Category Archives: Dog Boots

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Comfort and Care During Recovery

Our furry companions bring immense joy to our lives, and as responsible pet owners, we prioritise their well-being. One crucial aspect of pet care involves protecting their paws, especially during the recovery process following surgery or injury. Here, we will explore the benefits of MediPaw protective boots, designed to offer comfort and care to our beloved dogs and cats, while aiding healing.

Post-Surgery and Injury Protection

MediPaw protective boots serve as a convenient solution for safeguarding our pets’ paws during the critical recovery period after surgery or injury. These products act as a barrier, preventing pets from directly accessing and aggravating the affected areas. By minimising contact, the boots promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infection, helping our pets return to their active and joyful selves more quickly. MediPaw protective boots are versatile and can be used in various situations. Whether your pet requires protection during restricted outdoor activities, post-surgery recovery, or wound management, these products cater to a wide range of needs.

Comfort and Mobility

A key advantage of MediPaw protective boots is their emphasis on comfort and enhanced mobility. Unlike traditional post-surgical methods, which often include an IV bag to keep dressing dry, these innovative products provide a more pleasant experience for our pets. The boots are designed to fit snugly while allowing natural movement and flexibility, enabling pets to walk without discomfort during supervised exercise sessions, ensuring a more pleasant recovery journey for our furry friends.

Prevention of Lick Granulomas and Infection

Pets often resort to excessive licking or biting, which can lead to lick granulomas or secondary infections, hindering the healing process. MediPaw protective boots are particularly effective in preventing such self-inflicted harm. These boots cover the wound or surgical site, acting as a physical barrier and discouraging pets from accessing it. By minimising the risk of licking and biting, these boots reduce the chances of complications, allowing for smoother and faster recovery.

Versatility and Ease of Use

MediPaw protective boots are versatile and suitable for various situations, whether it’s post-surgery recovery, injury management, or a physical barrier. Constructed using high-quality materials, the boots feature adjustable straps for a secure fit, ensuring they stay in place during restricted activities while providing optimal protection. Additionally, they offer excellent protection for pets recovering from paw surgeries, wounds, or infections, ensuring faster healing and minimising the risk of re-injury. They are easy to put on and take off, simplifying the recovery process for both pets and their owners.

Hygienic and Easy to Maintain

Maintaining proper hygiene during the recovery phase is crucial to prevent infections and ensure a smooth healing process. MediPaw boots are designed with this in mind. The materials used are easy to clean, and machine washable, making it convenient for pet owners to maintain a hygienic environment for their recovering pets. By keeping the boots clean and germ-free, owners can promote a healthier recovery process.

Need help choosing the right boot? We offer 3 designs to cover all healing stages and environments:

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Soft Bandage Boot

Soft Bandage Protection

Effortless outdoor protection

The soft bandage boot provides traction and protection so pets can go outside comfortably while keeping their bandage clean and dry.

Superior construction

Constructed with a waterproof, breathable nylon shell for superior protection from rain, snow, mud, dirt, and morning dew.

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Rugged X-Boot

Hard cast, splint, or thick bandage protection

Longer lasting protection

The rugged X-Boot provides optimum traction and long-lasting protection so pets can go outside comfortably while keeping their bandage clean and dry.

Greater mobility

Constructed with a durable, moulded bottom to accommodate thick dressings, wider splints, or patients with difficult gaits on difficult terrain.

User-friendly design

Waterproof, breathable material easily slides over a cast or bandage and adjustable Velcro straps cinch easily at the narrowest part of the leg for a secure fit. Upper drawstring closure keeps the boot in place, and prevents urine or rain from getting in through the top.

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Healing Slim Boot

Protect pet wounds without bandages

Facilitates healing

The Healing Slim Boot features a soft, antimicrobial lining to protect wounds that are in the end stages of healing. Naturally wicking bamboo and silver fabric improves healing by reducing moisture and bacterial threats.

Protects wounds while indoors

Breathable nylon shell protects from excessive licking and irritation. The soft anti-skid bottom provides traction on slippery surfaces.

Going outdoors?

*We recommend using a Rugged X-Boot to cover the healing slim boot during inclement weather.

Directions for use:

  • Monitor the wound at least 2 to 3 times per day (more often in warmer climates) for signs of infection: foul odour, swelling, redness, pain, heat, discharge.
  • Monitor boot for slippage, wet/damp boot or lining, chafing.

* Tip: Turn the healing slim boot inside out to spot clean or throw in the washing machine. Be sure to hang dry and keep a second healing slim boot handy for use during drying time.

