Photo credits: LightFieldStudios | Getty Images
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of my links. Don’t worry – I love these reputable companies and you are probably using one of them already!
Dogs with shoes? WHAT??? That’s right. Dogs can benefit from a fresh pair of kicks for many reasons. Not only do dog shoes look adorable, but they help mitigate paw damage during the winter and summer. Paw pads are strong, but not invincible. Daily checks and safe practices can ensure healthy paws and happy dogs.
With dog shoes, you can eliminate headaches for you and your dog. Dogs are notorious for getting things caught in their paws such as stickers, snow, dirt, mud, and other debris. Without dog shoes or baby wipes to cleanse their paws, they can track all of these things from outside back into your house causing a mess.
Not only do dog shoes help keep dogs paws clean, but they also protect them from hazards such as rocks, glass, stickers, salt, etc. Dog shoes are worth considering especially if you live where the winters and summers are brutal. There are many risks to be cognizant of when walking your dog without dog shoes in these seasons.
What are potential risks for dog paws in the winter?
Dogs can easily step in salts that are used to melt ice. This causes irritation to the paw pads and skin or can even lead to digestive problems if they lick it off their paws. When in doubt, try avoiding icy paths and aim for grassy areas. Also, dogs can slip without proper footwear which can be a scary situation, especially if your house or apartment has outdoor stairs. Frostbite is a factor especially if it is very damp. Ice clusters can form between the pads of dogs with a lot of hair. Make sure to trim hairy paws to reduce the risk of accumulation of ice or chemicals.
What are potential risks for dog paws in the summer?
The pavement during the summer (ESPECIALLY HERE IN HOUSTON) can get brutally hot. This can easily blister your pup’s paw pads or burn them. I recommend walking only in shaded or grassy areas and picking up your dog (if you can) when walking across asphalt. It is important to inspect your dog’s paws for redness, open wounds, sores, and swelling after your walks.
There are tons of dog shoes out there to choose from, so which one is right for your pup? Look no further because I am here to recommend the top 5 best dog shoes or “booties.”
QUMY Anti Slip Shoes for Winter and Summer
These dog shoes are the #1 best seller on amazon and it’s clear why. Customers love how they protect their dog’s paws from mud, sharp objects, and snow. The shoes are made of high-quality fabrics that are sewn together. If customers reported sizing issues, they loved how helpful and responsive customer service was.
Pros
- These shoes expand with a wide split seam opening and two adjustable straps making these shoes easy to put on and keep tight
- Anti-slip sole provides good traction
- Made with high quality fabrics
- FASHIONABLE
Cons
- Some customers claimed that the shoes are not waterproof and fall apart easily
XSY&G Hiking Dog Shoes with Adjustable Straps
With these shoes receiving ZERO one-star reviews, it only made sense to include them on the list. These dog shoes are perfect for indoor and outdoor activities and protect paws from glass, asphalt, stones, etc. Customers are very satisfied with how great the shoes fit their dogs and ACTUALLY STAY ON. The shoes are very durable, made of quality materials, and last a long time.
Pros
- Non-slip sole provides stability and traction
- Easy to put on and comfortable
- Breathable mesh that keeps out dirt while providing ventilation
Cons
- These shoes only have one strap to tighten them
DcOaGt Waterproof Dog Shoes
Your pup will love these waterproof dog shoes! They are breathable and wear resistant with durable soles. The durable and tough anti-slip soles provide stability and traction on slippery surfaces. The shoes are flexible, soft and protect the paws in hot, cold, wet, or dry conditions. Putting these shoes on and taking them off your dog is a breeze. These boots are firmly fixed by long and adjustable straps providing custom tightness which prevents slipping.
Pros
- Protection from all elements such as snow, ice, thorns, heat, stones, etc.
- Easy to put on and comfortable
- Helps dogs with mobility on surfaces like tile and sand
Cons
- Customers reported sizing issues
CovertSafe& Waterproof Dog Boots
These shoes are one of the most popular on Amazon. The double strap ensures a snug fit for the dog without being too tight. Your dog will enjoy going on adventures with you and pulling out stickers will be a thing of the past. Most importantly, these shoes are fashionable with paw emblems on the sides.
