Whatever the season, it's hard to imagine heading out the door without wearing any footwear. Since we are constantly on the move, it's a necessity for protection and comfort. Similarly, as our dogs are active and move around just like us, it makes sense that they should also wear shoes for comfort and protection.
Most dog owners think that dog shoes are nothing more than a fashion statement. Viral videos of dogs in shoes jumping around looking very uncomfortable support their argument.
However, the fact is dogs benefit from wearing dog shoes in many ways.
**Protection from Freezing Winter **
The location and the weather of the place decide whether your canine friend needs their paws covered. The dog boots are a popular option for freezing winter to protect their feet against the cold and ice melt. The cold of winter can cause chapping and cracks in your dog's paws. The snow melting salts contain chloride, which can create acid, harming your dog's footpads. Once the dog is back indoors after his walk, wash their paws to rinse away the salts and chemicals in warm water. However, this might be a tiring thing to do daily. Additionally, when your dog licks its paws, it might ingest the toxic chemicals. This makes it imperative for dogs to wear shoes whenever going out.
Have you noticed your dog picking up his paws and licking them while walking in cold weather or snow? Well, this might be the first indication that they are feeling cold. The extreme cold conditions can cause frostbite and freezer burn and can bring severe discomfort to them. In such scenarios, shoes are a must.
Protection from Sweltering Summers
On the other hand, you can make your canine friend wear summer dog shoes during sweltering summers. You must be wondering,Why are Summer Dog Shoes Important] ? Well, they are needed as your dog may get burns on his feet when going for walks. If there is no option of walking on the grass, you should put boots on your dog.
Your furry friend might feel uncomfortable due to overheating if they put on shoes for longer periods. Thus you must look for breathable shoes specially made for summer.
Moreover, during the hot summer months, the asphalt road can become very hot. Thus, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand and make them wear shoes. Additionally, you should regularly examine your dog's paws for blisters, loose flaps of skin, and red, ulcerated patches.
Protection from Glass and Rocks.
When you are outdoors with your furry friend, it's critical to keep a close eye on the surfaces where your dog walks. Dog shoes protect your canine friend from such glass pieces and sharp rock edges.
If your dog gets injured, you should try to keep the scrapes and cuts clean and dry for quick healing. An injured paw will heal faster if your dog wears comfortable shoes on the affected foot. You also need to ensure that rocks or glass pieces do not get lodged. You can opt for light, waterproof and skid-free boots during the rainy season.
Boosts the Style Quotient and Improvises Looks
Dog boots are available in various colors and designs and boost the fashion quotient of your dog. You can start with basic shoes to see how your dog reacts and adapts to them before going for high-end ones. Once they get used to it, the sky's the limit. You can go on matching shoes with outfits and collars. Experiment with color-coordinated outfits to suit your pet’s personality. So next time, when both of you step out for a walk, complement each other with your style.
Assists you in maintaining your house
Every time your canine friend returns home after a walk, you would ideally want to wash them. You would like them to be clean before they step on your carpet and climb on your sofa or bed for a cuddle. But, unfortunately, it is practically impossible to wash them after every time they have been out of your house.
When they wear shoes, their feet will remain clean and prevent them from bringing any outside dust and bacteria into your house. It is also challenging to remove the paw nail scratches from your wooden or laminate floors. In such a scenario, make Fido wear light dog shoes while they are inside the house. This will save you the hassles of maintaining the floors, especially when your furry friend becomes hyperactive.
Extra Support for Elderly Dogs
If your canine friend is elderly or a little pup, he may require some support on slippery surfaces. Non-slip shoes will assist them in maintaining their balance. In addition, older dogs suffering from chronic arthritis are fragile and need orthopedic shoes. These shoes make walking comfortable and provide good support.
Conclusion
A dog owner needs to understand how sensitive their dog's paws can be. The pads on the bottom of your dog's feet provide extra cushioning, insulation against extreme weather, help protect bones and joints from shock, aid walking on rough ground, and protect tissue deep within the paw. So, the next time you see a canine with shoes, remember that boots perform many functions for dogs and are a must-have for every dog. So, keep your dog's paws looking and feeling their best with the right dog boots for them.