Dog hiking boots — do dogs actually need them and which ones stay on?
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dan_runs·7 days·831 views
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Planning a multi-day backpacking trip with my Aussie this summer. The trail has a significant section of sharp granite scree and I've been reading about dog boots. Rio has never worn boots and I have no idea if she'd tolerate them.
Are boots actually necessary or do dogs' paws toughen up enough naturally? And if I do get them, which brands have people actually had stay on during real trail use? I've seen video after video of dogs comedically refusing to walk in them.
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morgan_review· 7 days
For sharp granite specifically, boots are worth it — granite scree is the main terrain where I've seen real pad lacerations on trail dogs. On regular dirt trail, conditioned paws handle it fine. For staying on: Ruffwear Grip Trex is the gold standard for active trail use — the velcro wrap and elastic upper actually keep them on during scrambling. Start with short sessions at home (5 minutes, reward heavily) a few weeks before the trip. The comedy walk phase lasts about 2-3 sessions and then most dogs adapt. Size carefully — the measurement chart on the website is accurate, go by measurements not breed.
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priya_gsd· 7 days
Musher's Secret wax is a good alternative to boots for moderate terrain — it toughens and protects the pads without the adaptation challenge. For sharp granite I'd still go boots, but for general trail prep, apply it to her pads daily for 2-3 weeks before the trip and her pads will condition significantly.
