Dog's feet are made for walking and their feet are a lot tougher than human foot. However, this does not mean that their feet don't sometimes need protection against the extremes.
Though a dog's paws are made for all sorts of weather, there are extreme conditions where shoes offer beneficial protection. Shoes can protect dogs from burning their feet on hot surfaces (metal ramps, hot tar, or hot pavement).
In the winter months, shoes help protect your dog's foot from the cold or ice. Not only that, I've found that ice melt (salt) on the sidewalks is really abrasive and can turn a dog's paws red and sore.
What to look for in a Good Dog Shoe?
1. Shoes Stay on
You want to make sure that the shoes will stay on your dog. If you are trying to protect your dog from hot or cold conditions, nothing is worse than shoes being kicked off every five minutes. Dog owners have found that velcro closures are the easiest to keep in place on a dog's feet.
Shoes also can fall off if they are improperly sized. You don't want your dog to wear the wrong size shoes anymore that you would want to wear poorly sized shoes.
This can lead to blisters and shoes that fall off. Best practice is to follow the manufacturer's sizing instructions and guidelines when picking out a shoe for your dog.
2. Easy to Put On
You will be putting these shoes on and taking them back off on a fairly regular basis. Getting them on and off can be frustrating if it is a difficult process.
Usually the ones that are easiest to put on will have a wide split seam that opens up easy to put on your dog.
3. Durable and comfortable
Your dog will be walking around on these shoes often during extreme temperature conditions. Low-quality booties will fall apart after a bit of use.
So you want to pick materials that fit your dog's activity. Make sure that the shoes are comfortable especially if your dog has a dew claw.
4. Water proof or resistant?
If a shoe is water resistant that means it will do well in short contact with water. Majority of dog shoes are water resistant. Very few are water proof.
For swimming conditions, you'll want to remove the shoes in any case. Dogs have webbed feet for a reason!
5. Reflective?
Reflect booties keep your dog visible to passing motorist. It's a good safety feature that a lot of shoes have.
While this can be a nice feature, proper supervision and proximity to you is the best prevention to accidents with motorists.
One of the most affordable shoes we have on this list, these waterproof boots have molded bottom for traction for any surface. The reflective tape is great for safety at night.
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These shoes come in 6 sizes and water resistant. The boots provide great traction and are great for senior dogs with hip conditions. These pets are here to say and holds up well after washing.
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These boots is a solid fit that has a wide split seam for easy on and off and adjustable Velcro straps.
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These shoes are superior paw protection with extra large opening at top makes it easy to slip without hurting the dew claws.
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Best for hiking, these boots are comfortable that prevents rubbing that may cause blisters. It is lightweight and breathable for good traction and secure fit.
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Fleece boots that is great for warmth, this shoes is very secure and great for winter.
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Protects your dog's food with recycled rubber shoes with a breathable shell. The front and hind boots are shaped differently for great fit and for secure fit.
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Did we miss any? Tell us about your dog's favorite shoes!
