With the seasons hitting record highs and lows, your dog’s paw pads may not be as acclimated to the environment as they’ve been in the past. In most cases, they’re perfectly fine to run around in your yard or go for a stroll on a nice day.
But what do you do when the weather and conditions are out of the norm?
It can be tricky to find the perfect pair of boots for your dog, but they can provide more comfort and protection against heat, cold, and risky surfaces.
Why Dogs May Need Boots or Shoes
Generally speaking, your dog should not walk on a surface that you wouldn’t be able to walk across barefoot without pain. While their paw pads were developed without the consideration of shoes, we’ve kept them out of the evolutionary cycle for a while. We also have the tools to save them from both mild discomfort and serious weather-related injuries.
Dog shoes are usually marketed in the summer, especially if you live in a hot area with plenty of pavement. Your canine companion should have no trouble treading across the grass, but it doesn’t take much for black asphalt to soak up the sun and scald even the roughest of paw pads.
Dogs adapt better to cold climates. A 2011 study from Yamazaki Gakuen University notes that the veins and arteries in their paw pads are closer together, and can therefore keep their paws warmer than we might think.
Still, some dogs struggle with the cold and need some help staying warm in winter. They might get snowballs in between their paw pads, and even snow-loving breeds need to be protected in areas that use ice-melt products on the sidewalks and roads.
Potential Hazards of Dog Boots
Dog shoes aren’t risk-free. Like all dog clothing, it’s difficult to find a set that fits your dog properly, and ill-fitting dog boots increase the risk of:
- Agitation (both physical and mental)
- Blisters
- Sores
- Falling (because they cannot grip with their toes)
Very few dogs tolerate them without coaxing, and they require more maintenance. If you aren’t vigilant about giving their paws time to breathe, you can trap sweat and bacteria and end up with a nasty yeast infection in their paws.
An article from Volume 9 – 2022 of Frontiers of Veterinary Science digs into the ways that wearing boots affect dogs gait and load distribution. Even small changes can have a major impact on their orthopedic and muscular health.
Because of these reasons, it’s best to avoid boots until you have a legitimate reason to use them. When they do wear shoes, make sure you get a set that fits as perfectly as possible. Opt for breathable materials and keep their paws as dry as you can.
How to Choose the Right Dog Boots
Prepare to do plenty of research and try several pairs in your search. If you can, find a pet boutique that will let you try on the shoes in-store. If not, make sure your purchases allow returns for shoes that don’t fit properly.
Either way, make sure you cut your dog’s nails down as short as possible. This is important for measuring, but also for comfort when walking in boots.
When measuring to order online, have your dog stand on a sheet of paper and trace the outline of their paw. If they won’t stand still, use dog-safe paint and get a print or have them press their paw into some clay. This lets you get a measurement that considers the way their paw splays when walking.
Measure across the widest part of their paw print and consult manufacturer suggestions as needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions like “is it better to size up or size down” to speed up the trial and error process.
Your dog won’t be comfortable when they first try them on. They should stand with all their weight on the ground. The shoes should fit well enough (and be flexible enough) so that they can bend their ankles while they walk.
Dog Boot Features to Look For
Some dog boots are balloon-looking disposables that somehow fit snugly and accomplish the task of protection. Some are even made of biodegradable materials.
Reusable boots are the best way to save money and minimize waste. They’re thicker, and therefore trickier to fit properly, but come with neat features like:
- Velcro straps
- Reflective strips
- Rubber soles for increased protection
- Insulation (for cold concerns)
While these features can improve their use, keep in mind that they come second to a perfect fit. Comfort should always be your first consideration when purchasing clothes for your dog.
How to Get Your Dog Used to Wearing Boots
Buying dog boots means nothing if your furry friend cannot tolerate them. With a little patience and a lot of positive reinforcement, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Start by familiarizing your dog with the boots while they aren’t wearing them. Let them get used to their sight, their smell, and the sound of the velcro. Slowly increase the time they’re exposed to the shoes and consider using them to herald an exciting event (like going for a walk).
When they’re over the novelty of the shoes, start having them try them on. You can practice putting them on and off, not walking. Then have them walk with one shoe on. When they figure that out, add a second shoe. Then a third. Monitor them for signs of discomfort or distress, and don’t try to coax them into toughing it out.
As long as you move slowly, they’ll be happy to hit the road with their new kicks and you’ll feel much better about their safety while they strut.
