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Do Dogs Need To Wear Dog Shoes?
Dogs have lived without shoes, shirts, or sunglasses for thousands of years. So, no, most dogs do not "need" shoes on a normal basis.
Good quality dog shoes, however, are useful to have in certain situations and conditions.
Dog shoes are useful to help protect your dog's paw pads from hot asphalt, cold snow / ice, and sharp rocks or debris.
Out of these conditions, hot asphalt has the most potential to harm your dog's paw pads. On a sunny 77 degree day, the asphalt on the ground can reach 125 degrees or more.
A dog's paw pad normally toughens up as a dog ages and gets exposed to various ground conditions during walking, running, and play.
Some indoor dogs, however, have soft paw pads due to low exposure to natural outside conditions. It would not be advisable to suddenly take dogs with soft paw pads on a long walk or hike - especially during hot weather.
The use of dog shoes in these situations will help to protect your dog from paw pad injury and pain.
The Problem With Dog Shoe Sizing
Most dog shoe manufacturers sell dog shoes in quantities of four. Sounds perfectly logical for the most part. However their is a major issue with this. Most dogs have two larger paws in the front and two slightly smaller paws in the back.
So if you buy from a company that sells four dog shoes in the same size, you will likely be stuck with two dog shoes that don't fit perfectly. This is a big problem because dog shoes that don't fit well - don't stay on your dog.
The good news is that a small, select number of dog shoe manufacturers are aware of this issue. These companies will either sell their dog shoes in pairs or sell a set of four shoes with two of the shoes sized slightly smaller.
In general, companies that take the time to ensure proper sizing of their shoes - produce a better dog shoe than companies that don't.
In fact, some of the bestselling dog shoes on Amazon are from companies that do not consider this sizing issue. These companies instead, will compete with price and mass produce a lot of dog shoes that may or may not fit all four of your dog's paws.
Putting Dog Shoes On Your Dog Correctly
It's not easy. Getting all four dogs shoes on your dog properly takes a bit of effort and finesse. Even though you choose the right sized shoe for your dog - if you don't put it on correctly, it will easily come off.
The best method to put shoes on your dog is to have your dog in the standing position. While getting one shoe ready, get in a position that will allow you to lift your dog up a bit while placing the shoe on.
While you are in the process of guiding your dog's first paw into the shoe, you want to try and lift your dog's other paws off the ground so that your dog places more weight into the shoe.
By doing this, you will ensure that all of your dog's paw goes completely into the shoe. A lot of times, dogs will crunch up their paws in an effort to get out of the shoe.
By lifting up your dog in the process, you force your dog to "uncrunch" it's paws so that it's entire paw gets properly placed into the shoe. When you are finished with the first paw, you must do the same thing to all the three other paws.
This again isn't the easiest of tasks - especially with a squirming and uncooperative dog. With time and practice, both you and your dog should become accustomed to the procedure.
To check if the dog shoe is on correctly, have your dog stand while you check to see how the fit looks. The shoe should look fitted without any bulging. Next, gently try to pull of the shoe to see how well it is holding. If it slips of too easy, take a breath and put the shoe on again.