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Simple Paw Measurement Guide

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“Poppydog can now safely go out come rain or shine, with a dry bandage, no repeated mid-walk battles to replace bags and I know her bandage will survive the weekend until Monday’s appointment. Best of all, she’s not bothered about it because it fits! So I highly recommend the Medipaw medical boots too”

Conclusion

We understand first-hand the challenges of dealing with paw issues and injuries. MediPaw boots offer an effective solution. Tilly, for instance, faced an uncomfortable allergic reaction to cut grass in our field, requiring her back feet to be protected during walks. Meanwhile, Toby often goes through phases of excessive paw licking and we use these boots to interrupt the cycle.

MediPaw protective boots are a game-changer in pet care, offering an array of benefits for dogs and cats. They provide comfort, care, and convenience for our furry companions during the critical recovery phase following surgery or injury. By offering protection, comfort, and mobility, these innovative products contribute to a smoother and more pleasant recovery experience. With MediPaw, you can ensure your pets’ well-being and make their journey to full health as comfortable as possible. This versatility, combined with their user-friendly design, makes MediPaw products a valuable addition to any pet owner’s toolkit.

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MediPaw boots help your pets recover from surgeries, injuries and other wounds easily and comfortably. They are not designed for ongoing or extended use. Boots, in general, should be worn under supervision for bathroom breaks and short walks and should be removed frequently to check the boot inside to ensure there is no moisture near the wound.

Why not take a look at our MediPaw suits too!

Toby

Pet Insurance – Is it worth it?

Toby turns four

The birthday boy – Toby

The Birthday Boy

Our Toby celebrated his fourth birthday this month, just as we were celebrating two months of no vet bills. That quickly changed as our accident-prone shepherd suddenly started licking the pads of his front paws non-stop.

We examined him thoroughly but could see nothing obvious, and still the licking continued and became more frenzied. The licking was soon followed by limping.

So it was off to the vet with him and not a moment too soon as he was sporting a gash over his left eye that he had sustained from smacking into a door frame when he wasn’t looking where he was going! The vet examined his eye, and although swollen, it looked like it would heal okay, so no treatment was necessary. As for his paws, he had some red patches between his pads which could mean a contact allergy. Our choices were either a shampoo for his paws or Apoquel. We decided on the Apoquel, which relieves allergic itching, as we were familiar with it and had experienced good results with Fin.

Toby wearing his Trixie Walker Active Protective Dog Boots

These boots are made for walking

For two weeks he took two tabs a day and needed boots to break the itch/scratch cycle. That was easy for us; we chose the Trixie Walker Active Protective Dog Boots for when he went out on his walks. When he was indoors, we used Vetgood Slim Protective Veterinary Dog Boots.

By the end of the two weeks, Toby was much improved and we were relieved, if a little poorer!

Should you insure?

We took the decision many years ago when we had five shepherds, all insured and costing us a fortune every month, to cancel our pet insurance. Instead we vowed to put away an amount each month for any unexpected occurrences. At that time our dogs were relatively young, very healthy and rarely needed the vet, so the monthly expenditure seemed a total waste of money.

As they got older, this started to change, but then the premiums would, of course, have risen to reflect their ages.

And as for putting money aside, or self-insurance, as it’s called, we quickly forgot about that!

Towards the end of their lives, our five shepherds, none of whom were now insured, racked up hundreds of pounds in vet bills. However, we’d saved ourselves hundreds of pounds in premiums, so we may just have broken even, or even come out slightly ahead.

But pet insurance is not just about illness. Some policies cover a whole host of other things such as theft, treatment for behavioural problems, liability cover and kennel or cattery fees should you yourself become ill and unable to look after them.

Is pet insurance worth it?

With hindsight, we would have insured both Toby and Tilly; Tilly’s elbow arthroscopy cost an arm and a leg. We would also have been able to claim for any hydrotherapy she has going forward. Toby has ripped open his shoulder and his tail due to his clumsiness and heaven knows what he’ll do next. Insuring those two would have been a good investment.

Jack has also had a major op. He swallowed something which caused an obstruction in his gut and had to be removed. So far, Archie has needed very little veterinary treatment. He’s getting on a bit now, so no doubt problems will start to crop up.

Pet insurance is a safety net, most obviously used for veterinary bills, but as mentioned above, there are other benefits. It can seem like an unnecessary expense – until you need it! What does it cost, what should it include, and what are the alternatives? We came across a good article discussing the pros and cons of taking out an insurance policy on your pet, so if you are unsure whether to insure, why not read Pet insurance ā€“ Do you need it?

