Getting a dog used to a boot

[Countrygirl18]

So my dog somehow tore one of his paw pads. How I have no idea! Checked out and it’s okay, not infected. Just needs time to heal.
The advice was to get some dog booties and have him wear that for protection till it’s healed more, since he was limping.

The thing is he is having trouble figuring it out. When he DOES walk with it on he is walking much more comfortable…but the majority of the time it’s on he just hops on 3 legs which he doesn’t when it’s off. Any advice for getting him more used to it? It must feel strange…to him I know.

[Weezer]

If you have a second boot, I suggest putting it on the other foot so he is forced to walk with the boots. He will adjust quickly. Having said that, keeping weight off the foot will help the pad heal faster so if he is doing well on three feet, let him be. I used to have a dog who would cut her pads frequently and it can take a long time for them to heal if the dog continues to be very active on the foot.

[S1969]

Agree with Weezer. Paw injuries are the worst. A boot can be a tool in the process - for walks and also to keep them from licking the cut. Two boots will be better than just one.

Make sure they fit though. I had a recent situation with a cut pad and the boot ended up making an abrasion on the top of the foot and then that became the primary injury. Ugh.

Good luck.