Learn everything you need to know about Dog Boots and Shoes with our “Dog Boots Buying Guide”
Dog boots are a great way to protect your dogs paws when you’re out and about and protect your hardwood floors when they’re inside your home. If your dog has injured their paw then dog boots can be used to protect the injured area and prevent your pooch from opening up the wound before it heals.
Until you give them a go you probably won’t realize how practical they can actually be. There are several styles of dog boots, sometimes called dog booties, and socks on the market so you are spoilt for choice but choosing the correct size and finding a pair of dog boots that don’t fall off the first time that Rex runs into the undergrowth is another thing.
With our Dog Boot Buying Guide we aim to enlighten you to the point that you can make an informed decision and buy a set that fits your needs and those of your pooch perfectly.
What to Look for when Buying Dog Boots
The main considerations when buying a dog bed are:
- shape
- size
- material
- use
We’ll take a look at all of these points below where I’ll describe them in better detail.
Dog Boot Shapes
Dog boots come is a variety of shapes. Some resemble regular shoes and sandals, mini versions of human shoes, which often appear to be more for show than anything else.
The majority of dog boots look like a type of sock, made out of different materials depending upon their intended use, with one of two straps to keep them in place. The most popular designs are quite short, more like an ankle boot rather than a thigh boot, although hi-tops are available as well which work great in the winter.
Dog Boot Sizes Guide
Get the size wrong and the chances are that you’ll either lose the boots quickly or your dog will just rip them off their paws in matter of minutes. Always read the manufactures guide when buying dog booties to ensure you get the correct fit.
There are different ways to measure the size of your dogs paws but the most common one is to just place each paw on a piece of paper and then draw around it, making sure that you get the widest area and the full length of the paw (including the toenails). Then use a rule to measure the total length and width of the paws.
Some manufacturers sell dog boots in pairs, rather than a set of four, this way you can purchase different sizes for your dogs front and back paws separately.
Dog Boot Materials
Dog boots are made from a variety of materials such as neoprene, nylon, breathable fabrics and rubber. Each has it’s own advantages and restrictions depending upon the task it is expected to perform which is why it’s important to know in which type of environment the boot will be used.
Dogs sweat through their paws so it’s important to either choose a material that is breathable of otherwise ensure that you dog doesn’t wear them for extended periods of time, otherwise there feet will become irritated.
Dog Boots Use
Each type of dog boot is made for a specific use, just like us humans have shoes for every occasion, so can dogs.
You need to ask yourself what is that use and then look for the type of boot or sock that fulfills that purpose.
- outdoor dog boots
- indoor dog boots
- hot weather dog boots
- cold weather dog boots
- waterproof dog boots
Outdoor dog boots are tough and made to protect your dogs feet from hot surfaces, sharp rocks, glass and chemicals. They have a strong sole but the material used for the rest of the boot can vary depending on what you want to use it for e.g. breathable, waterproof, insulated etc.
Indoor dog boots or booties tend to be softer and have a more flexible sole. These types of shoes are made to protect your floor and provide some grip for your dog around hardwood, tile and marble flooring. Dog socks can also be used so long as they have a rubber grip on the sole.
Hot weather dog boots are intended to protect your dogs feet from hot asphalt and roads during the hot summer months. They often come with a breathable fabric so as to allow air to circulate around the paws.
Cold weather dog boots are made for the cold winter months, especially during snow season. These tend to be insulated and have a waterproof fabric covering them. Ice can be extremely sharp and can easily cut a dogs feet.
Waterproof dog boots are made to protect a dogs paws from wet surfaces and chemicals such as when you wash your floor or spray fertilizer on your lawn. Simple types can resemble tough rubber socks many of which are disposable.
Tips on Buying Dog Boots that Don’t Fall Off
Getting dog boots to stay on is another matter and one that owner complain about all the time. To be honest it’s not that easy to keep booties on a dogs paw as they don’t have ankles, as such, that help keep shoes in place.
Firstly it’s important to find a boot that fits snugly. Too lose and there’s a good chance it’ll fall off no matter what you do so be sure to measure your dogs paws properly.
Secondly, look at the strapping used to keep the boot in place. Velcro is used in most cases as it’s secure and easy to tighten and remove when necessary. The best dog boots tend to use two Velcro straps on each boot to ensure that it’s not going to fall off too easily.
When you find a boot that you like, and fits your needs, be sure to follow the manufacturers advice on measuring each paw. Check the difference between the front and back paws and take into account the type of material that the boot is made from as thicker, insulated types of shoes will require extra space otherwise they’ll be too tight.
How do you get a Dog used to new Dog Booties?
Buying dog boots is one thing, trying to get your dog to where them is a completely other thing.
The first time that you put shoes on your dog they are going to want to rip them off. You likely see them trying to do a funny walk (have the camera ready) as they won;t want to put their feet on the ground.
The important thing to do is try to distract them from the fact that they are wearing something new and do something that they enjoy doing instead, like chasing a ball. If you can do this for a while then they’ll soon forget that they have a new pair of boots on.
Conclusion
Although the padding on your dogs paws is tough and made for the outdoors there are times when they require a little extra protection and that is where dog boots and protectors come in. There are plenty to choose from online, so much so that it can be a confusing time. Hopefully this guide has helped you a little but my last piece of advice would be to read customer reviews before you purchase and see what other owners have to say about a particular brand first.
Buying a good quality good boots is important if you want them to last and you can find plenty of great deals online. Check out our collection of dog boots now and see what’s on offer.
