ARmy Rumour SErvice

**DavidBOC** · 18-08-2011, 22:02

Rachey- Many dogs do not like boots and either will not wear them or react badly when wearing them. I friend lead the first FEMA US&R team to reach the World Trade Center on 9/11. The search dogs were getting paws badly cut up on the rubble and as soon as word of this got to the media they were deluged with donations of doggy boots. The problem was the dogs were so upset by the boots they could not work the scene properly. The US&R dog handlers had to revert to dogs with bare feet. They did rub Bag Balm on the paws to prevent cracking and cracks and cuts were closed with "super glue" (really, sounds odd but it works).

Not sure if Bag Balm is available in the UK but it is great stuff containing petroleum jelly, lanolin and some things to encourage healing and prevent infection. Originally made to care for cows on New England farms who get chapped, cracked udders and teats it is widely used by humans as an excellent winter hand cream. i used to use it on my springers paws in the winter as cold and ice would cause cracks made worse by road salt. Also great when my hands would get chapped and cracking. If you find it the 10oz box is a much better deal than the cute little 1oz box. Of course you could buy the 5 gallon pails but that would be too much unless you own a lot of cows.

Sounds very odd stuff but it works. The US&R guys also used a lot on their hands due to cuts, scrapes digging through rubble recovering bodies and parts thereof.

**dingerr** · 18-08-2011, 22:14

Had to get the boy of 14 years put down a couple of months ago, a border collie, a fantastic dog.

I'm now on the look out for 2 border collie pups, but unwilling to pay £300+ to a breeder knowing some of their practices.

**.Dolly** · 18-08-2011, 22:15

Originally Posted by DavidBOC

Rachey- Many dogs do not like boots and either will not wear them or react badly when wearing them. I friend lead the first FEMA US&R team to reach the World Trade Center on 9/11. The search dogs were getting paws badly cut up on the rubble and as soon as word of this got to the media they were deluged with donations of doggy boots. The problem was the dogs were so upset by the boots they could not work the scene properly. The US&R dog handlers had to revert to dogs with bare feet. They did rub Bag Balm on the paws to prevent cracking and cracks and cuts were closed with "super glue" (really, sound odd but it works).

Not sure if Bag Balm is available in the UK but it is great stuff containing petrol;leim jelly, lanolin and some things to encourage healing and prevent infection. Originally made to care for cows on New England farms who get chapped, cracked udders and teats it is widely used by humans as an excellent winter hand cream. i used to use it on my springers paws in the winter as cold and ice would cause cracks made worse by road salt. Also great when my hands would get chapped and cracking. If you find it the 10oz box is a much better deal than the cite little 1oz box. Of course you could buy the 5 gallon pails but that would be too much unless you own a lot of cows.

Sounds very odd stuff but it works. The US&R guys also used a lot on their hands due to cuts, scrapes digging through rubble recovering bodies and parts thereof.

Agree with the boots sometimes causing more problems than they prevent, such as the straps causing sores up the leg. Bag Balm (snigger) sounds like a septic version of Udder Cream, which is readily available here in equestrian and farming outlets. Great stuff for all sorts of things including hound paws in winter on treated surfaces, as stated, however on this occasion I would suggest steering clear of putting anything on your dog's paws, Rachey, as it'll encourage gravel and dust to stick and possibly irritate over the distances involved as well as the problem of having to clean off the remains of the previous application and reapplying fresh every day. If you've put some training down his pads will have adapted anyway, 74 miles is very achievable and unless it's scree all the way he should be fine.

**jaybee2786** · 18-08-2011, 22:26

Boxer Welfare Scotland - Photos | Facebook

**racheyblubird** · 18-08-2011, 22:27

I always thought that dog boots looked wank to be honest, and apart from that I know it would be an absolute nightmare trying to get them on him! But, if it was thought to be best was willing to give it a go, glad it's not!!

**.Dolly** · 18-08-2011, 23:01

Originally Posted by dingerr

Had to get the boy of 14 years put down a couple of months ago, a border collie, a fantastic dog.

I'm now on the look out for 2 border collie pups, but unwilling to pay £300+ to a breeder knowing some of their practices.

That is a bummer Dingerr... sorry.

Do you definitely want papered dogs? Border Collie have their own rescue network, also this rescue (despite the wet name) often have pedigrees, in fact they've got several Collies, including a 12 week pup in right now: Dogs looking for homes - Many Tears Animal Rescue Homing dogs across the UK

**Tinman74** · 18-08-2011, 23:12

Originally Posted by dingerr

Had to get the boy of 14 years put down a couple of months ago, a border collie, a fantastic dog.

I'm now on the look out for 2 border collie pups, but unwilling to pay £300+ to a breeder knowing some of their practices.

Sorry to hear that mate, I got my second lab from a local rescue centre for £85 fully papered up and she is a star!

**Markintime** · 19-08-2011, 08:57

Originally Posted by racheyblubird

I've been told that I should get the boy some boots for our walk. This person has dogs, but I don't think he's ever walked further than the local chip shop, so not sure how seriously I should take his advice!

Should I get him some?! Or stick with the slight coating of vassaline someone on her advised and my vet said 'that could work'!!

Hmm, listen to the bloke down the road or someone who has spent 7 years at university to become qualified in all aspects of animal health and welfare. Hmmm, it's a difficult one that.

**racheyblubird** · 19-08-2011, 09:46

Originally Posted by Markintime

Hmm, listen to the bloke down the road or someone who has spent 7 years at university to become qualified in all aspects of animal health and welfare. Hmmm, it's a difficult one that.

*sniggers* fair point!

**ugly** · 19-08-2011, 11:57

Originally Posted by racheyblubird

I've been told that I should get the boy some boots for our walk. This person has dogs, but I don't think he's ever walked further than the local chip shop, so not sure how seriously I should take his advice!

Should I get him some?! Or stick with the slight coating of vassaline someone on her advised and my vet said 'that could work'!!

I wouldnt apply anything to the foot pads apart from superglue to repair splits. Boots for protecting cuts perhaps but the dog will fair better with naturally toughened pads. If the dog is struggling on stone or gravel paths it will soon lead you onto softer ground.
A few US Pheasant shooters put boots on their dogs but the dogs dont get the out of season exercise that ours do.