Dog shoes, otherwise known as paw protectors, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many dog owners swear by them, claiming that they provide protection from extreme temperatures and other hazardous conditions. But are dog shoes really necessary, or is it just another way for pet stores to make money? In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of dog shoes and provide insight into whether or not they’re actually a practical accessory for your pup. We’ll examine the benefits of providing your pup with proper paw protection, consider the potential health risks of not doing so, and look at the types of shoes that are available for purchase. Ultimately, we’ll help you to decide whether or not dog shoes are a necessary part of your pup’s wardrobe.
What do dog paw pads do?
A dog’s paw pads are pretty incredible. An intricate mix of muscle, tissue, ligaments, tendons, collagen and keratin, paw pads protect doggy toes and feet from getting torn up. They provide support for joints and muscles, absorbing the shock of impact as your dog walks and runs. Paw pads also help with canine circulation! A study from Japan recently published in Veterinary Dermatology says there’s basically a “heat exchange system” in canine feet that keeps them warm during winter. Paw pads also keep dogs cool in the summer by sweating out heat.
Pet dogs no longer need to wear shoes inside or on a regular basis because of the amazing paw pad. However, even though paw pads shield your dog’s feet from rough surfaces and scalding temperatures, there are some situations where dogs should wear shoes. These situations include very cold or hot weather, spending a lot of time on rough terrain, and recovering from an injury.
Chihuahuas and Australian Kelpies are two breeds of dogs that weren’t bred for subfreezing temperatures, so they probably need boots all winter. Breeds like Siberian Huskies and Akitas can tolerate more time outdoors in the snow because they were created to withstand the cold. But whether it’s snowing or not, if it’s extremely cold outside, even Black Russian Terriers will need boots to avoid frostbite.
People who live in warm climates should check the sidewalks with their own feet before taking their dog outside. You should shoe your dog if you can’t stand comfortably barefoot on the ground for 10 seconds. It doesn’t need to be that hot for the sun to actually cook asphalt, so don’t just rely on your thermometer. Dogs don’t need boots to protect themselves from drizzle unless rain makes sidewalks in your neighborhood especially slick.
Trekking through the woods or on rocky hiking trails present lots of opportunities for cuts and calluses. Toss some shoes on your dog! Certain shoes can also add traction to slippery areas. If you plan on taking your dog hiking regularly, The Farmer’s Dog recommends introducing them to boots early and giving their paws plenty of time to acclimate to rougher terrain.
Last but not least, a dog recovering from surgery or a foot or paw injury should wear shoes outside (and occasionally indoors, if necessary). The last thing you want as your dog heals is for the stitches to come out or for an infection to develop. Older dogs with arthritis might also need to wear shoes for additional joint support. If you believe this to be true, consult your veterinarian!
If Your Dog Doesn’t Need Them
Shoes are not always necessary, but they can be useful in some situations. If your dog doesn’t spend much time outside and you live somewhere with mild weather, they don’t need shoes. It’s better to spend money on other accessories that will benefit your dog more than expensive shoes that are only worn occasionally.
Most people would agree that dogs are amazing animals, and Pebble’s paws’ complex system is evidence of this. Dog paws are able to withstand ice for extended periods of time because they have adapted to the cold. The majority of dogs do not require shoes due to their high body temperatures. Your dog’s paw tissue is actually made to shield her from temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius.
Despite the fact that most dogs don’t need to wear shoes and don’t particularly enjoy doing so, a lot of businesses now offer this unique accessory. Shoes are not really necessary for dogs because their paws are incredibly strong and have a sophisticated system of veins and arteries that keep them warm. However, there are instances when shoes could benefit dogs. Booties may be the solution for the specific needs of smaller dogs, race dogs, service dogs, police dogs, and dogs in other situations. It might take some training to get your dog to wear shoes if you decide that he or she needs them. The shoes might feel strange, so you might have to start by massaging your dog’s paws to get them used to being touched. Additionally, try wearing the shoes for brief periods of time just inside the house before gradually introducing longer periods of time outside for your dog.
Your devoted Pebbles needs to use the bathroom because it’s cold outside, there is ice on the driveway, and It’s unlikely that you will put on her Air Jordans so she can leave. You probably haven’t given the fact that you don’t have to put shoes on your dog much thought. You know that if you went outside barefoot, there would be some serious repercussions, but Pebbles goes outside, does her deed, and seems as content as can be when she returns. It’s a mystery to you.
Due to the glass shards left primarily by drunk people in Germany, police dogs are required to wear little blue booties (no joke). These booties stop the dogs from getting cut and hurt as frequently as they previously did. Iditarod competitors’ dogs also don boots because they run over rough terrain and endure longer periods of exposure to the cold than most dogs do. Their paws are protected by these boots, which also stop ice and dirt from getting between their pads. Due to their difficulty retaining heat, tiny dogs may also gain from wearing shoes. If you decide to purchase shoes for your dog, be sure to look for footwear with anti-slip and waterproof features. Additionally, you want to ensure that they are simple to use and won’t come off as soon as your dog starts walking. Additionally, look for footwear with a thick sole and a flexible sole.
According to a Japanese study, a dog’s pad actually circulates heat back to the body’s core when exposed to cold. The intricate network of veins and arteries in a dog’s paws drain warm blood to the skin to keep the paws warm. In addition to being warmed in the paws, cold blood is then distributed throughout the body. Tim Newcomb of Time reports that when you combine that system with the paw’s freeze-resistant fat and tissue, it transforms a dog’s paw into something akin to a penguin’s wing. com. The intricate structure of a dog’s paw is comparable to that of an Arctic fox. Additionally, the skin on paws is the toughest skin on the body and is insulated. It would seem that dogs were created to withstand this level of cold. Pebbles appears unaffected outside because she was created for it, in other words.
FAQ
Does my dog really need shoes?
Dogs’ paws can be shielded from harm by rocks, thorns, and other environmental hazards by wearing shoes. They can also offer additional defense against burns, cuts, and other wounds. They are therefore a wise choice for dogs who spend a lot of time outside.
At what temperature do dogs need shoes?
Actually, it depends on the dog’s tolerance for cold temperatures, breed, and the amount of time she will spend outside. As soon as the temperature drops below around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, my own dog, who has sensitive paws, starts to lift them up. On the other hand, some dogs appear to be unaware of their feet’s coldness.
Do dogs need shoes on hot pavement?
Walking can be very challenging in some locations, especially in the summer when it’s hot and there is paved ground. In these terrains, dog shoes or booties are beneficial. Breed, size, or age of your dog have no bearing on whether they need paw protection.