As dog owners, we understand that our beautiful dogs must be treated with the utmost care. We feed and groom them, among other habits, to make them as comfortable and secure as possible. Something that is left behind, however, is paw protection. Just like human beings, dogs can be helped by wearing shoes to protect themselves from harsh conditions and hard surfaces.

They’re a vital part of gear for most dogs, whether strolling through snow, hiking along rock trails, or walking hot asphalt. Here’s why, how to pick the best pair, and how to acclimate your dog to wearing them in this guide.

Why They Are Important For Your Dog’s Health

The paw pads are quite tough but still need to be protected from extreme temperatures and poisonous matter. During freezing weather, there are de-icing salts treated on the road and pavement (source: https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/boots-for-dogs.22084/). These salts may irritate and even burn your dog’s paw pads. And the same goes for other chemicals like antifreeze, which spill on the street during cold days.

They come in many different types and forms of material, appropriate to each type of terrain and climate. The optimal one for your dog will rely on the level of activity, health, and conditions of exposure.

Weather-Specific Boots: Depending on the location you inhabit within a cold winter or warm summer region, weather-specific ones are required. Winter dog boots are generally water-proof and feature a gentle insulated interior to keep your dog dry and warm. They also feature reflective trim for enhanced visibility in the snow or when in low light situations. The boots are designed to keep your dog’s paws dry, warm, and free from chemicals such as salt and other harmful chemicals.

For hot weather, select light and airy footwear that gives your dog protection from hot sidewalk. The summer models consist of heat-resistant materials that create air circulation space and protect against burning surfaces for paws. Flexible soles are a dominant feature in most of the summer models that provide your dog with maximum mobility without impairment.

Trail and Hiking Boots: For outdoor enthusiasts who like hiking with their pets, there are special trail and hiking ones. These ones are designed to accommodate rough and irregular terrain, with rugged soles that provide excellent traction and defense against sharp rocks and thorns. Hiking ones also feature special attributes such as hardened toes, adjustable straps for a comfortable fit, and water-wicking material to prevent paws from getting wet on long walks.

Indoor Traction Boots: Mobility-impaired horses or older animals can also be helped by traction boots. The indoor boots help dogs maintain a firm grip on slippery floors like tile or hardwood so they don’t slip and fall. They are typically made of soft, flexible materials with anti-slip bottoms that aid your dog’s balance and stability. Indoor traction boots are great for surgery-recovering dogs, arthritis patients, or even those that have trouble walking on slippery floors.

How To Choose The Proper Size And Fit

The most important solitary factor in choosing the proper pair of shoes is that they must fit well. Boots that are too tight will be painful and restrictive, and boots that are too loose will fall right off. To achieve the best fit, measure your dog’s paws exactly.

Start by measuring the width and length of one paw, with a soft measuring tape or a ruler and measuring the widest part of the paw and then the length from the back of the paw to the tip of the longest toe. If and when you decide to buy dog boots with Canada Pooch, you would measure both front and back paws because these might be slightly different. Then, according to the manufacturer’s size chart for details.

Introducing Your Dog To Boots

All dogs may not be willing to adopt the idea of wearing boots, especially if they have never had any experience of it. However, most of them can be made to tolerate the sensation by being patient and rewarding them. Start by making your dog smell and get accustomed to them so that they are used to looking at and smelling the new device.

Once your dog is used to wearing them, put one on at a time over their paws. Start with a few minutes each time and slowly work up to increasing the time as they get used to wearing them. Reward the dog with a treat, praise, or toy in an attempt to condition them to wearing them in a positive manner. If your dog is resistant to wearing boots, try to distract them with their preferred activity, i.e., a walk or playtime.

Dogs will initially walk stiffly in boots, but do not worry because they are adapting to the feel. Keep in mind that it may take a few days or even weeks for your dog to adapt to wearing boots, so be patient and consistent with training.