Free Pawz Dog Booties for Hot Pavement Protection

 

In summer heat, dog paw protection is a must outdoors. Asphalt, black tops, sidewalks, pool patios, and even turf can quickly become hotter than the outside air temperature making it dangerous for your pup’s paws. Dog booties for hot pavement and outdoor activities can help protect tender paws from burns and injury. Happily, KSLX and Fulton Homes have teamed up for the Cause for Paws program to distribute FREE Pawz dog booties all summer long! Supplies are limited, so planning ahead is a good idea. 

 

Pawz Dog Booties Giveaway Dates

 

June 11th 10am-12pm Queen Creek Marketplace

June 25th 10am-12pm Desert Ridge Marketplace

July 9th 10am-12pm Westgate Entertainment District

July 23rd 10am-12pm Tempe Marketplace

August 6th 10am-12pm Gilbert Gateway Towne Center

August 20th 10am-12pm Lake Pleasant Towne Center

August 27th 10am-12pm Desert Ridge Marketplace

 

How to Protect Dog Paws From Hot Pavement

 

To help avoid painful burns, damage to their paw pads, and ouchies that may require veterinary care, it’s best to be proactive when it comes to the heat. 

 

• Avoid taking your dog out during the hotter times of the day and instead choose to exercise early in the morning or later in the evening after the pavement has had time to cool off.
•  Another option might be to take them to a place without pavement like a grassy park where dogs are allowed.
• When hot pavement or turf can’t be avoided, it’s a good idea to use dog booties! 

 

For summer, it’s best to have protective but breathable booties for your dog. There are even booties with reflective material on them to help provide visibility at nighttime. Make sure to shop around to find the best fit for your dog’s paws as well as your lifestyle and wallet. 

 

How to Measure Dog Paws for Booties

 

With so many styles and materials, when buying booties check the manufacturer information on how to properly measure to find the best size for your pet’s paws. Generally, you can use the size of the dog as a guideline for choosing dog booties for hot pavement or other outdoor activities. Other things to consider when shopping for dog paw protection:

 

• Make sure they are made for summer wear; you wouldn’t want to order dog sledding boots for summer! 
• Look at the reviews and make sure they stay on dogs’ paws well; you don’t want to lose a bootie during an adventure. 
• Make sure they fit your pup’s active lifestyle, as there are all different boots for different activities. For example, around a pool, you’ll need ones in water-appropriate material. If they are going to be hiking in them, trail dog boots offer even more protection.

 

Introducing Your Pooch to the Boots

 

It’s important to take a slow approach when introducing booties to your dog for the first time. Start by rewarding them for acknowledging the booties. You want them to see the boots as something positive and fun! Once your dog sees the boots as being something positive because they get a treat when the boots come out, try placing one of the boots on one of your dog’s paws. If your dog will not let you place a boot on their paw, try just touching their paw with the boot and rewarding them as a starting point – don’t strap them up just yet! One at a time, work to where you can successfully place a boot on each paw. Then, once you’ve had success doing that, place one bootie on and strap it up… don’t forget to reward your pup! Do this one paw at a time until you have successfully put on all the boots, give them a treat, and only leave them on for a few seconds before taking them off. Repeat this step, gradually increasing the amount of time they are on. Once they are comfortable with them on their paws, encourage their first steps…they may walk a little funny at first!

Make sure to praise and reward your pup a lot while they figure out how to walk in their new shoes! After they have had time to adjust to the boots by having play sessions in the house with the boots on, you can begin to take them on walks wearing them. Don’t forget to bring treats and to praise your pup during your walk. Having your dog wear the booties for fun like on a trip to the pet store or to the park helps them associate positive experiences with the boots. Remember that making it a positive and fun experience for your pup will go a long way! Finally, make sure your pets are up to date on all vaccinations and are in good physical health before any summer activities outdoors. Find an AZPetVet location near you.