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What Are Dog Boots For?
Just like human boots, dog boots are designed to protect your dog's feet while out walking. They're ideal in areas where puncture wounds are a concern and can also protect paws on hot sidewalks, hot sand, or from ice and snow and salt. Booties can help to prevent “toe-curling,” which can occur in senior dogs with arthritis, spinal disease, and generalized weakness. Here are some things to keep in mind before buying them.
Sizing
Dog boots come in different sizes. Some list the shoe size by weight, while others go by foot length, so you'll need to measure from the heel of the pad to the tip of the toenail. Size also varies across brands, so double-check the brand's sizing chart with your dog’s measurements for the best possible fit. It’ll take a couple of tries for your dog to feel comfortable wearing booties, but if the shoe fits, most dogs learn to tolerate (and even enjoy) the sensation.
Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant
Note that water-resistant dog shoes are not the same as waterproof dog shoes. Water-resistant dog boots will water from sneaking during snowy or rainy conditions. But for more rugged advents that involve walking in standing water, creeks, or soft, wet snow, waterproof booties will provide much greater protection against the elements.
Traction
To ensure that your dog doesn't slip on ice, finding a boot with good traction is incredibly important. Look for ones with rubber soles with grooves at the bottom that will offer greater stability. This material is also more durable and puncture-resistant, so the dog boots are less likely to be damaged.
Not all dogs need boots, and you shouldn't put them on your dog as fashion accessories. But they are useful in certain situations, such as when you need to keep your dog's paws dry due to an injury or when walking in areas with sharp objects that could cut your dog's paws.
As long as you choose well-fitting dog boots that are the correct size, they should stay in place. Look for options with velcro straps, as these tend to keep dog boots on securely.
Generally, you need to measure the width of your dog's paw to find the right size dog boots. The easiest way to do so is to get your dog to stand on a piece of paper, then draw around the paw and measure the outline.
