Every time we see a dog wearing shoes, a whirlwind of thoughts move across our neurological pathways. “They’re cool! They’re savvy! They’re ridiculous!” Whatever thought you have about the topic, the question still remains; should dogs wear shoes?
Do Dogs Need Shoes?
It may seem like a topic for a heated debate between pro-footwear advocates and dog-booties dissidents. And yet, the answer is straightforward: sometimes. A number of factors determine your dog’s need for shoes. Knowing when dog slippers are an asset or a hindrance to your dog will save you time and money.
So, let’s examine when you should put shoes on your pooch and when you should just let it walk barefoot.
When Should Your Dog Be Wearing Shoes?
During Periods of Extreme Heat
Hot weather is a good reason to open a little shoebox with adorable dog-sized trainers. Surfaces such as hot pavement of a parking lot can reach scorching temperatures of 70 to 80 plus degrees. Even if exposure is brief, walking on hot pavement is painful for dogs. You may even notice your pet hesitant to cross the street if the pavement is too hot.
A pair of shoes acts as a barrier between the hot surface and your dog’s skin, helping to regulate the heat your dog is exposed to. Dog booties made with comfortable and light materials are ideal for your pet and will make their summer walks safer and more enjoyable.
During Periods of Extreme Cold
If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters with extreme temperature drops, your dog could benefit from a cozy pair of winter booties. The shoes will keep your dog’s paws warm and also protect them from injuries caused by dangerous substances.
One of these dangerous substances is salt, commonly used to melt snow and ice on streets and sidewalks. This salt could be harsh on your dog’s skin, producing lesions and open wound cuts.
If They Have Mobility Issues
Certain health conditions may warrant the purchase of a nifty pair of orthopedic trainers, specially designed for your dog. Dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia (or other conditions that compromise mobility) benefit from wearing a pair (or two) of shoes. Shoes provide dogs a solid base to stand on, reducing strain on other body parts and preventing slips.
When Should Your Dog Be on Bare Paws?
If Shoes are Not Necessary
If shoesare not necessary for any of the circumstances mentioned above, it’s best to avoid shoes. This is mostly for your dog’s comfort and secondly for your own sake as it’s one less thing to worry about. You can use the money you’d spend on shoes for other, more useful products for your pet.
If They are Uncomfortable
Shoes feel very unnatural to dogs. Dogs will adapt if the shoes are well-designed and make their lives easier. But in some cases, dogs may feel very uncomfortable wearing something on their paws. Shoes could compromise their balance. They may become fidgety, making awkward, uncoordinated movements that could cause an accident. This situation could make them stressed out and anxious.
Types of Shoes
There are three types of dog shoes: ones made for hot temperatures, cold weather, and ones for orthopedic purposes. Shoes for hot weather tend to be made with light materials and designed to minimize dog discomfort. Shoes for cold weather tend to be thicker and use more padding. Orthopedic shoes will vary on the condition of the dog but are designed to provide muscle support.
Choosing the Perfect Shoes for Fido
Here are some good tips on choosing the perfect shoes for your furry bud.
- Measure your dog’s foot. Most dog shoe manufacturers will provide a guide on how to do this. Beware when buying shoes for puppies (they will grow out of them quickly).
- Think about the environment the shoes will be used for. Sand? Snow? Street? Pavement?
- Look for materials that are light, durable, and easy to put on (but won’t come off easily).
- Make sure the shoes are soft with a non-slip sole (with channels, raised surfaces, or a sticky grip).
If your dog has mobility issues, talk to your veterinarian and have them be your dog’s podiatrist, recommending the best footwear for your pooch’s pathology.
These boots were made for walking
At the end of the day, our feet are our unsung heroes. The same principle is true for our dog’s adorable love pads, which we endearingly call “paws.” It is with them that they can run, jump, play and enjoy walking beside us.
It’s important to take care of our dog’s paws and that should be the sole purpose of dog shoes (in addition to providing extra support. Before you purchase your dog’s shoes, evaluate your dog’s need for shoes and determine if your dog will agree to wear them.