What do you do during walks?

[Auntjen]

I walk mine on the sidewalk as that helps to wear down their nails. I also clip pads of feet with fifteen blade, if my old grooming clients were walking their dogs in a brush area I tried to have them do a modified clip where hair on sides are left long but I clip a strip underneath and clean out armpits. I did this in s ca for clients who had dogs who had cottony hair that matted easily but I couldn't convince to switch to a easier to care for puppy clip. This way it attracted a bit less weeds and made it more comfortable on the dog. Not something I'd do in a cold climate.

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Poor Rosie! Max cracked a paw pad once, but other than that, we haven't had any paw problems. Amazing considering we often run into prickly sweet gum tree seed balls.

Although we walk mostly on pavement, the boys still manage to pick up prickly sticks in their undercarriage. Max sat down in the middle of the street once and I found a rose bush branch with thorns stuck to him. Teddy had thistle between his legs.

I HATE those sweet gum ball droppings! I call them spiky balls ('don't step on the spiky ball') & I avoid streets that have those trees. Turbo stepped on one when he was running across the grass & he got stabbed. The needle broke off, got embedded in his paw, he yelped! I carried him home & took it out w/a tweezer, cleaned it off. TG he didn't get any infection from it.

[MarkFromSea]

Originally Posted by Auntjen

I walk mine on the sidewalk as that helps to wear down their nails. I also clip pads of feet with fifteen blade, if my old grooming clients were walking their dogs in a brush area I tried to have them do a modified clip where hair on sides are left long but I clip a strip underneath and clean out armpits. I did this in s ca for clients who had dogs who had cottony hair that matted easily but I couldn't convince to switch to a easier to care for puppy clip. This way it attracted a bit less weeds and made it more comfortable on the dog. Not something I'd do in a cold climate.

We're waiting for some warmer weather to do a summer buzz cut(probably the wrong term, but you understand I'm sure).... Just east of Seattle....

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Well Michelle is sending me a pair of boots to try. So we will see how Miss a Rosie does with them. Thank you Michelle!

[CouversMom]

My two are not shy about telling me when something is wrong. Couver will stop in his tracks if he has the tiniest stick in his fur. I haven't ever had a problem with them telling me about stickers. They will usually bite at their feet and I know right away that something is bothering them.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

I HATE those sweet gum ball droppings! I call them spiky balls ('don't step on the spiky ball') & I avoid streets that have those trees. Turbo stepped on one when he was running across the grass & he got stabbed. The needle broke off, got embedded in his paw, he yelped! I carried him home & took it out w/a tweezer, cleaned it off. TG he didn't get any infection from it.

Poor Turbo! Those sweet gum balls are a menace. Whenever I see them, I say "sticky balls!" and the boys head to the pavement. The also know "mushrooms!" means jump back on the pavement. If anyone heard me while I am walking the boys, they would probably think I have lost my mind.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

Well Michelle is sending me a pair of boots to try. So we will see how Miss a Rosie does with them. Thank you Michelle!

That is sweet! I hope they help Rosie.

[Auntjen]

Yes I know those buzz cuts well! Hope its warm in Seattle next weekend I'm headed there for hubby's 50 th and a my teen daughters seeing a concert in Everette . Warm weather would be nice.

[lilbumbleybees]

Poor baby! I always consider where we'll be walking. I personally don't use shoes because my guys hate them and we don't walk often enough to be worth investing in 4 pairs of them ($$$$$). I consider how hot or cold it is out and the terrain. One of our yorkies loves to hike. I always make sure to have a first aid kit ready for her at home and in the car and we use coconut oil on their pads a couple of times a week. Especially this time of year when it is so cold and dry. I guess what I'm saying is you can't really control what will be on the ground where they are walking. If they tolerate shoes and it makes you feel better, definitely get some! I just always try to be aware of where we are, how hot/cold the ground is, and if I spy spots on the ground that look rough or might hurt their feet, I pick them up until we are past it.

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Poor Turbo! Those sweet gum balls are a menace. Whenever I see them, I say "sticky balls!" and the boys head to the pavement. The also know "mushrooms!" means jump back on the pavement. If anyone heard me while I am walking the boys, they would probably think I have lost my mind.

Lolll! There goes the cwazzie dog ladies.