I have run alot with my dog, a golden retrever, and he recently has developed problems with his pads. On our long runs (all rocky and dirt trails), he has rubbed his pads raw. I have heard about dog “booties” that protect the paws. Does any of you use these at all and if so what types do you reccomend. I did some internet research and found lots of “booties” that are supposed to protect peoples hardwood floors, but I am thinking I need some a bit more heavy duty. When I run, my dog will typically be found trapsing through the forest, into streams, lakes, etc. They need to stay on and also be able to handle some rough terrain.
I have used them for both snow and rough conditions. I usually buy them from a musher supply site on-line - in bulk. Definitely better than paying $25 for a set when they go for $2.50 per bootie. Dogs tend to lose them all the time - it gets expensive to replace them unless you buy bulk. http://www.dogbooties.com/dogbooties.html
If this is a recent thing and you are running the same trails as before, I might consider he got into something toxic in his explorations. There are many toxic plants, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a chemical.
