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Doggy Paddling: How to Kayak With Your Dog

Kevin Roberts
by Kevin Roberts
Updated:  April 25th, 2022 Published:  May 23rd, 2016

Kayaking is experiencing a surge in popularity among dog owners, and for good reason. For the solitary day-tripper, a kayak is a great excuse to get out on the water with your dog.

Where to Get Started


There are hundreds of different designs of kayaks to choose from. This can be overwhelming, but with a little research, you’ll find the right boat for you and your dog.


First, you need to consider your needs. Kayaks are broken down into different styles, depending on the style of boating they are meant for. But if you want a watercraft that’s dog-friendly, choose from Recreational Kayaks or Sit-On-Top Kayaks.


Related: 5 Reasons to Consider Canoeing With Your Canine


Recreational kayaks are a great choice for dog paddlers. They are stable boats that are mainly enclosed, except for the cockpit. Recreational kayaks are perfect for people with dogs small enough to fit on their laps. Some of these kayaks have dry storage areas with removable lids. These may be suitable for medium-sized dogs to sit in while you paddle.


Some recreational kayaks come with an extra seat – these are called tandem kayaks, and your medium to large dog may need his own spot. In many cases, the seats can also be removed creating an open area where your dog can get comfortable. Consider putting down a yoga mat or similar non-slip surface to give your dog the secure footing that they need to feel both safe and comfortable.


Sit-on-top kayaks are also stable, and are the easiest kayaks to get into (my grandmother was still getting into one well into her 80s). A sit-on-top kayak is completely open, so there are plenty of options on where your dog can sit. Some sit-on-top kayaks are inflatable. These are not suitable for windy conditions but are a good choice for people with little room for storage.


Just like the recreational kayaks, you can use a yoga mat to create a pet-friendly space. Not only will this offer a comfortable area for your dog, but it will also add a layer of protection against your dog’s nails when using an inflatable kayak.

The two other types of kayaks are sea kayaks and white water kayaks. Both of these are unsuitable for dogs.


Sea kayaks are long, with pointed ends, and they tend to be narrow and long. Not the most ideal kayak for most dog owners, as they don’t leave much room for your dog to hang out.


White water kayaks are much smaller and rounder than a sea kayak. They are designed to be a really tight fit for the user, so you can steer with your whole body, and when you flip, you can roll right back up. A white water boat is not suitable for dog owners because there’s simply no room! These boats are sensitive to maneuvering, meaning the slightest lean or change will change your course. Not a good plan with a dog.


I know that the hard-core adventure seekers are out there right now being all like, “Dude, I totally want to bring my dog some Class III rapids!” If you think your pup would love to accompany you down a series of rapids, think again. Being flipped out of a boat can be scary and disorientating! Turned upside down, and then dunked into the water, your dog struggles for the surface. Reaching the surface, his first thought is to head for shore. Can he read the rapids and steer a safe course for shore? Sorry to harsh your mellow dude, but no matter your paddling skills, you are likely to bail at some point. Don’t subject your dog to that.


Where to Find a Boat

I suggest that you first head to a local outfitter that rents kayaks. You can check out a few models over the season and pick the one that is best for you and your dog. Tell them upfront that you are in the market for a kayak that you can paddle with your dog. Many outfitters are dog lovers too and will be able to steer you to a specific model of kayak that is suitable for you and your dog.


Another solution is to reach out to other dog-friendly paddlers in your community or in online groups like those on Facebook. Try joining groups that are specifically geared to dog owners that enjoy paddling or adventuring with their dogs. You may find a great deal on a kayak that someone else has outgrown or upgraded from while also gathering advice and recommendations from other kayakers that bring their dogs along on their trips.


Doggy Style


Each dog is different. Some of my dogs have hated the kayak because they were too big to fit into it, or they loved riding way up on the bow as I paddled along. Your dog’s personality is going to play a big part in their riding style. A cuddly dog is going to want to be down right in the cockpit with you; a feisty dog who likes to look out on the world may be happier riding the bow. And keep in mind, size does matter – a larger dog is going to need a kayak that will meet his physical needs.


If you have a dog that adores swimming, they may not be interested in traveling on the water without jumping in. If you do decide to give it a try, be prepared for the fact that your dog may flip the kayak while diving in, taking you both for a swim whether you like it or not!


