The Best Dog Booties
Dogs walking in shoes often cause affection among others. However, more often than not, socks and shoes are not at all a whim of the owner, but a necessity. So in what cases are they needed?
Types of Dog Booties
1. Casual. It is worn by dogs before going out for a walk. It protects the feet from aggressive influences (dirt, reagents, debris, snow, etc.)
2. Decorative. Such shoes are suitable for exhibitions, participation in holidays, performances, thematic photo sessions.
3.Specialized. Necessary for dogs of separate “professions” – search engines, hunters, etc.
4. Socks. Ordinary fabrics are worn at home for small pets, who are often cold, and rubberized ones for walks.
When your dog needs shoes and socks
So, the main function of shoes is to protect against negative environmental influences. This is especially true in the cold season – late autumn, winter, early spring.
Shoes protect your dog from:
1. Freezing. Many decorative breeds are not adapted to our climate, therefore, they can be over cooled if the air temperature is low outside the window.
2. Dirt. Although here, rather, it will be more convenient for the owner. It is much easier to wash your shoes or wash your socks than to remove any clumps of dirt from your feet. Especially if the dog is not very fond of hygiene procedures.
3. Snow. Snow is not only cold. Sometimes it penetrates between the pads of the paws, then, thawing, turns into pieces of ice. They give the four-legged discomfort when walking.
4. Reagents. The chemicals used to spray the streets corrode the paw pads. As a result, wounds and cracks form on them.
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If the coat is not thoroughly washed, the pet may begin to lick the reagent, which is fraught with the occurrence of poisoning.
5. Garbage. Unfortunately, not all people are responsible for the cleanliness of the streets, as a result of which the garbage is not where it should be.
While walking, the dog can easily step on glass or a piece of wire, which will certainly lead to injury.
How to choose DOG BOOTIES by size
The ideal option is to take the dog for a try-on at a pet store, let him walk in a new outfit. If the shoe does not fall off and does not interfere with walking, you have found a suitable option.
But sometimes fitting in the store is not possible, so you need to take measurements yourself.
How to do it:
- Place your pet on a piece of paper.
- Circle the front and hind legs.
- Measure the length and width.
Important! We recommend adding 0.5 cm to the results obtained, as dogs straighten their paws when walking.
Next, determine the size based on the table:
| SIZE | LENGTH | WIDTH | DOG’S WEIGHT | DOG’S BREED | |
| 1. | XS | 4.3 | 3.5 | 1.7 | Сhihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, Toy terrier |
| t2. | S | 4.6 | 3.8 | 2.5 | Maltese, Pomeranian |
| 3. | M | 5 | 4 | 4-5 | Сhinese crested,
shih- tzu, pug |
| 4. | L | 5.4 | 4.4 | 5-7 | Miniature poodle, fox terrier |
| 5. | XL | 6 | 4.8 | 7-10 | Сocker spaniel, poodle (standard) |
Model selection of Shoes Booties
When choosing shoes or socks, pay attention to:
1. Material. It must be of high quality and waterproof, and the seams must be well stitched.
It is better not to take rubber shoes – the paws will sweat. In winter, these boots will freeze in the cold. And in the summer there is no sense at all in shoes, well, maybe only in the case of show dogs with long hair – so that thorns do not get tangled in it.
The fabric from which the boots for dogs are made must be durable, waterproof and elastic. From fabrics suede, fleece, leather, polyester, Bologna fabric are suitable.
There must be a soft lining inside the boots. Pay attention to the toe of the shoe: so that the claws do not pierce the “boots”, the material should be denser there.
Pet shops often offer fur boots. In fact, this is not necessary. Shoes that are too warm will sweat and sweat.
2. Outsole. Choose models with a firm sole and a small tread – for better traction.
The dog’s paw, in its natural position, is perpendicular to the ground. Accordingly, the sole of the shoes must be of a suitable shape.
The height of the boot depends on the length of the metacarpus (the bones that connect the fingers to the wrist): the larger it is, the taller the shoe should be.
It is important that the boots do not have seams that can rub against the paws. The boots should be thin at the bend of the paw so that the dog does not feel like a person on skis.
3. Decorative items. They should not rub or cause inconvenience.
4. Weight of shoes. Make sure that it matches the size and build of the dog, otherwise it will simply be difficult for her to carry it.
5. Clasp. Usually, Velcro, zippers or laces are used in dog shoes, as well as various combinations of these.
There are shoes with a plastic fastener, as a rule, they are not of very good quality – the spring inside is extremely weak, in the cold it could break.
The zipper will allow the dog to put on winter shoes as quickly as possible, which is especially convenient with an emotional pet, but not suitable for long-haired breeds.
A good way of fastening is two straps around the limb, fastened with Velcro. However, the Velcro must be of high quality.
How to train your dog to Dog Booties?
Training should begin at an early age, but not earlier than 6-12 months, because the puppy’s joints are not strong yet.
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian at what age you can make you pet wear shoes.
It is better if home socks become the first shoes for the dog. Put them on your pet and wait a few minutes.
Is the dog taking off his socks? It’s okay, repeat the action the next day. Try to increase the time each time. To do this, distract your four-legged friend with a game.
The Best Dog Booties Final Words
Over time, the dog will get used to the socks, and you can change to more “serious” shoes, then go for a walk in them.
For the first few days, do not forget to praise the dog and treat him with a treat.