Pros
- Great customer service in case there is a size error in paw measurements
- Easy to put on and have two adjustable, reflective starps for visibility at night
- Shoes have a rugged sole and high quality fabrics
Cons
- Customers reported sizing issues
Muttluks Winter Dog Boots
These fleece-lined boots are designed to withstand cold weather. They have a waterproof, breathable and windproof outer fabric with fleece inner-lining to ensure warmth during brutal winter days. With these, you won’t have to worry about your dog’s paws being cracked or ridden with snow and salt. The boots have been made in Canada with great quality and care since 1994.
Pros
- Reflective accents for increased safety and visibility
- The fleece-lined boots provide winter warmth and protection against snow, ice, or salt
- Flexible soles to enhance your dog's comfort by adapting to paw movements
Cons
- Customers reported sizing issues
Benefits of having dog shoes
- Provides protection against salts, ice, snow, and frostbite
- Provides protection against hot pavement, sharp rocks, and glass
- Provides protection against hot pavement, sharp rocks, stickers, or any other hazards
- Assists with mobility in dogs that have arthritis or any condition that impairs movement, especially on slippery surfaces like wood floors
- Dog shoes can be great for dogs that may have grass allergies. My neighbor's dog has this condition, and the dog is always wearing shoes on his walks to keep the allergies at bay.
- Keeps paws clean, so your dog doesn't track dirt or mud into the house and on the furniture
Some things to keep in mind when choosing dog shoes
- There are alot of dog shoes out there that are very poorly made and are a cash grab. Make sure to read the good and bad reviews before making a purchase. I took all of this into account when making this list, but I encourage you to do your research as well
- The sizing seems to be a common issue with consumers. many report the shoes falling off or being too tight and cutting off circulation. When your dog is trying new shoes, be observant of any rubbing, discomfort, or wear and tear.
Sources
Bryant, Nelva J. “The 10 Best Dog Boots of 2023.” The Spruce Pets, 8 Sept. 2023, www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-boots-4589879. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
Rowlands, Richard. “Does My Dog Need Shoes?” AKC Pet Insurance, 23 Dec. 2021, www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/does-my-dog-need-shoes. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
Brunotts, Kate. “The 8 Best Dog Shoes: Footwear for Fido!” K9 of Mine, 14 Sept. 2021, www.k9ofmine.com/best-dog-shoes/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
Coates, Jennifer. “How To Protect Dog Paws in Winter.” PetMD, 2 Nov. 2022, www.petmd.com/dog/care/how-to-protect-dog-paws-in-winter. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
Mitchell, Sandra C. “How to Protect Dog Paws in Summer.” PetMD, 20 Jul. 2023, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-to-protect-dog-paws-summer. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
“How to measure: Your dog’s paws.” Ruffwear.com, uploaded by Ruffwear, 26 November 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWmPyS6l2jQ
FAQs
How do I determine which shoe size my dog needs?
Measuring your dog’s paw size for booties is crucial in order to ensure your dog’s comfort. An easy way to measure their paw is to have your dog place their paw on a sheet of paper and use a pencil to mark the top (uppermost nail), bottom, and sides of the paw. The sizing is very sensitive, so be sure to clip your dog’s nails properly before measuring.
Another way to measure their paw is to have your dog dip their foot in food coloring or washable paint. Next have your dog step on a piece of paper and measure the dimensions that way. If you are still confused, please refer to this video tutorial: How To Measure: Your Dog’s Paws – YouTube
Do dogs like to wear shoes?
Dogs can be finicky when it comes to clothes, especially shoes. They may be hesitant to wearing them at first, but they can grow accustomed to them with trial and error. If your dog tries to bite them off, you may need to take them off and try again later until they are comfortable with them. They may be too small or uncomfortable for your dog which can cause more harm than good. If the shoes are too small, they can cut off circulation.
Does my dog need shoes?
Shoes for dogs are not a necessity in areas with temperate climates. In states such as Florida or Texas where the summers are brutal, it may be a good idea to purchase a pair of protective footwear. The same goes with states with brutal winters such as Minnesota or North Dakota. If your dog doesn’t go on very long walks or just uses the backyard to do their business, shoes may not be necessary. However, if your dog is always outside, goes hiking, or goes on long walks despite the weather, shoes may be a good investment.