Getting Your Dog Onboard


Some dogs take to kayaking like a duck to water, others… well, not so much. The idea here is to have fun and ensure that your dog will kayaking with you for many years to come. Don’t rush it. Head out with a dog who has been well exercised and has done their business before getting on the boat. There’s nothing worse than a dog stuck in a kayak who has to pee!


Before getting into the water, practice getting into and out of the boat on land – that goes for the both of you! People often focus on training their dog to get in the boat, but forget that you both have to get in at some point. Have your dog practice getting in the boat and laying down. Make it a total treat party, you want your dog’s experiences with paddling to be positive.


Related: Stand Up Paddle Boarding With Your Dog


When your dog seems ready, do these same exercises in shallow, calm water. Again, pour on the treats! Start by standing next to the boat to keep it stable, and then get in the boat and ask your dog to join you. When you’re ready head out for a short paddle, bring those treats with you. Your maiden voyage is not going to be long, but you want it to be positive, so your dog gets back in the boat with you next time.


Don’t Tie Me Down!


If your dog needs to be on a leash to be in the boat, your dog isn’t ready to be out on the water. Brush up on the obedience skills and try again in a few weeks. You’re going to see birds, boats, waves and all sorts of interesting things. Will your dog stay put, or will he take a plunge? If you aren’t certain, then you aren’t ready. Many a kayaking newbie puts a leash on their dog, or even worse, ties their dog to the boat! If you flip, your dog is trapped, or the leash can get caught around limbs, yours or theirs. Keep the leash close by, but never attached to the dog.


My paddling leashes all fit nicely into their own little pockets. When I need them, I just clip them on the dog, and the leash pulls out of the pocket. If we flip, the leashes stay in their pockets and aren’t a hazard to anyone.

Sun Safety


The water reflects harmful UV rays back up at you and your dog. In addition to being baked from above, you’ll be slow-roasted from below, too. You wear sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, and your dog needs you to take their needs into consideration. Paddle early in the morning, when the rays of the sun are less powerful. I don’t recommend you paddle later in the evening until you are both practiced paddlers. Should something go wrong while you are out on the water, a daytime rescue is going to be far more likely.


If your dog has a very short coat, you may want to consider using a dog-friendly sunscreen product to keep them from experiencing a painful or uncomfortable burn. Another product that some dog owners consider is the use of dog goggles with UV protection. These work much like sunglasses, protecting your dog’s eyes from the sun’s rays. They are uniquely designed to fit and stay securely on a dog’s head throughout the day regardless of what adventures you may go on.


Ensure your dog has plenty to drink, and don’t encourage leaning over the boat to slurp up some water. Not all water sources are safe to drink, and a dog leaning over at the wrong time can really upset your boat.


High Visibility


When preparing for your trip, take the color of your dog’s collar or harness into consideration. If you do run into trouble or the kayak tips and your dog is swimming back to shore, a bright color will make your dog more visible in the water. This will help others spot your pup during a rescue. If you know that you are going to be out later in the evening, choose a collar or harness with a reflective strip. This will really stand out and shine when a flashlight or headlight on a boat comes across your dog, aiding in the event of a night rescue (which is already difficult enough, to begin with).


PFD or not to PFD


Some dogs need a lifejacket. Dogs who aren’t strong swimmers or dogs who are strong sinkers will need a PDF. Elderly dogs who tire faster or feel the cold of the water are great candidates for a doggy life jacket.


If you aren’t sure of your dog’s swimming ability, find out before you paddle out into the water!


There are no dog lifejackets on the market that have been tested or approved by the Coast Guard. It’s a buyer-beware market. Most of the lifejackets for dogs are designed to aid in buoyancy. They will not keep your dog’s head above water if your dog is unconscious. They will help your dog save energy on a long swim to shore. An added bonus of a lifejacket with a strap on the back is if your dog does end up in the water, you may be able to use the strap to help pull them back into the boat.


