The Best Dog Boots

Buying Guide

When the weather turns cold, you likely want to stay indoors as much as possible. The same goes for many pets, especially once snow and ice start coating the ground. But unfortunately, your furry family members have to go outside at least a few times a day for bathroom breaks, which means walking across treacherous ground on bare paws.

While a dog’s paws do provide more protection than your own bare feet, they have their limits. Ice and snow can dry out and crack your dog’s paws, and that’s only one of the hazards. Snow can become trapped between the paw pads, bringing dirt and debris with it. The paw pads can also come into contact with deicers and antifreeze, both of which can be deadly if ingested.

No matter how often it snows where you are, a good pair of dog boots can be just what you need to protect your pet. Not only do they keep paws comfortable, but they also put a layer of protection between the dog’s paw and the surface of the ground. You can even find dog boots with anti-slip protection to help prevent dangerous falls.

But dog boots aren’t just for wintry weather. During the warmer months of the year, the pavement heats up, creating a dangerous surface for your dog’s paws. Not only can this pavement burn the paw pad, it can increase the dog’s body temperature and cause heatstroke. Dog boots are great when you can’t keep your pet on the grass.

When you’re shopping, the main factor you’ll want to consider is size. While many dog boots have a tightening strap that can help keep them from slipping off paws, you’ll want to measure your dog’s foot before buying to get as close a fit as possible.

Look for slip protection on the sole of the boot in the form of texturing; this ensures the shoe will be able to easily grip the ground beneath, especially in slippery conditions.

Since your pet will probably be wearing the boots in rainy and/or snowy conditions, water resistance is important. Ideally, the boots will be waterproof to prevent water from getting through to the pet’s paws. However, if you’re primarily purchasing them for protection against hot pavement in the warm months, you don’t have to worry about this.

Also consider fluorescent strips or bright colors to boost visibility when your dog is outdoors in low-lighting conditions.

Chances are, your pet won’t be all too excited about wearing dog boots. It may take some time for a pet to get comfortable with them. It can help to have your dog wear them for short stints around the house before trying them out on icy or rainy terrain.

• When choosing a pair of dog footwear, the size of the pad is the most crucial measurement. The leg strap is usually adjustable, but your dog won’t be able to comfortably walk if the sole of the dog boot is too wide or narrow.
• To measure your dog’s paw, place it on a piece of paper, flattening as much as possible, and mark the widest part of the paw on each side, then measure the markings.
• Most dog boots are hand-washable. Many use a Velcro-style hook-and-loop fastener to let you adjust the fit; machine washing will weaken the fasteners, making them less reliable over time.
• For a little extra protection in cold weather, you can buy dog socks that your pet wears either alone or under the boots.
• As tough as it might be to accomplish, you should try to put the boots on while the dog is standing. This will ensure you get the right fit.
• Before tightening and fastening the shoe, make sure all fur is tucked in and out of the way.