As we walk along, we have a system to be sure she hasn't thrown a shoe. Salt is the reason she is wearing boots, so each time we cross a salty intersection, we do a mental boot count.
Once you get started on this habit, it becomes almost automatic. Road = Salt = Boot Check! Then if we count three boots instead of four, we only have to backtrack one block to look for the missing paw cover.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
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Back in 2011, we showed you our system for drying dog boots. Today we bring you an alternative system that you can purchase, if you don't feel like putting together our hack.
This is billed as aPlastic Bag & Bottle Dryer over on Amazon and it get great reviews for that purpose. We immediately saw it as a place to dry up to eight dog boots. It can hang or sit on a table or counter and can fold to be stored with the boots when winter is over.
We Still Love Our Hacked System
Our Westie Poppy's Pawz Dog Boots are still drying on chopsticks. Over the years, we improved on the container we're using to store them between trips outside.
Now the chopsticks holding the wet boots are secured at a good angle by a daisy Mason jar lid. This lid was designed for scented candles or for drinking with a straw. But we think it's perfect for our purpose. You can even find them in colors to match the boots – if your dog is fashion forward.
We have lots of mason jars on hand because we use them to store everything from paper clips to flour. And we have an extra large container with an assortment of mason jar tops that serve many purposes. That makes this hack a natural for us.
You can use our system for gloves or mittens with wood dowel rods and a larger jar with some sand or beans added to weigh down and stabilize the system.
Back in 2011, we showed you our system for drying dog boots. Today we bring you an alternative system that you can purchase, if you don't feel like putting together our hack.
This is billed as aPlastic Bag & Bottle Dryer over on Amazon and it get great reviews for that purpose. We immediately saw it as a place to dry up to eight dog boots. It can hang or sit on a table or counter and can fold to be stored with the boots when winter is over.
We Still Love Our Hacked System
Our Westie Poppy's Pawz Dog Boots are still drying on chopsticks. Over the years, we improved on the container we're using to store them between trips outside.
Now the chopsticks holding the wet boots are secured at a good angle by a daisy Mason jar lid. This lid was designed for scented candles or for drinking with a straw. But we think it's perfect for our purpose. You can even find them in colors to match the boots – if your dog is fashion forward.
We have lots of mason jars on hand because we use them to store everything from paper clips to flour. And we have an extra large container with an assortment of mason jar tops that serve many purposes. That makes this hack a natural for us.
You can use our system for gloves or mittens with wood dowel rods and a larger jar with some sand or beans added to weigh down and stabilize the system.
While some aspects of winter – like playing in snow – can be fun, salt on Boston roads and sidewalks is bad news for city dogs. It can lead to sore paws and more.
Tip 1: Dog Boots
You’re seeing photos from our little Poppy’s first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots. She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall.
Tip 2: Snow Rinse
So far, Poppy is not showing any of the tenderfoot problems that bedeviled our Maggie Mae. But, we’re not taking any chances. If you’ve ever had salt in a cut, you know how that stings. Now imagine walking on salt with paws that are raw and irritated.
If you are out and your dog starts favoring a paw, try to find some clean snow and use that to rinse the salt from the paws.
Tip 3: Be Alert for Infections and GI Upsets
Salt and other melting chemicals can cause paws to become raw and irritated. If you see your dog licking his paws after a walk, that’s a warning sign. Not only can the paw become infected but dogs, especially small dogs, can also develop an upset GI system from ingesting these chemicals.
Tip 4: Wash Those Paws!
When you return from a salty walk, you should wash and dry your dog’s paws. We do it even with the boots because sometimes a dip in a deep puddle or romp in the snow will leave some salt residue. We give Poppy a dip in the sink. For bigger dogs they make a variety of paw washers. You can also just use a bowl and dip and then dry each paw.
Tip 5: Off to the Vet if …
There are signs when you should check in with your vet. This would be if a paw is bleeding, cracked, or ulcerated, and in the case of vomiting or diarrhea since these symptoms may not be related to the salt.
Tip 6: Avoid Metal on Sidewalks
Salt is also one of the culprits in the stray, electrical current that has killed at least four Boston dogs in past winters. Electrical problems can occur when salt applied to roads and sidewalks corrodes electrical equipment. Salty water can serve as a conductor allowing stray current to spread to metal grates, utility covers, and even to paving material and bare ground.
Tip 7: Use Salt Alternatives
For those concerned with the problems caused by salt, there are paw safe ice melt alternatives. Calcium magnesium acetate or mixtures with sand, sawdust, and kitty litter will work to keep your sidewalks safe. There are downsides with each of these in terms of expense or the mess they may track into your home, but these options are less damaging to plants, pets, and structural elements.
Boot scrapers near the entrance to your home or building are a great way to deal with the residue of sand, salt, and other de-icing materials that we track in with us in winter.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
While some aspects of winter – like playing in snow – can be fun, salt on Boston roads and sidewalks is bad news for city dogs. It can lead to sore paws and more.
