Best Dog Shoes to Protect Paws in Every Condition

Some of our favorite dog movies poke fun at dogs in shoes. And, if you want, you CAN spend a small fortune on designer footwear for your favorite canine. But that takes away from all of the good dog shoes accomplish. Because, depending on where you live and walk your dog, conditions are hazardous to dog paws. Something as simple as a well-made, top-quality dog shoe can prevent problems down the road. And we have those very options for you – some of which look quite stylish.

Outdoor Hazards

Paw pads are tough. Inside each pad, you get a shock absorber of fat. And on the outside? The thickest skin anywhere on the canine body. That makes sense considering they hold up your dog and carry them around. Without paw pads, the skeleton would take the brunt of the abuse when your dog runs, jumps, or even stands.

But while paw pads are super, they have their kryptonite. And that’s the outside world:

• Rough terrain scrapes
• Grass allergies
• Hot pavement burns
• Snow or ice balls
• Deicer irritation

That’s where dog shoes lend a helping hand. They offer the same protection your shoes give YOU.

Indoor Hazards

Unhappily, for some pups, inside is just as tricky as outside. As dogs age, their joints start to wear down. Managing to walk across floors with hard surfaces becomes more of a challenge. And you may notice your canine companion sliding around.

Another result of aging – or other disabilities – is toe-curling/toe dragging. This results from arthritis, certain spinal conditions, and even weakness. Your dog’s paw will flip upside down, allowing the top to scrape the floor or other surfaces. This can lead to raw wounds, infections, and other injuries.

But if they’re wearing dog shoes? They’ll get needed traction on the floors. And the material protects their foot, even if they toe drag.

Types of Dog Shoes

Not all dog shoes are the same. They come in different styles, intended for different purposes. If you’re looking to protect your pup from boiling pavement during walks, you’ll want one style.

But if you’re taking your adventure buddy out for hikes in the great unknown? That’s a dog hiking boot, and it’s a completely separate style.

You can find everything from dog socks (best for indoors) to climbing gear. So consider what your pup’s needs are when you start looking. And keep weather changes in mind. A fleece-lined bootie works fantastic in the winter, but in the summer? It’s NOT a good idea.

Common Features

No matter which dog shoes you decide work best for you, you want a few key features. These will ensure your dog stays safe and comfortable on their walk, whether they’re exploring the woods or heading to the park.

• Comfort: To stay on, dog shoes should stay snug around the “ankle.” You’ll want Velcro straps to help with this. But leave space in the toes (remember, dogs can’t retract their nails).
• Sole: Your dog should walk normally (once they’re used to the dog shoes). But you need a textured sole that provides traction.
• Waterproof: Rain (and snow) happen. And so do puddles and water bowls. You should look for waterproof or water-resistant materials to make sure the shoes don’t get soggy.

Choosing a Dog Shoe

If you can dream of a dog shoe, odds are you can find it. But it may not be the most practical thing. Fine if your furry friend is lounging around the apartment all day. But if they need to go out into the snow (even a cleared sidewalk) or a summer day? That’s not ideal. If you want the best dog shoes to protect those puppy paws, you want to look for the following:

• Size: Dog shoes that are too small cause your dog’s toes to curl in. Too large? And those booties come flying off. Every manufacturer uses its own sizing chart, and it’s important to read them carefully. (And, of course, measure twice, buy once)
• Material: You want to look for materials that breathe. Dogs sweat through their paw pads. So if you choose dog shoes that seal their feet, they’ll overheat – especially in the summer.
• Usability: It’d be awesome if dogs put their own shoes on, but we’re not there yet. And you don’t want to make it a stressful process. So look for dog shoes that go on and come off without too much trouble.

Dog Shoe Safety

If you aren’t sure when to break out the dog shoes, think over the common hazards. When the potential exists to cause harm to your pup’s paws, you want to put on the booties.

Hot pavement is DANGEROUS. And not everyone can walk their dog on the grass. Dog shoes make the difference. But you’ll want to take those booties off on long walks to give your pup’s tootsies a chance to breathe. (Just make sure you’re in the shade and OFF the pavement when you do so)

Plenty of pet owners use pet-safe deicers during the winter. But around commercial properties and on the road, they don’t. And those chemicals are dangerous for dog paw pads. Snow and ice are harsh, too. A cushy dog shoe can let your dog enjoy their snow day in safety and comfort. However, you want to clean those boots after every use. Sweat can build up on the interior, making it a home for bacteria.

The Best Dog Shoes

You can’t lock your dog up in a bubble. And you don’t want to ban them from the outdoors. So you pick up the best dog shoes for their needs. They may do that funny “high step” while adjusting to the booties, but they’ll adapt pretty quickly. And once they find how comfortable walking is with their new “sneakers?” You’ll find them bouncing around, eager to head out on their adventures. And you won’t need to worry about burns or scrapes.