Doggie boots are not for every canine, but they can be a useful protective tool for active dogs in the great outdoors.
During the cold winter months, dog boots can provide a good means of protecting your puppy’s paws from snow and ice. During the hot summer months, dog boots can help keep the hot pavement from burning your dog’s feet. Dog boots can also be used year-round to protect your pet’s paws from rough pavement or to help with the healing of an injured paw or pad. Dog boots can also be helpful to older or disabled dogs that have trouble navigating slippery floors.
Ironically, one might think that doggie boots would make your dog hot. In actuality, the boots, which are lightweight and breathable, can help keep your dog’s paws cool and comfortable.
Most manufactures of doggie boots sell them in a variety of sizes, including XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL. It is important to buy the correct size. Start by having the dog stand on a firm surface such as a concrete or tiled floor. Place a piece of plain paper under one of the dog’s front paws. You will need to lift the other paw so that the dog’s weight is on the paw being measured. Take a pencil and mark the paw’s widest point. Be sure to mark both the left and right sides. Use a ruler to measure the distance between the left and right marks. This distance will help you determine the proper sized boot.
The measuring is definitely the easy part in most cases. Introducing the boots to your dog can be a bit more interesting. While we humans may be used to donning shoes, most dogs have no concept of footwear. Most don’t want to have any concept of footwear in the beginning.
It is hard not to find humor in a dog testing his or her boots for the first time. Most will go through a few contortions and do a jig as they try to get rid of the things that they don’t think should be wrapped around their feet. The best thing to do is engage the dog in something entertaining like playing ball or chasing a Frisbee. Hopefully, this will get your dog’s mind off of the fact that he or she is wearing foreign objects.
Double check the fit after 15 minutes or so of play. Adjust the boots if necessary.
We humans often prefer to “break in” a pair of shoes. Keep in mind that your dog’s boots need a break in period too. Take the dog for short walks until you will feel the boots soften up. Soon, the boots will conform to the dog’s paws and provide a much more comfortable fit.
Once the dog becomes accustomed to the boots, you may find that he or she automatically goes off in search of them when you mention taking a walk or going outside to play.
Related posts:
