Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
Eddie,

If your dog will let you, put some petroleum jelly on the bottom of the paws. Protects from the ice melt and cold while outside and easy to clean off once inside.


I have heard that from several people, but let me ask this. It's too cold to apply it outside. If I apply it inside, then I have a trail of Vaseline footprints between where I apply it and the door, and it will all be worn off by the time he gets outside. It is currently 14 degrees here.

I remember back in my mailman days when it was cold and windy in winter. I used to use Vaseline on my face to keep my cheeks from getting windburned. That Vaseline would acquire the temperature of the air very quickly. He needs his pads protected from the cold snow more so than whatever ice may form between the pads. His pads crack when they get cold. I have to measure his pads today and buy him boots. I saw some that have straps that cross across the dog's back (so right rear to left front) and that tension keeps them on. I have yet to have a dog that didn't fight me when I put boots on them. The one 2 dogs ago literally sat in the snow and ripped them apart to get them off her feet. That was $37 that lasted me about 3 minutes. This guy is like a tank with a tail so I can't imagine THAT wrestling match! We'll see how he endures boots!