Velociraptors vs. ice

NDPheasant

NDPheasant

Well-known member
What a phenomenal season it’s been! Not much slows me or the vizsla velociraptors down during the last two weeks of December, but they’ve finally met their match with ice-crusted snow. After a few hours of drizzle two days ago, the ground is now covered in a solid crust, and you can tell it’s hard on their feet as they break through it. How do your dogs do with this?

I also wanted to take a moment to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas. Safe travels for those that are traveling. Prayers to all of our heavenly angels that look over us at all times!

Have a blessed holidays! -Mike
 
They make boots. I have had some for a couple years, but haven't tried using them yet. Another option is one of the pad toughing products for sale. I have some and haven't tried it yet.

Products that are waxy that you rub on (which I have used) help reduce cracking, reduce snow from sticking, and provide a little bit of barrier against the cold surfaces, but I don't know how much they would protect from sharp ice pieces from crusty stuff.
 
These are only my own thoughts on the above products, when I have considered them in the past. Not to be taken as gospel, by any stretch of the imagination.

Boots:
Pros:
- protect against cuts and abrasions - the best at avoiding these issues
- maybe a little insulation against cold with socks
Cons:
- can cause abrasions if not socked and taped properly
- reduces traction (I don't think even the rubber ones provide as much traction as dog nails)
- because of lack of traction and dog feet moving differently than normal, could lead to strain on muscles and connective tissue. Our dogs are running all directions, not just in a straight line, at a mostly consistent speed, like sled dogs.
- pain in the rear end to put on and take off

Pad toughening sprays:
Pros:
- easy to apply
- may provide some moderate protection
Cons:
- messy (I think they use iodine in some of these products, so can stain until dry)
- possible concern for serious paw lickers
- recommend applying for 2 or 3 weeks before you need it. I am guessing you'd get some gradual protection earlier, but not get maximum until later.

Wax based balms:
Pros:
- reduce snow sticking
- provide a layer to protect a little against heat and cold
- that layer might reduce abrasion risk a little (not from sharp things, but from constant rubbing)
- reduces pads drying out and cracking, making them more soft and pliable
Cons:
- I don't think they will do much for sharp crusty ice, other than making pads more pliable and maybe less likely to tear
- might have to reapply throughout the day regarding snow not sticking/balling in fur (but not needed regarding softening pads) -- better approach might be to trim fur between toes, with the downside that fur protects against rubbing abrasions, so don't want to trim too short

I wish there was a perfect solution for all issues, but they all have pros and cons, in my opinion. I am guessing some people out west, dealing with hot ground and cactus spines, would take the pros over the cons and use boots. On slippery ground, I haven't personally decided to do it. If there was a really bad tear or rubbed raw spot in a critical area, that is when I would probably do it. Not sure if I would do both feet at that end of the body, only the hurt one, or all of them. I would probably only do the hurt one, to minimize the cons working against the other 3 feet.

So far, I've been able to get by on dog specific antiseptic gel, and healing powers of the dog, and used the wax stuff from time to time. I also started a skin and hair supplement this year (well before season) to see if that would reduce broken nails in January. I suppose that could help pad health too. I have nail covers for if/when that does happen, and have used those in the past (you cut to fit and super glue them over the broken nail).
 
Crusted or re-frozen snow with a hard surface layer is bad news. Not only is it hard on the dog's feet, it makes a lot of noise when you walk in it. Crunch crunch crunch and every pheasant can you hear you coming half a mile away.
 
Mushers use dog boots which is a never ending battle. I watched the start of the Iditarod a few years ago and the trail was lined with them. Personally I use pad toughner unless there is an abrasion than new skin and as a last resort bring out boots.
 
I have used a combination of all 3 products, separately and together. I start with the pad toughener early and make sure that walks and hikes include asphalt, concrete and gravel. I use Musher's Secret religiously on the feet, nose and under belly. It makes a difference. I use Lewis dog boots, the nonvented model. I have not had an issue with rubbing or injury. It adds days to my dog's hunts and actually slows him down a bit. Snow crust, thorns, cattails, those little burrs and all that stuff......don't have to worry. I do check them multiple times a day for fit too. You will go through lots of sport wrap and duct tape, but oh well.
 
NDPheasant said:
What a phenomenal season it’s been! Not much slows me or the vizsla velociraptors down during the last two weeks of December, but they’ve finally met their match with ice-crusted snow. After a few hours of drizzle two days ago, the ground is now covered in a solid crust, and you can tell it’s hard on their feet as they break through it. How do your dogs do with this?

I also wanted to take a moment to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas. Safe travels for those that are traveling. Prayers to all of our heavenly angels that look over us at all times!

Have a blessed holidays! -Mike
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Mike, you have had a great season! What is your bird count so far this year? My guess is somewhere around 90-100 wild birds!
 
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