Warning! Dog Boots Can Cause Over Heating!!!

[VegasGeorge]

I knew that dogs exchange heat through their paw pads. But I didn't know how critical that can be. Please take warning that boots and socks are dangerous for Bulldogs! Day before yesterday we were at Fashion Show Mall here in Las Vegas with our two Bullies, Lily and Daisy. We were doing routine off leash training, and Lily was wearing a handle harness (like a guide dog would wear) that my wife was using for lateral support. The dogs were not being exercised, no running, jumping, or playing. They were simply slowly walking beside us. Fashion Show is an indoor mall and nicely air conditioned. After about 30 minutes Lily started having breathing problems. I noticed signs of over heating, roaring wheezing sounds, tongue getting purple, etc. We put her in a down position on the cool tile floor, and I got her some cold water. She wasn't getting any better. So we got her back to the car, and I drove her straight to the Emergency Vet's office. She was getting worse, not better, in the car. When I got her there, they rushed her back into treatment, put her to sleep with anesthesia, intubated her, and put her on oxygen. When she woke up during the night, she was fine. They released her to us yesterday morning, and she continues to be fine. Lily and Daisy were wearing Ruffwear Grip Trex Barkin' Boots. I had stupidly forgotten about the foot pad heat transfer issue, and left Lily's boots on her in my rush to get her to the vet. That was good and bad. Bad for Lily's recovery, but good that the vet could see what she was wearing. I was strongly admonished not to put boots on her again. The ER vet told me the boots were the factor that put Lily into an over heated condition. I have to agree with her. Lily has been at Fashion Show many times, and never experienced anything like this. But, day before yesterday, she was wearing the boots for the first time during training. She had only worn them around the house before. This was a very serious incident. I think we came close to losing her during the car trip to the vet. She vomited a bunch of foam, and I had to carry her into the vet's office. This is something you and your Bulldog do not want to experience. So, please, no socks, no boots. Let your Bullies' feet run free!

 

[BoldDeGuard]

Omg, I am so glad she's ok. I can't imagine how scary it was. Thank god you knew the signs and able to get her help ASAP.

And thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[luvmybully]

What a scare !! You were smart to act fast and get to the ER, I'm glad she's ok, and thank you for sharing your experience, happy ending!!!hew:


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[Tkelley]

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad she is okay. How scary that must have been

 

[Vikinggirl]

Hi, I'm so sorry you had this scary experience with Lily, it must have been so scary. This is great information to know, especially with winter coming. I actually was at my local PetValu store with my son yesterday, and they had two metal bins outside the store with clearance items, they were selling mostly winter coats and sweaters, at more than 1/2 price off, and they had some bags of dog boots. I looked at them and commented on how cute they were, they were reduced to $5.00 and I was thinking of buying them, but my son reminded me that my male Dozer a) absolutely hates wearing clothes, and b) he loves eating and swallowing socks, so he would probably eat them. I decided it not to buy them. I'm glad I read your thread, it's one more reason not to buy them. Thanks for sharing your scary experience. We all learn from each others experiences good or bad, and you probably saved someone from making the same mistake and saving their bully. Thank you.

 

[Manydogs]

[MENTION=7776]VegasGeorge[/MENTION] So sorry that you had such a scare! Also very glad that you made it to the vet in time and that Lily is okay!! It was a hard lesson to learn but happily she is okay-and you may have saved many other lives by this post. Thank you for the information and so glad all has turned out well for you.

 

[rjisaterp]

Good thinking to get to the vet and thank you for the post. It is one more thing to be aware of.

 

[Bella and Dozers Dad]

I knew that dogs exchange heat through their paw pads. But I didn't know how critical that can be. Please take warning that they are dangerous for Bulldogs! Day before yesterday we were at Fashion Show Mall here in Las Vegas with our two Bullies, Lily and Daisy. We were doing routine off leash training, and Lily was wearing a handle harness (like a guide dog would wear) that my wife was using for lateral support. The dogs were not being exercised, no running, jumping, or playing. They were simply slowly walking beside us. Fashion Show is an indoor mall and nicely air conditioned. After about 30 minutes Lily started having breathing problems. I noticed signs of over heating, roaring wheezing sounds, tongue getting purple, etc. We put her in a down position on the cool tile floor, and I got her some cold water. She wasn't getting any better. So we got her back to the car, and I drove her straight to the Emergency Vet's office. She was getting worse, not better, in the car. When I got her there, they rushed her back into treatment, put her to sleep with anesthesia, intubated her, and put her on oxygen. When she woke up during the night, she was fine. They released her to us yesterday morning, and she continues to be fine. Lily and Daisy were wearing Ruffwear Grip Tre Barkin' Boots. I had stupidly forgotten about the foot pad heat transfer issue, and left Lily's boots on her in my rush to get her to the vet. That was good and bad. Bad for Lily's recovery, but good that the vet could see what she was wearing. I was strongly admonished not to put boots on her again. The ER vet told me the boots were the factor that put Lily into an over heated condition. I have to agree with her. Lily has been at Fashion Show many times, and never experienced anything like this. But, day before yesterday, she was wearing the boots for the first time during training. She had only worn them around the house before. This was a very serious incident. I think we came close to losing her during the car trip to the vet. She vomited a bunch of foam, and I had to carry her into the vet's office. This is something you and your Bulldog do not want to experience. So, please, no socks, no boots. Let your Bullies' feet run free!

So very glad it turned out okay, must of been extremely scary!
Just a heads up, never give a over heated dog or human cold water, should be room temperature.

 

[2BullyMama]

So happy all turned out well and she is home and doing good..... Very scary and a great share of info

 

[bullmama]

Wow how scary! Like you, although I know the pads are a way of releasing heat I would have never thought about overheating due to boots or socks. Glad your baby is okay!

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[Sharon Mitchel]

Who knew! I thought those boots were a good thing... Keep their feet dry on icy streets, and from burning on hot streets. I've never purchased them. Can't imagine Charley that Charley would be willing to wear them. He even hates his rain coat! I'm so glad you baby was saved in time. Thank you for sharing!


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[chemist]

Did you share this with Ruffwear? They have always been a customer service oriented company and maybe they could put a warning on their product and packageing.

 

[VegasGeorge]

Yes, I did share this information with Ruffwear. I got a call from one of their customer service people, and they told me the head of their company wanted to talk to me and would call later. Never happened. But, they are on notice about the problem.

 

[binxrexchubbs]

That's so scary! Happy she's better and home. Thanks for the info! I can't make up my mind if we should get Chubbs a jacket during this negative/single degree weather. [emoji53]

 

[nycbullymama]

Wow.. I missed this thread back in August but so glad to read everything turned out OK.

Yesterday we had snow. Blue never had an issue walking in it, but Wellie's paws burned from the salt. I saw him walking funny and sit down each time we had to walk over it.

So I ordered these Amazon.com: Pawz Green Water-Proof Dog Boot, X-Large , Up to 5-Inch: Pet Supplies last night for next day delivery. I have no choice, the salt is hurting him. Hoping
it won't be an issue.