Keep in mind that not all dog lifejackets are made the same. Some are thicker and designed to offer the highest level of buoyancy for your dog. These are great for dogs that are the least comfortable swimming back unaided. But they may be frustrating for dogs that are more agile in and around the water as they can be bulky. For dogs that are more comfortable in the water, but still need a little assistance, there are PFDs that offer a narrower lightweight design. They aren’t as strong in terms of buoyancy, but they do offer some support when needed.


Let me know if you have any more questions I haven’t answered in the comment section below. I love converting other dog owners to my passion!

WOW
Kevin Roberts
Kevin Roberts

Kevin Roberts lives for adventure. Together with his pack of rescue dogs and his husband, he spends as much time outdoors as possible. Kevin lives by the motto: "Get outside and play with your dogs!

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“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

What Are the Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs?

As the years go by, health issues tend to pile up, even in canines. Old age can bring a range of problems – some doggos have troubles with arthritis and limited mobility, while others suffer from cognitive decline and experience issues such as dementia. That’s right, even dogs can suffer from dementia, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This illness can bring about some troubling changes in your pet’s behavior, and it would be wise to be familiar with all the symptoms of dementia, especially if you are a senior dog owner. Let’s go over them and get familiar with the challenges of canine dementia.Doggy Dementia: Symptoms and What To ExpectAs your pet reaches their golden years, some issues are bound to pop up, including dementia. Known as canine cognitive dysfunction, it has similar symptoms to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The main cause is the aging of the dog’s brain, which results in many troubling issues. Of course, CCD doesn’t happen to all old dogs. Latest studies revealed that it only happens to roughly 50% of dogs that are over 11 years old. Of course, if you own a senior doggo, it is wise to get to know the symptoms of dog dementia. Here are some of the most common ones:Confusion and Disorientation:As dementia sets in, your pet might seem suddenly disoriented and awfully confused. They could get lost in spaces that should be all too familiar to them (the house for example), or could just stand and stare blankly into space. Major Sleep Pattern Changes:Dogs tend to have a solid sleep routine. But with dementia, this can suddenly change. They could experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, sleep a lot during the day, and become restless and sleepless throughout the entire night.Loss of Interest:Your dog, with dementia, could suddenly become a totally different pet. They could lose all interest in common interactions. They could have zero interest in playing with you or interacting with the family members. The same goes for interacting with other pets, or playing with toys - even if they were their favorites. Forgetting Housetraining:

Great Dane Sets the Largest Litter Record at North Carolina Rescue

A North Carolina dog gave birth to a litter of puppies and has set a record in the process. Earlier this month, Perfectly Imperfect Pups, a North Carolina foster-based rescue took in a pregnant Great Dane, named Meadow. Two days later, Meadow gave birth to 15 puppies. “It’s the largest litter we have ever seen,” said Nicole Kincaid, the rescue’s founder and director. “We could not believe it when we heard she had 15 puppies, and most of them male! We are so excited for their bright future!”Meadows litter is the largest the rescue has seen since it was founded three years ago. The PIP’s founder and director, Nicole Kincaid, shared that this is also the largest litter she has seen in her 13-year-long rescue career. According to Kincaid, Meadow’s litter is unique for another reason - most of the puppies in the litter are male. “Shockingly enough, we have 12 boys, which is a huge number of boys out of a litter.”PIPs share the news of the record-breaking litter in a Facebook post, writing, “Puppies, puppies, and more puppies! Mamma Meadow and her crew are doing great.”“We are shocked to find out how many puppies she actually had and that all have survived and are doing well,” said Kincaid, according to PEOPLE. “Before being taken in by the Perfectly Imperfect Pups, Meadow had an unsteady past. “She has been passed around to five homes, since giving birth to another litter in February. She was being given away on social media and we reached out, but unfortunately, they gave her away pregnant to someone else.”“Within two days they contacted us and asked if we could still take [Meadow], and of course, we were delighted to take her in,” Kincaid shared. “We got her to our vet the next day, and the day after, she started going into labor.”Meadow is just one of many dogs who had the misfortune of being bounced around from one home to the next. Kincaid shared that this wasn’t Meadow’s fault, saying, “People get a large breed dog, and they don’t realize what they are getting themselves into.”“We are delighted that this will be her final [litter], and her next home will be her forever home,” said Kincaid. “We will also make sure that all 15 puppies go to homes that are experienced with large breed dogs.”For now, Shari Willson, one of the Perfectly Imperfect Pups’ fosters is taking care of Meadow and her pups. The foster mom is supplement feeding the pups in between feedings to make sure all puppies are getting enough food. “Everyone’s gaining weight, everyone’s eating, they are all doing really well,” said Willson.Kincaid praised Meadow’s foster home, saying that her organization “is so proud of our foster parents. They take in dogs without knowing what the next few days or months could bring.”“Taking in a pregnant dog is even more of a challenge because you don’t always know when mom will give birth, how many puppies will be born, or what complications may come along,” she said.The rescue has already received applications and hundreds of messages about adopting Meadow or her puppies when they are old enough to go to their forever homes. All of PIP’s adopters sign a contract in which they commit to taking care of the dog for its entire life and promise to contact the rescue if they can no longer care for them. The rescue’s post-adoption team follows up with the adopters and is available to answer any medical or training-related questions. Mamma Meadow and her pups are going to make wonderful companions and loving dogs to their new families! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the  symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.

