Do dogs need shoes for paw protection?
True prevention is not waiting for bad things to happen, it’s preventing things from happening in the first place - Don McPherson
Under normal circumstances dogs don’t need shoes because their paws are strong enough. However, there are certain situations wherein as a precautionary measure, adding an extra layer of protection makes sense. Read on to understand the numerous situations in which making your dogs wear shoes makes sense.
Roads: If the road isn’t as smooth as silk and is filled with impediments such as jagged pieces of rocks / glasses or there’s some construction going on then make sure your dog has his shoes on. These tiny, spiky and fragmented pieces of rocks and stones may cut your dog’s skin. These pieces can even enter the spaces between the digital pads (toes) and your dog may feel uncomfortable while walking.
Grass: There can be harmful bacteria, ticks and fleas lying around in wet grass. They can latch on to the paws and cause skin disorders. We can clean their paws as soon as we reach home but it’s difficult to get rid of microscopic creepy crawlers. Also, if the grass is too dry then it can cut your dog's skin or it can cause itchiness. Hence, it’s advisable to either wear shoes or examine the condition of the grass before going for a walk.
Adds traction: Shoes with anti-slip soles are very important for dogs who have recently undergone some surgery or for senior dogs who have hip dysplasia and arthritis. They provide traction on marble/tile or any other smooth flooring.
Helps to prevent accidents at night: If you stay in a high traffic area and have a dog that is excitable you might want to consider shoes with reflective velcro straps for him. There is a possibility that on a late night walk, your dog (while walking off the leash) can run in the middle of the road if he sees a stick, prey or if he spots something that excites him. No matter how dark it gets, shoes with reflective velcro straps will ensure your pet can be spotted in the headlights of an oncoming car/bike.
Seasonal requirements:
- Summer: If you stay in the tropical zone, summer temperatures can rise significantly making the pavement super hot. While dogs have strong paaws, they aren’t strong enough to protect them from such intense heat. Shoes create a shield and protect their feet from the blistering heat.
- Rainy season: If you reside at a place where the area becomes muddy during the rainy season then it makes sense to make your dog wear shoes while going for a walk. With shoes on, your dog can enjoy a walk in the rain and you won’t have to worry about dirt and paw marks on your floor, furniture and clothes. Shoes will ensure that the paw marks are left only in our hearts.
- Winter: If you stay in cold areas, some surfaces become as cold as ice due to the drop in temperatures. If you feel your pet is shivering while walking on such surfaces (and it’s not caused due to some medical condition) then you might want to consider making your dog wear shoes for protection.
Things you need to consider while buying shoes.
- Select the right size: If the fit isn’t right your furry friend is going to find them uncomfortable and won’t like to wear them.
- Double velcro fastening: Helps to ensure that the shoes don’t come off easily
- Anti slip soles: Anti slip soles provide traction on marble/tile flooring
- Breathable mesh material: This is important for regular shoes. However, during the rainy season you might want to consider buying reusable or disposable shoes made from plastic.
Humans protect their feet at all costs. We change our footwear as per the ongoing season or to match our extra curricular activity. Likewise, when it comes to our furry friends, we need to examine the situation and add an additional layer of protection, comfort and safety when the need arises. After all, happy paws, happy you.
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