Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Dog

Many people are of the mind that because dogs are animals, they do not need shoes. It’s silly – why would you do that to a dog? But really, many dogs have sensitive feet, injuries, irritations to salt and other road chemicals, or other conditions that make boots or shoes necessary. If your dog is one of these, don’t worry. It is easy to find the right pair of boots, and it is good to know that you are doing the right thing for your dog.

The first step is to measure your dog’s feet. Easier said than done, right? It can be difficult if you have an energetic (or antsy) dog. Measure from the tip of the nails to the base of the paw. Then, when you are ready to buy your boots, find the right size on the size chart that should be on the package. For instance, if your dog’s paw measured 1.5 inches, he would be an XS in most boots.

Next is choosing the boots. You can be footwear that is more dressy in nature, but for winter or for dogs with sensitive or injured paws, you need more utilitarian boots. And there is no shortage of brands from which to choose. To make sure that you get the right boots for your dog, keep the following in mind:

• The fit. Are the boots going to be snug without being tight? How do they stay on the dog’s paws? Are they stretchy?
• Are they easy to take on and off?
• Do they have traction? Boots without it will not be of much use on slippery sidewalks.
• Are they waterproof? Breathable? High enough to protect your dog’s legs? These are all points to consider because the point of dog boots is to keep your dog comfortable and happy.

If you have never bought dog boots before, it is best to go to a pet supply store and have your dog try some on to see how they fit. Let him walk around in them to make sure they are comfortable and they won’t fall off.

When you find a pair, let your dog practice in them in the house. Put them on for a few minutes at a time. Your dog will probably respond like a baby who wears shoes for the first time – there is a learning curve here! But give him some time, and he should adjust to them and be ready for his next cold weather walk.

If you can’t get him to wear boots, don’t force it. Some dogs just will not. You can try a protective wax before you go outside. Happy walking.