cody]

Great question-cannot wait to see our options. My dog had trouble with hot sidewalks and streets. I bought Ruff Wear Grip Trex Dog shoes and HE LOVES THEM. I am adding picture of him and his shoes. If you thought your dog got a lot of attention before-wait til your dog prances around in his new shoes. The shoe size runs strange-my dog has big feet but wears a medium. I researched before buying-had good reviews, stay on better than most. I have had no trouble. Other option is to only walk the dog very early morning or last half hour of day when sun is almost down. I also keep him on grass as much as possible

[Tracy L Boring]

So cute.  I love it.

[Connie & Kramer]

so cute and he seems to like them!

[sandy b]

Have never walked Max on pavement as our streets are too busy but always walk him on the sidewalk and never had any problems. Maybe asphalt is hotter than concrete. Do you have sidewalks where you walk?

[Sherri]

LOL!  I love the picture of Shiloh in his shoes!!!

Jack is 7 but has never had shoes, and I can't imagine him tolerating them.  But I have always wondered if the sand at the beach is too much sometimes.  So we run across the sand to the water, then get the umbrella up as quickly as possible so he can get under it and dig a hole.  And when we walk the beach of course he's in & out of the water.  But I do sometimes that run across the sand down to the water must hurt his feet some; it sure would hurt mine!!  You know how hot the sand can get!! 

He doesn't seem to have trouble on concrete sidewalks.  Doesn't act like it....

Sherri 

[Tracy L Boring]

Interesting question.  I like these, because they are made of a breathable and durable nylon-mesh with strong rubber soles and extra reinforcement around the toe, sides and heel (http://www.alldogboots.com/Neopaws-Summer-Hiking-Dog-Shoes-Blue-p/n...).

[Tracy L Boring]

I saw running shoes as well.  I saw these running shoes on Runners World. (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527--13604-0,00.html).  I think it may be to hot here in Florida for these now, but look interesting.  

[Tracy L Boring]

Now I wish I had a girl dog.  I have a cream color dog, and hate to take him running with me, because his paws get so dirty.  I am going to order the first pair I posted, cause they are light weight.

[Connie & Kramer]

OMG adorable!!

[Connie & Kramer]

I love this!  Maybe when my doodle is older and he can start running with me!

[Connie & Kramer]

I love the bootie idea and will probably order some to have on hand.  It's been hard to walk Kramer on the sidewalk because we have a lot of trees in our neighborhood.   We have several colonies of Night Herons living in the trees and there is a lot of 'evidence' that they are directly over the sidewalk!  I usually heel him to the end of the street where we have an empty lot (like our own mini dog park) and then hang out down there and play til it's time to go back.

Thanks for all the helpful information - this is my first summer with a doodle, and I have not yet shaved him down...don't really want to.. so I'm trying to figure out what our hot weather options will be.  Most likely I'm going to be a nighttime dog walker.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

These are all so cute. It is funny how different dogs react to things. My Cassie loved the heat and would lay out on the sidewalk watching the world go by for as long as I let her. There were times I told her she would combust (we live in Bradenton, FL). But when I put on her little doggie slicker she would not leave the front enterence way. I think she was trying to tell me she did not want anyone to see her in such an outfit. They are the funniest things ever.