CAPS: These (dog) boots are made for walking

Buddy is a handsome 1-year-old Husky with beautiful markings and intense blue eyes. He is very shy and needs a patient family who will give him encouragement and time to adjust.

Buddy is a handsome 1-year-old Husky with beautiful markings and intense blue eyes. He is very shy and needs a patient family who will give him encouragement and time to adjust.
Provided to the LVN

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Dear reader, recently there has been a lot of advertising and stories about dog boots. Personally, I think they are a good idea. In fact, I think dogs’ paws are given little thought until disaster strikes.

Dog paws have five parts, the claw, digital pads; metacarpal located on the front paws and the metatarsal on the rear paws pad, dewclaw, and carpal pad.

Metacarpal, metatarsal and digital pads are the shock-absorbing pads that help to protect the bones and joints in the dog’s paw. The covering is a thick skin that helps with traction and skidding when stopping. Pup’s claws help digging. Some dogs have a dewclaw but the purpose is still a mystery.

The benefits of dog boots are many, especially if you have an active dog who enjoys walking, running, and hiking. Just like human feet, dog’s paws are soft and easily injured. Most people wear shoes for protection and dog boots offer the same benefits especially in extreme weather.

During winter, boots protect from ice, snow, and chemicals used to melt the snow. Summer time brings hot pavement and concrete. If you feel the surface with the back of your hand and it is too hot for you, it will be hot for your pup’s paws also. Boots can help make walks more comfortable.

Around Fallon, we have a couple of invasive plant species that are especially damaging to dog paws. Goat Head’s are sharp little bundles of stickers that are difficult to remove from paws. Fox Tails burrow into the space between the pads, and they cause pain. Hiking in the desert can be challenging so protecting paws should be a priority. Boots are helpful around rocks and rough terrain. Occasionally, there may be unexpected sharp object lurking in the sand. With boots, there is more protection.

Many times older, dogs begin to drag their feet when they walk. This can cause damage to the paw pads. A veterinarian can help with recommendations for footwear. Getting your dog to wear boots may require a few attempts and gentle introductions. However, you can arm yourself with treats and praise progress. Just like the song “These boots are made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do.”


ATTENTION

Coming soon! Our February fundraiser is Paw-Delivered Flower Grams there will be information on purchasing them next week.


LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have four adorable Dalmatian/mix puppies who are 20 weeks old. Born at CAPS, the puppies are currently looking for homes. Give yourself a Valentine and adopt a frisky pup.


IN NEED OF

• Walking buddies for our fabulous canine guests. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Funds toward the new heating system.

• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS. We are temporarily unable to pick them up.


SHOUT OUT TO

• Stargazer Blossoms for sponsoring the upcoming Valentine’s Day Fundraiser. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

• Kendra Flower for taking new photos of our guests for the website. All tails are wagging for you.

• The folks who supported CAPS at the recent Paint Your Pet night and Bingo and Beer fund raisers. Wags and Kisses to you!


COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.


DON’T FORGET

• January Holiday: Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Day

• Board Meetings. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in room 102 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. Our next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 11.

• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.org) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.


Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.