Tip 1: Dog Boots
You’re seeing photos from our little Poppy’s first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots. She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall.
Tip 2: Snow Rinse
So far, Poppy is not showing any of the tenderfoot problems that bedeviled our Maggie Mae. But, we’re not taking any chances. If you’ve ever had salt in a cut, you know how that stings. Now imagine walking on salt with paws that are raw and irritated.
If you are out and your dog starts favoring a paw, try to find some clean snow and use that to rinse the salt from the paws.
Tip 3: Be Alert for Infections and GI Upsets
Salt and other melting chemicals can cause paws to become raw and irritated. If you see your dog licking his paws after a walk, that’s a warning sign. Not only can the paw become infected but dogs, especially small dogs, can also develop an upset GI system from ingesting these chemicals.
Tip 4: Wash Those Paws!
When you return from a salty walk, you should wash and dry your dog’s paws. We do it even with the boots because sometimes a dip in a deep puddle or romp in the snow will leave some salt residue. We give Poppy a dip in the sink. For bigger dogs they make a variety of paw washers. You can also just use a bowl and dip and then dry each paw.
Tip 5: Off to the Vet if …
There are signs when you should check in with your vet. This would be if a paw is bleeding, cracked, or ulcerated, and in the case of vomiting or diarrhea since these symptoms may not be related to the salt.
Tip 6: Avoid Metal on Sidewalks
Salt is also one of the culprits in the stray, electrical current that has killed at least four Boston dogs in past winters. Electrical problems can occur when salt applied to roads and sidewalks corrodes electrical equipment. Salty water can serve as a conductor allowing stray current to spread to metal grates, utility covers, and even to paving material and bare ground.
Tip 7: Use Salt Alternatives
For those concerned with the problems caused by salt, there are paw safe ice melt alternatives. Calcium magnesium acetate or mixtures with sand, sawdust, and kitty litter will work to keep your sidewalks safe. There are downsides with each of these in terms of expense or the mess they may track into your home, but these options are less damaging to plants, pets, and structural elements.
Boot scrapers near the entrance to your home or building are a great way to deal with the residue of sand, salt, and other de-icing materials that we track in with us in winter.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
While some aspects of winter – like playing in snow – can be fun, salt on Boston roads and sidewalks is bad news for city dogs. It can lead to sore paws and more.
Tip 1: Dog Boots
You’re seeing photos from our little Poppy’s first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots. She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall.
Tip 2: Snow Rinse
So far, Poppy is not showing any of the tenderfoot problems that bedeviled our Maggie Mae. But, we’re not taking any chances. If you’ve ever had salt in a cut, you know how that stings. Now imagine walking on salt with paws that are raw and irritated.
If you are out and your dog starts favoring a paw, try to find some clean snow and use that to rinse the salt from the paws.
Tip 3: Be Alert for Infections and GI Upsets
Salt and other melting chemicals can cause paws to become raw and irritated. If you see your dog licking his paws after a walk, that’s a warning sign. Not only can the paw become infected but dogs, especially small dogs, can also develop an upset GI system from ingesting these chemicals.
Tip 4: Wash Those Paws!
When you return from a salty walk, you should wash and dry your dog’s paws. We do it even with the boots because sometimes a dip in a deep puddle or romp in the snow will leave some salt residue. We give Poppy a dip in the sink. For bigger dogs they make a variety of paw washers. You can also just use a bowl and dip and then dry each paw.
Tip 5: Off to the Vet if …
There are signs when you should check in with your vet. This would be if a paw is bleeding, cracked, or ulcerated, and in the case of vomiting or diarrhea since these symptoms may not be related to the salt.
Tip 6: Avoid Metal on Sidewalks
Salt is also one of the culprits in the stray, electrical current that has killed at least four Boston dogs in past winters. Electrical problems can occur when salt applied to roads and sidewalks corrodes electrical equipment. Salty water can serve as a conductor allowing stray current to spread to metal grates, utility covers, and even to paving material and bare ground.
Tip 7: Use Salt Alternatives
For those concerned with the problems caused by salt, there are paw safe ice melt alternatives. Calcium magnesium acetate or mixtures with sand, sawdust, and kitty litter will work to keep your sidewalks safe. There are downsides with each of these in terms of expense or the mess they may track into your home, but these options are less damaging to plants, pets, and structural elements.
Boot scrapers near the entrance to your home or building are a great way to deal with the residue of sand, salt, and other de-icing materials that we track in with us in winter.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Dog Boots are still drying on chopsticks. Over the years, we improved on the container we're using to store them between trips outside.
on hand because we use them to store everything from paper clips to flour. And we have an extra large container with an assortment of 
that serve many purposes. That makes this hack a natural for us. 
and a larger jar with some sand or beans added to weigh down and stabilize the system.
from here to support this site!
. She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall.