(no subject)

[turps]

This is a strange request but I'm firmly of the belief that the flist knows all.

Brock is our family dog, he's 18 and very healthy apart from a tumour on his foot. The tumour is really big and has grown between his toes on his front paw. He was at the vets yesterday and is fine except for this one thing. Because he's so old they can't operate so the vet says to leave it alone and just watch to make sure it doesn't ulcerate underneath. Which is where I need advice.

The vet said he needs some kind of dog shoe making or buying. He told mam to get a round of leather and sew it, but we have no idea how. So, anyone know how to make a dog shoe? How do you keep them on for one thing? Straps, buckles, ties around the body? I have no idea.

Any ideas or urls to dog shoe sites in the UK would be very welcome.

Comments

[truekat.livejournal.com]

I've never heard of anything like that. It seems it would be nearly impossible to keep something like that on, unless you could fasten it securely. Is it possible that any of the animal kindness organizations would have information on something like that? I wish I could help you. I hope you find what Brock needs. *HUGS*

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you're echoing my thoughts. I have no idea how to keep dog shoes on, especially as he's a jack russel so has little skinny legs anyway.

That's a good idea to contact the animal organisations, I'll do that this afternoon.

Thank you. *hugs back*

[rikes]

This would probably be the easiest alternative:

[truekat.livejournal.com]

Wow! That looks like a great idea! I wonder if it would work for turps33. I'd never have thought of something like that.

[rikes]

Ha! I know nothing about dogs, but that was the first idea that came into my mind.

And Terri? As interlock said there, you should use something flat rather than string to tie it.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Got you. I'll investigate some kind of tape first I think.

[ninjetti75.livejournal.com]

Uhm, tape is a bad idea.

If the tape is ONLY on the boot, it could work, but it's too easy for tape to come undone unless you use something like duct tape, and you want the boot to be removable, obviously.

I'd say velcro is the best bet, possibly with something like heavy shoelace, something flat to run through the slots on the shoe & not bite into Brock's leg, then with velcro on the end to secure it.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, good point.

We did pick up velcro and are going to have a go ourselves. If it all goes pear shaped we're going to try a shop bought shoe.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

That looks doable if the online thing falls through.

Thank you!

[jaciesplace.livejournal.com]

Good info/tips on dog booties here:
http://www.sdas.org.uk/gear_boots.htm

For sale here:
http://www.culpeppers.co.uk/catalogue/?cat=booties

& here:
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product_group.asp?dept_id=123&pg_id=272

;)

[jaciesplace.livejournal.com]

BTW, It's sort of slanted towards sled dogs, but same type of thing. You don't have to train Brock to pull a sled or anything. ;)

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Ahahahahaha.

Good, because I don't think he'd manage to pull it far!

[jaciesplace.livejournal.com]

I imagine he'd turn around & look at you with that *you're joking, right?* expression. LOL

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Oh man, Jacie! I love you!

Those are perfect, thank you!

[jaciesplace.livejournal.com]

You're most welcome, hon. I hope you find something that works for him. I had a kitty with tumors on his feet. I don't think they even make kitty booties though!

[ephemera.livejournal.com]

http://www.neopaws.com/shoes.html
http://www.seniorpetproducts.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=253&pg=0

or UK sites

http://www.canine-spirit.com/shop/detail.asp?prodid=15&prodsecid=3
http://www.culpeppers.co.uk/catalogue/?cat=booties are manufactuers - could be worth an email?
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/category.asp?dept_id=123

I'm more used to them for horses, but it's probably harder on dogs, as there's less of a clear joint line to secure above. Velcro or tape - something *flat* might be better than string type fastenings, to spread the pressure on his leg. Try and avoid too many crease points poking him in the leg by smoothing it into layered folds? Maybe fleece fabris with a parch of vinyl or something hard wearing bonda-webbed to the foot [not stitched, cos that could run inside]

[turps33.livejournal.com]

You know the power of the flist amazes me each time.

Thanks so much for both the links and the advice about making a shoe. I really didn't have a clue how to even start but now I have the beginnings of an idea.

[starwatcher]

.
I have seen - in pet supply catalogs - leather boots for hunting dogs; they come in several sizes. So, I'd do a Google search for 'pets' and then for 'dog boots' or 'hunting boots' and see what you can find.
.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Excellent!

Thanks for the advice, it's actually amazing how many companies actually make dog shoes when you know what to look for.

[ihearthings-ii.livejournal.com]

the friendslist DOES know all! ( and sees all too! )

[turps33.livejournal.com]

The flist really do know all! Scary to think they see all though *g*

[ihearthings-ii.livejournal.com]

[rockerbabyz.livejournal.com]

What kind of dog is it?

My mom volunteers for a Golden Retriever Rescue group, and often has many many links to other sites in other locations and other types of dogs. If I know the type of dog (and that you're in the UK) I can give you a more specific link that might be able to help you.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

He's a cross jack russel. So is a little bigger than normal for the breed.

I am in the UK, thanks for checking, honey. You're a star.