Vetgood Protective Waterproof Dog Boots

Vetgood Protective Waterproof Dog Boots

Vetgood Protective Veterinary Dog BootsBoots are In! Collars are out!

If you have ever been to the vet for paw or leg wounds, you will know that most of the time you are sent home with a neatly wrapped bandage or even worse a cast or splint and an uncomfortable and hideous Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from interfering with the wound.Ā  Your dog walks into walls or your shins, slobbers in the collar and lets you know by barking or whining that the hot and uncomfortable collar has to go! Finally, someone has thought of an answer!

Vetgood Protective Boots keep your dog's wound clean

Vet wrapping versus Vetgood

Vetgood Protective Waterproof Dog Boots

We are delighted to distribute the Vetgood line of boots for wound care! These lightweight and durable protective boots cover all types of wounds and have so many benefits to us the pet owner. First, you can get rid of the Elizabethan collar-hooray!Ā  Second, you can protect the wound not only indoors, but also outdoors allowing your pet to get the much-needed exercise to heal and to resume his normal routine even with the bandage, cast, etc. And finally, it reduces the number of times you need to return to the vet clinic to get a bandage re-wrapped or re-casted which is so inconvenient for you and a real relief for your dog!

Vetgood offer a range of boots for all your needs

Vetgood offer a wide range of sizes in their protective boots

So which boot do you need?Ā  (See the chart below to choose the right one for your pet.)

VetGood-Boot-Comparison-Chart

The Vetgood Extreme Dog Boot

If they have a cast or splint or a bandaged wound that will last more than 2 weeks? You need the Extreme boot with the durable, moulded bottom.

The Vetgood Extreme Boot for longer-term injuries

Vetgood Extreme Protective Veterinary Dog Boots

The Vetgood Basic Dog Boot

If they have a soft bandage then you need the Basic boot.

The Vetgood Basic Boot for bandaged wounds

Vetgood Basic Protective Veterinary Dog Boots

The Vetgood Slim Dog Boot

There is even a boot for open wounds that have no bandages ā€“ perfect for hot spots or lick granulomas – lined in a soft bamboo and nanosilver fabric that has antimicrobial properties to promote healing.

The Vetgood Slim Boot with a microbial lining for open wounds

Vetgood Protective Slim Veterinary Dog Boots

So stop struggling with the E-collar.Ā  Boots are in!

How to size your Vetgood boots

Tested by Daisy!

But we use Vetgood boots as we find they are great protection for Daisy’s delicate paws, whether she’s being carried in her harness or out and about in her wheelchair.

Daisy wearing her Vetgood Slim Boots

Daisy shows us a clean pair of heels in her super smart Vetgood Slim Boots.

Summertime Hazards for your Pets

Daisy dog in the long grass

It’s a jungle out there!

With the arrival of the hot weather accompanied by plenty of wet weather, the grass has shot up. Sadly, because of the rain, we haven’t yet been able to cut the hay, resulting in us having fields of grass up to our waists.

This makes it very difficult for Daisy in her wheelchair to navigate her twice-daily walk. We noticed that she wasn’t showing her typical enthusiasm and decided something had to be done, so we cut her a path.

Daisy in her wheelchair

We think Daisy is pleased with her new wheelchair path

The other dogs are not bothered by it and love leaping through the fields like a school of dolphins although it does put a stop to all their chase games with the Puller. They’d never find them in that grass, and we would end up chopping them into pieces with the mower and then baling them!

However, the warm weather and long grass mean we must be alert for fleas and ticks. Both Jack and Toby had fallen victim to ticks, which we discovered before administering flea and tick protection.

Another attraction is that sometimes they come across bunnies hiding out and that sets them off whooping with excitement as the thrill of the chase sets in.

Rabbit in the long grass

Where are those pesky rabbits?

They haven’t yet managed to catch one of those sneaky rabbits, though!

All For Paws Garden Water Fountain

Toby is a great fan of the All For Paws Garden Water Fountain.

It is essential to keep your pets well hydrated both at home and when you’re out and about. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water available at all times and never leave them unattended in a car, it can take literally minutes for them to succumb to heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Trixie Walker Active Protective Dog Boots

Ensure their paws are protected on hot ground.

Walking your dog when the ground is too hot can cause damage to their paws. Try walking them in the coolness of the early morning or evening. If you’re unsure, press your hand to the pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Make sure you’ve got all the bases covered with the summer survival guide for pets from the Bluecross, which gives practical information to help you keep your animals safe and happy whilst still enjoying our lovely British summer.

And, of course, there is also a handy guide for cool catsĀ in hot weather!