I have already alluded to one of the reasons PawZ can be useful for some dogs. But let’s take a closer look at five reasons these waterproof, disposable, rubber dog boots have their place in my toolbox. 1. PawZ keep the paws from getting wet Recently I had a colleague ask me to compare PawZ Dog Boots to Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips. She had never used either and assumed that PawZ, like ToeGrips, were used for traction. But I’m also an integrative veterinarian who loves having as many tools as possible in my toolbox. There are certainly times when I believe PawZ boots are the best option for my patients. So, I do find myself recommending PawZ…although not for traction. What are PawZ Dog Boots?

On hot summer days, dark asphalt roads absorb a ton of heat. It’s General Science 101. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression that you could fry an egg on the road. It’s true, and your dog’s paws can suffer thermal injury too. PawZ boots can protect your dog’s paws from painful burns. 3. PawZ prevent icy paws Before I explain why ToeGrips are THE solution for traction, I need to explain the concept of nail-based traction.Since PawZ Dog Boots are a thin sheet of natural rubber, they are barely there compared to a “traditional dog boot.” This helps minimize their effects on a dog’s gait and proprioception and allows the dog to still somewhat feel the ground. 5 Stars for PawZ Dog Boots So if you’re looking for a light, simple cover for your dog’s paws, my professional endorsement goes to PawZ Dog Boots. Just remember my PSA above—only use them for short periods of time and ensure they are not obstructing your dog’s circulation. Important PSA message: PawZ boots are not a product designed to be left on for long periods of time because they have the potential to impact circulation and cause serious harm. PawZ Dog Boots are great—but aren’t for traction

However, I do routinely recommend PawZ dog boots for outside activity because of the five reasons above. Why “less is more” when it comes to dog boots PawZ boots can act as a simple (yet temporary) “band-aid” covering over the wound during the healing process, where a normal bandage would never stay on. But is your goal is gaining traction, I’m steering you to the patented design of ToeGrips dog nail grips. While PawZ boots have a lot of benefits, they simply can’t compete in that area.

PawZ dog boots was in their “veterinary toolbox,” but they issued me a warning. If the top of the boot—which corresponds to the mouth of the balloon—is too tight around the dog’s leg, in a fairly short amount of time, it can cause severe tissue damage. Unsurprisingly, I’m willing to die on the hill of nail-based traction, which is how ToeGrips work to help dogs. In the story of ToeGrips, I share a bit more about how I discovered the idea of nail-based traction and soon fell in love with this approach. PawZ are focused toward keeping your dog’s paws clean, not for continuous traction. 5 Reasons I recommend PawZ Dog Boots So if we boil it down, people tend to fall into the nail-based traction camp or the boot-based traction camp. ToeGrips are a nonslip material that fit on a dog’s toenail tips to enable the toenails to grip as they were intended. They provide instant traction. This can be life-changing for senior or special needs dogs who struggle on smooth surfaces like hardwood floors.