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Most people think that dog shoes are not an essential item as they are animals, and animals are supposed to walk that way. Well, it is true, but most dogs today are unique breeds that require special care, so buying shoes for your dog is both an essential item and a fun trend. Your dog's paws need special care; moreover, it helps you too. The shoes keep the paws safe and clean and save time whenever you return from an outdoor walk as you don't have to clean your dog's feet every time. Dog shoes are also beneficial if you have harsh environmental conditions like snow or the sun's scorching heat. These shoes come in different shapes and sizes and other features, just like human shoes. It can be confusing while choosing a pair because your dog might find your choice uncomfortable to wear but don't worry; we will go through all the factors to consider before buying the ideal dog shoes for your pup.
There are many types of dog shoes; some are more fashionable while others have more medicinal purposes. There are many things to consider before buying a pair; for example, the basics would be buying it for outdoor or indoor use. Other important things to consider would be the size, shape, and quality, and if you are buying it for some medical purpose like to secure some bruises, then what kind of shoe you should buy. Let’s go through all these factors one by one.
The first and foremost thing is the shape and size before buying it for your dog. As you will be buying four shoes, then missing any one of them would be troublesome, so it’s best to purchase close-fitting shoes, but not so tight as it would make your dog uncomfortable and, in some cases, may damage the paws. It’s best to look for shoes with adjustable straps, like velcro straps that provide safe and easy shoe fastening.
The other thing is shape. The wrong shape could also damage the paws, so it is helpful to buy shoes that don’t bend the shape of the paws when equipped. You can check that by pressing on the shoe as we do with human kids.
Don’t give a dog hard or heavy shoes if you have a small puppy or a dog and only need indoor dog shoes. Go with soft and light shoes as your dog will be wearing them most of the time. Moreover, if you are buying it for a small puppy, it’s best to go with soft-clothed shoes or socks as they are cheap and you can change them several times.
For outdoor purposes, hard-sided shoes are used. Depending upon the environment, there are different kinds of hard-sided shoes. Some of them are water-resistant, and others are waterproof. It all depends upon the type of environment in which you reside. If there is snowfall or rainwater, then go with hard-sided shoes with an extra layer of protection, i.e., waterproofing. However, in this case, you will face an issue as the shoe will be heavy and the sole thick, so most probably, your dog will feel uncomfortable in it. But don’t worry, your dog will adjust to the shoes after some time.
However, if your dog still doesn’t adjust, then you could go with the plain rubber shoes; they offer less paw protection but will keep your dog’s feet warm and clean.
Your vet may have suggested you buy some protection for your dog’s feet to treat some bruises or other kinds of disease. You could use shoes over the cut pads, but it is strictly advised to consult your vet before equipping your dog with a particular type of shoes when it is injured.
It would be best to buy dog socks for indoor use, especially if you live in a cold environment. You could go with shoes made from neoprene material for rain walks and hiking as it is exceptionally waterproof. For the summer season, with all that scorching heat of the sun, it’s best to go with shoes that have air crossing like the ones made from net fabric. In the case of terrain environments, you have no choice but to go with hard-sided shoes with thick soles to protect your dog’s paws.
As stated above, most pet dogs are unique breeds. They are not like regular stray dogs and might damage their paws when exposed to long walks on roads or terrains. So it’s best to buy dog shoes before your dog gets some bruises or injury.
Your dog could catch a cold when exposed to snow for a longer duration, so it’s best to keep your dog covered wherever it is possible. Moreover, if your dog has some small cuts over its paw, then dog shoes are the best way to keep dirt and debris out of your dog’s feet, saving it from infections.
Dog shoes don’t only keep the feet of your pooch clean but also keep your environment clean. Keeping the bedsheets and sofas clean could be a real trouble when you keep your puppy inside your house. With boots on your dog, you could remove the set whenever you enter your home after a walk.
Another primary reason for buying dog boots is to prevent your beloved pets from scratching your furniture.
Buying different fashionable and cute shoes for your puppy could be fun. Matching your shoes with your dogs would centennially be eye-catching whenever you go out for a walk.
The most common issue while buying a dog shoe is that your dog will feel uncomfortable with every new thing you will place above its paws. The best thing to do will be to train your dog with some cheap and light shoes first. Don’t adjust the strap tight when you place shoes for the first time on your dog. After equipping your dog with shoes, please give it a treat or toy. Finally, please don’t go out on a walk initially; first, make your dog comfortable with walks inside your house as it is a safer environment.
Gradually increase the walks and tighten the straps of your dog boots until it becomes entirely comfortable with them. In some cases, if your dog doesn’t adjust to the shoes at all, then don’t worry. You could still opt for other options such as rubber boots like we discussed above.
This set of exceptional dog boots will look good on your dog no matter what breed or color you have. They come in different colors and sizes so that you can choose whichever fits best for your pup. The wide reflective strap on them can adjust the shoes themselves. The reflection is there to make your dog safer at night. Moreover, the shoes themselves are good-looking and durable in quality as they have a rigid anti-slip sole. The shoe in between the durable fabric finish has embroidery to wear in summer as that embroidery enables air crossing.
Just like the last one, we have another durable yet fashionable dog shoe on our list. This option will also look great on all breeds; however, it’s best to consult the size charts for the best fit. The shoe has a high-quality fabric finish, making it water and dust-resistant. However, it is also soft and breathable due to embroidery in between. Your dog can also use this set of shoes in all seasons. Moreover, dogs can also wear them in snow, sand, and rainwater environments. You can adjust the boots via the two straps, which provide a secure lock.
This one is a great deal if you look for something colorful and attractive. It comes in different colors and sizes. It also has a non-slip base and pattern on the end of the shoe to have maximum friction between your dog’s feet and the ground. Furthermore, the set comes with reflective logos to keep your puppy safe at night. The shoes themselves are not waterproof, but they are washable. This perfect set of boots is great for indoors and walking purposes on complex grounds. Because they are so colorful, they will be hard to manage; you will clean them once in a while to not lose their attractiveness.
If your dog is uncomfortable with regular boots, as some dogs are, it’s best to go with something lighter. Dogs tend to feel their movement funny when their feet don’t connect with the ground. In this case, it’s helpful to go with thinner boots like this one as these have a minimal thickness insole, so your dog will feel comfortable with them in no time. These are also easy to wash and are perfect to be used in snow and rain. Despite being thin, they would still protect your dog’s feet from sharp things such as nails and rocks.
We have another durable yet a little fashionable set of shoes for your dog. It’s best to buy these if you look for quality and good looks. They are finished with solid fabric and thick soles, plus the shoes are waterproof and dustproof. Dogs can wear these shoes in all kinds of climates and environments like summer, winter, rainy days, and even on beaches. They are also helpful if you look for indoor boots to prevent your dogs from scratching your furniture. Furthermore, these also come in different sizes and two colors. Like the previous ones, these also have an anti-slip finish due to the pattern on the bottom.
The dog might find difficulty adjusting
A: Yes, Dogs are not used to boots. In this case, train your dog to wear boots, as we discussed above.
A: Yes, boots will further protect your dog’s paw; however, it's best to consult your vet to ensure the shoes don’t further damage your dog’s paw.
A: Not necessarily; they also come in relatively cheap compared to human shoes.