OUR PICKS: BEST DOG SHOES FOR SHIBA INUS
Qumy Dog Shoes
- Please be sure to measure the width of your dog's paws carefully, it is key to choosing the correct size for your dog, weight can only be used as an additional reference; Size 1: 1.7''x2.2''(W*L) for 12-23 lbs; size 2: 1.8''x2.4''(W*L) for 18-27 lbs; size 3: 2.0''x2.5''(W*L) for 23-33 lb; size 4: 2.2''x2.6''(W*L) for 31-40 lbs; size 5: 2.4''x2.8''(W*L) for 40-55 lbs; size 6: 2.6''x3.0''(W*L) for 52-65 lbs; size 7: 2.8''x3.2"(W*L) for 63-75 lbs; size 8: 3.0''x3.3"(W*L) for 74-88 lbs
- SECURE and ADJUSTABLE: Easy to put on / off. These dog shoes expands with a wide split seam opening and two adjustable and reflective straps to ensure a tight fit, also make your dog safe at night
- RUGGED: Tough anti-slip sole of dog boots provides stability and traction, protection from sharp thorns and hot pavement
- QUALITY: The dog boots have a rugged sole and high quality fabrics that are then sewn together to ensure they are ready for your adventure
- FASHIONABLE: QUMY dog boots are with cute pet paw embroidery, paws side is the outside, soft and hand washable
HC Pet Dog Shoes
- Size 6: Width 2.36 inch for 52-68 lbs. Great for Medium Samoyed; Siberian Husky; Labrador; Airedale Terrier; Doberman etc. Please refer to the picture size chart, choose the right size for your puppy
- Breathable dog booties for dogs: Prevent damage done from your dog's nails to your home, hardwood floor, vehicles and visitors. Perfect for protecting injured paws during both play and downtime; helps prevent chewing and licking for faster healing
- Easy on, easy off: Wide openings and hook and loop fasteners make these dog boots a breeze to put on and take off; perfect for quick walks or long hikes, and so lightweight your dog won’t even notice them, ensuring carefree play and exploration
- Anti-slip grip for all terrain: Rugged rubber soles provide traction on wet floors and rocky trails; designed to prevent slips, these boots give your dog the confidence to tackle any surface, offering protection and comfort for every adventure
- New friend dog shoes: Don't worry when your dogs start to walk with new dog shoes but not in a normal pace even prance. You can try to encourage and guide your love dog to adapt to Hcpet dog boots
Spark Paws Water Resistant Dog Shoes
- Measure Dog Paw Width: Size A: 1.6"x1.9"(W*L) for 13-23 lbs | Size B: 2.0"x2.4"(W*L) for 23-33 lbs | Size C: 2.4"x2.8"(W*L) for 40-60 lb | Size D: 2.6"x3.0"(W*L) for 50-70 lbs | Size E: 3.0"x3.5"(W*L) for 75-100 lbs
- Protect your dog's paws - From rain, snow, salt, mud, sharp terrains and hot surfaces. These waterproof boots come with non-slip soles providing traction and support.
- Dog boots that stay on - These dog booties come with two velcro straps and toggle. Ensuring that the dog boot will not fall off during walks.
- Soft on the Inside - The interior of the boot is lined with soft fleece, providing your dog’s paws with soft comfortable cushioning.
- Reflective Straps - The reflective straps and stitching also provides night time safety.
Walkee Paws
- PAW-FECT PROTECTION: come rain, shine or snow, Walkee Paws dog booties leggings keep your pooch protected from the ruff stuff outside. With waterproof natural rubber, paws that mimic the normal sensation of walking on the ground, paws are protected from hot pavements, snow melt, salt and other chemicals that are potentially dangerous if ingested.
- GRIPPIES FOR TRACTION: rubber grippies on the dog paw protection leggings are not only great at helping your furbaby walk steadily on wet pavements or icy sidewalks, they also help to prevent older dogs from slipping on indoor wooden floors and tiles.
- PAW PROTECTORS FOR DOGS THAT STAY ON: thanks to the patented smart over-the-back design and two convenient adjusters for enhanced fit and comfort, Walkee Paws dog leggings secure snugly over your dog’s back instead of uncomfortably squeezing around their ankles. Plus they protect the entire leg and not just your pooch’s paws and they all connect together so you will never lose a bootie again
- EASY ON, EASY OFF:. Walkee Paws are designed to be super comfy with 4-way stretch fabric that makes slipping your dog's paws in and out of the leggings effortless.without having to fiddle with their sensitive paws.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Walkee Paws dog leggings are conveniently machine washable. Or simply rinse these canine booties in cold water. Comfortable for Fido, easy on the human too!
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