How to Put on Lewis Dog Boots

Dog boots are commonly used on hunting dogs to protect their feet.

Many hunters will tell you their dog's feet are a top priority. They take extra steps to protect them from cuts when the dog is running through the woods. Police dogs, rescue dogs, trailing dogs and sled dogs all become accustomed to putting on their shoes before they go to work. The ground can be very unforgiving, and a cut pad is very painful and can lay a dog up for weeks. With a few simple steps, you can prevent these unnecessary injuries.

Things You'll Need

• Coflex or Vetrap
• Adhesive tape

Instructions

1. Apply a wrap of Vetrap or Coflex bandage tape around your dog's leg above the paw where the top of the boot will sit. It should be snug, but not too tight. This will help protect against chaffing and rubbing.

2. Check the inside of the boot before putting it on your dog. Make sure there are no stones, dirt or debris inside. Just like a pebble in a runner's sneaker, dirt in a dog's boot can be very irritating.

3. Use one hand to hold the boot open. There are splits on each side of the Lewis boot to make this easier. Use your other hand to guide in your dog's foot. It is easier to put boots on your dog if it is on an elevated surface such as a tailgate.

4. Check the fit of the boot to make sure it is straight and not pinching your dog's toes.

5. Wrap duct tape or white medical tape around the top of the boot to secure it to your dog's leg. The tape should cover the top half of the boot and extend an inch above it around the dog's leg. Make sure the tape is not constricting or pinching.

6. Repeat these steps for the other three paws.

Tips & Warnings

• Always allow your dog plenty of time to get used to a new piece of equipment. It will take several weeks before the boots feel comfortable. Allow your dog to walk around the house, play in the yard and go on neighborhood walks with them to get used to the feel. Do not be surprised if the first time your dog tries on the boots, it refuses to move. If you are working in ice and snow, use solid boots. In the summer on dry land, use the vented version.

References

• Steve Snell's Gundog: How to put on Lewis Boots