How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

Half of Americans Believe Pets Steal the Spotlight During Holidays

A survey revealed that nearly half of Americans (43%) think their loved ones are more excited to see their pets on the holidays than they are to see them. This survey involved 2,000 cat and dog owners and was conducted by One Poll on behalf of Nulo. According to results, 32% of surveyed owners admit they are more delighted to see a friend’s or family member’s pet than they are to see them. Surprisingly, 20% of dog owners think their pets love the holiday season more than they do.What’s not so surprising, is that almost half of respondents (48%) do something special for their pet during the happiest time of year. This includes buying custom ornaments or decorations (64%), dressing their pets in holiday clothing or pajamas (60%), getting their pet their own Christmas tree (49%), and stocking (47%).Half of pet owners like to give their four-legged companions extra treats during the holiday season, and 45% admit they dole out more treats to their pets at Christmas than during any other time of the year. In addition to extra treats, more than two-thirds of pets are likely to be treated with a special holiday meal. This survey also found that the majority of pet parents believe that their pets enjoy the hustle and bustle of holidays and are looking forward to the influx of visitors during the holiday season. Begging for attention, welcoming guests, and playing with a new holiday toy are some of the ways owners know that their pets are in the festive mood.Nearly half of responders give their pets gifts for Christmas. Those owners, on average, spend more than $100 on three gifts for their pets.Most owners decide to gift their pet toys (61%), clothes (59%), and treats (56%).Interestingly, this survey also looked at which family members are the most likely to spoil the pet. The results showed that the owner’s brother is the most likely to buy a present for the pet, followed by the owner’s parents. Surprisingly, 36% of grandfathers buy gifts for their four-legged grandchildren, compared to 34% of grandmothers. “Healthy treats and special occasion meals are a great way to involve your dog or cat in fun holiday moments - and can add a nutritional boost as a bonus,” said Heather Mendoza, Nulo’s Director of Research & Development, according to New York Post. It’s great to see that pet owners are offering their pets special meals that mimic their own holiday feasts. The holiday season provides the opportunity for quality time and special experiences with our families, including finding more ways to show love and affection to our furballs, she added.In addition to gifts, more cuddles, and treats, pets are also spoiled more during the holiday season by having their special person at home with them. Nearly half of respondents admit to going on more walks and adventures with their pets during the holidays. Interestingly, 40% of owners report that their pets also get to sleep more.Considering that almost all American pet owners consider their pets a part of the family, it’s no surprise that pets partake in holiday traditions. The majority of owners bring their pets to celebrations at other people’s homes. Pets are also involved in “opening the presents” and even go to meet the Santa. “Results showed that 40% of respondents believe Christmas is their pet’s favorite holiday - far ahead of the second favorite (New Year’s Day) at 19%,” said Mendoza. And if you still haven’t found a perfect gift for your pet, don’t despair! Check out our detailed holiday gift guide for cats and dogs to find the best holiday present for your four-legged companion. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Vegan Dogs and Cats? Maybe!

Pet food manufacturers have amped up the quality of the vegan options to meet industry standards for protein.

Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

Florida Courts Ready to Add Some Teeth to Their Animal Abuse Cases

The Court-Appointed Animal Advocate may be a thing in 2024.

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