Do Dogs NEED Dog Boots?
Is it necessary for dogs to wear boots in both hot and cold weather?
When it's damp or cold outside, you might notice dogs wearing small booties. They appear to be amusing and adorable, but are they really necessary? Learn more about when wearing dog boots is a good idea.
Dog Boot Benefits
You might be wondering what all the commotion is about with the increased popularity of dog boots. Dog boots provide a lot of advantages, especially if you have an active dog!
Your dog's paws are sensitive and prone to injury, just like your own, especially if you take them running, trekking, or spending time outside in extreme weather. Boots protect paws from being cut, as well as burns and frostbite.
Injury Prevention + Care
Dog boots can protect your pup from sharp prickle seeds, irritating pavement and more.
It is essential to keep cuts and scrapes clean and dry until they heal. If your dog wears a boot on the damaged foot, an injured paw will heal faster.
Winter Protection
Walkee Paws protects from ice and snow throughout the harsh winter months.
If you live somewhere where de-icers are used to melt snow and ice, you want to make sure you keep winder chemicals away from your pet's paw pads. (You don't want your dog to lick these chemicals off once you're inside.) Salt crystals can also be painful to tread on due to their sharpness.
Additionally, if your dog's feet are fuzzy and accumulate ice and snow between the toes, they may prefer to wear boots.
Summer Heat
Is it dangerously hot where you live during the summer? When you take your dog for a stroll, he may have burns on his feet.
If you feel the ground and it feels warm to you, it will be warm to your dog's paws as well.
If there are no shaded or grassy areas for your dog to walk in, it may be necessary to put boots on your dog to protect them from concrete burns. It's also worth noting that your dog's paw pads have sweat glands, so don't leave them on for too long to avoid overheating.
Allergies
Some dogs are allergic to grass, pollen or other outdoor irritants. While booties will not protect paws from airborne pollen, they can assist protect them from grass and weed contact irritation and prevent your pup from trecking them back into the house.
Germs & Chemicals
We take our boots off at the door, why shouldn't our pets? Walkee Paws protects your pup from germs and harmful chemicals, and also prevents them from bringing them into your home.
Simply remove our outdoor leggins at the door and give the silicone paw covers a good rinse.
Senior Support
Boots aren't exclusively for active dogs. As dogs get older, they may start to drag their feet when walking, which can cause damage to their paw pads.
It's also common for senior pets to have trouble getting around. The extra grip from dog boots can help your pet keep their freedom.
Do dogs need boots?
The paw pads of dogs are usually quite tough. While dog boots aren't always required to keep Fido's paws safe, there are times when they provide some exra support!
- extremely hot or cold weather
- hiking uneven terrain
- dog allergies
- paw injuries
Dog's paws are built for the outdoors, but dog boots can prevent injury and protect your pup.
How to Get Your Pet Acclimated to Dog Boots
It's not always easy to teach your dog to wear boots because it's not a natural behavior. They're used to feeling the ground on their paws! Make sure you look for a boot or paw cover that is thin enough to feel natural, while still providing protection.
Your dog may be a little grumpy at first, but once they get used to paw covers, they'll be excited to put them on!
Step 1:
Before you introduce boots, make sure your dog is comfortable with you handling his or her paws. If they aren't, practice touching and holding one foot at a time until your dog is comfortable. To help them get used to the sensation, softly tap their toes and rub and squeeze their paw pads.
Step 2:
Test out Walkee Paws in the comfort of your home. Your pet may walk a little goofy when they first try dog boots. Test putting them on and taking them off, and letting your pet wear them inside before you go out to adventure.
Step 3:
Once your pet is used to the sensation, it's time to put the dog boots to use! Start training your pet to be ready to put our outdoor leggings on before every walk. Have them sit at the door and lift their paws for you. (and don't forget the treats!)