As humans, we often want the best for our four-legged friends. We give them treats, take them to the vet, and make sure they have a nice comfortable home. But what about the choice to put shoes on our dogs? It’s a question that has recently come to the forefront of pet-owner debates, as more and more people are donning their pets with stylish kicks. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of such an action before making the decision to do it.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of putting shoes on dogs, as well as exploring the reasons why some pet owners might make the choice to do so. By weighing the facts, we’ll be able to make a better informed decision about whether or not it’s a good idea to put shoes on our four-legged friends. So, is it bad to put shoes on dogs? Let’s take a look.
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!
When Does Your Dog Need Shoes?
Consider the environment and weather when determining whether your dog needs their paws covered. It’s critical to pay close attention to the surfaces your dog walks on when you’re outside. Kim pointed out that sharp rocks on hiking trails and broken glass on city streets can both easily sever a dog’s paw pads. Dog boots are frequently a well-liked suggestion for wintertime safety to protect against the cold and ice melt.
“The bitter cold of winter can cause chapping and cracking in your dogs paws,” Kim says, noting that “rock salt and chemical ice melt can cause sores, infection, and blistering, and toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws.” Aside from booties, another option is to apply a little Vaseline to your pets pads before each walk since it works as a salt barrier. Kim also suggests that owners wash their dogs paws in warm water after outdoor walks to rinse away salt and chemicals.
Extreme heat is a problem in the summer, and if the asphalt is too hot for you, it’s also too hot for your dog. Despite the fact that they can wear booties as protection, air temperature and sunlight can make them overheat. Kim advises against walking your dog on hot pavement or sand to prevent burns and blisters. “Check your pet’s pads for blisters, skin flaws, and red, ulcerated patches.” “.
Similar to cuts, minor burns can be treated by washing the paw with an antibacterial wash and wrapping it in a loose bandage. However, anything more serious requires immediate attention from your veterinarian. Another factor to consider when purchasing booties for your dog is its age. The elderly canine with arthritis, according to Kim, “can have a slow, stiff gait, so extra caution during cold and heat extremes is important.” “.
Kim suggests that you consult your veterinarian for a good pad moisturizer to treat cracked and dry pads, but she also points out that Vaseline is an accessible and generally secure option, “as long as you’re not applying excessive amounts that your dog will lick and ingest.” Avoid using human hand moisturizers as they may soften the pads and cause damage.
Another suggestion is to massage your dog’s paws by rubbing between each toe and the pads on the bottom of the paw. It will calm your dog and increase circulation, according to Kim. If you’re looking for dog booties, we recommend the Mushers Secret brand or the Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Dog Boots, which Martha has long favored for her dogs.
While booties can help with some canine podiatry issues, there are a few things you should know before putting them on. Frank advises keeping in mind that dogs only have sweat glands in their foot pads and removing the booties for air breaks every 1-2 hours during lengthy hikes. Additionally, he cautions that “small stones can find their way into the booties and cause an abrasion or sore,” which is the exact scenario that the booties were designed to help prevent in the first place. Remove the booties and check inside to see if anything has crept in if your dog begins to limp or walk cautiously. Advertisement Advertisement.
Reader, you might have assumed that there was some sort of elaborate ruse to get dogs to wear the booties. If anything, the opposite is true. Ruby is, after all, reacting to my own subliminal dislike of her shoes, which makes me a canine Manchurian Candidate.
Although I can understand your skepticism regarding the utility of dog booties. Miniature shoes for dogs would be the only thing that would be created solely for human enjoyment. The only positive aspect of slushy late-winter days is watching self-conscious puppies clomp around in tiny galoshes. It’s a charming tableau that appears to have more to do with fashion than with function, but I’d hate to think that it is all based on a lie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement.
You probably don’t need to worry about booties if you’re just taking short walks with your dog because a trip to her favorite pooping bush isn’t exactly the Iditarod. If sidewalk salt is still a concern for you, Frank advises, “you can simply wipe/wash your dog’s feet [thereafter] But if your dog appears to be in any pain, seek advice from your veterinarian. Advertisement Advertisement.
I tried this with my own dog, Ruby. I was born and raised in Chicago and want to impart to Ruby a sense of our family’s heritage despite the fact that she is fortunate to live in Northern California where there are no icy sidewalks. This winter, I want to take her to the mountains to introduce her to snow. I purchased her a pair of purple booties so she would be prepared for any lengthy, chilly hikes. I want to get her used to the feeling of wearing them in case we discover she needs to wear them as paw protection on the trails, even though they are the cheap rubber variety that aren’t ideal for lengthy outdoor adventures. Advertisement Advertisement.
FAQ
How long can I leave shoes on my dog?
We typically advise taking them off after an hour, but your dog may wear them for longer.
Is it bad to put socks on dogs?
Dog socks or boots prevent your dog’s toes from naturally grasping the ground. Dogs use their toenails, which act like soccer cleats, to gain traction and dig into the ground. When they’re wearing booties or socks, what normally comes naturally to them becomes impossible. 3.
Is it OK for dogs to wear boots?
Vet cautions that warm-pawed dog footwear may be uncomfortable because they make feet heavier and are challenging to size properly. While dog booties may be adorable while out for winter walks, an expert has cautioned that they may actually do more harm than good to your pet.
Do shoes help dogs walk?
Additionally, the padding stops your dog’s paws from cracking on long walks. When the skin on your dog’s paws dries out and cracks from walking on rough ground, it can be painful. Dog shoes help protect against this problem. Your dog might appreciate the additional comfort that the padding provides.