You should remember that numerous dog owners the moment they notice a dog with shoes or boots may ask whether it has sense or not. It is a reasonable question to ask especially since shoes or boots do not exist in nature, meaning some people think that it is over-the-top to use accessories and clothes for dogs.
However, we can differentiate a few reasons you should do it and where it makes sense, especially due to human factors and areas we live in. The world around us is not the same as the one a few hundred years ago, meaning the roads are completely different and require specific protection that will help your canine friend.
It is vital to enter here to learn more about different international dog associations. In further article, we wish to talk about different reasons you should let your dog wear boots, especially depending on race and area you live in.
1. Germs and Bacteria
We live in the times where general sanitation and cleanliness is crucial for ensuring the overall health. The outside is filled with wide array of bacteria, meaning your pet can easily bring them to your house. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus through skin pathogen, Leptospirosis through rodent urine and Salmonella, which is fecal pathogen found outside.
Instead of letting your dog to run outside with bare paw, which means it can potentially catch and bring harmful germs and bacteria to your home, you can rest assured by finding a set of dog boots that will provide you a peace of mind. That way, you can reduce the risk by covering your dog’s paws with an extra layer of prevention.
Still, we recommend you to wipe down your dog’s shoes with bacterial wipes after a walk, which is vital to remember.
2. Shoes Are Essential for Summer
Asphalt and concrete are not natural, but man-made surfaces that our dogs cannot withstand properly, which is the same thing that works for us. Similarly, as dogs, we would burn without proper footwear. Of course, paw pads are tougher, but they are not indestructible.
One of the most common problems and injuries during summertime is paw pad burn, which happens more frequently than you probably knew, especially in areas with four seasons or hot temperatures all-year round.
Asphalt can reach forty and even fifty degrees higher than it feels outside, meaning if the outside is Sunny twenty-five degrees Celsius, the asphalt can reach fifty-two degrees and even higher number. Imagine walking bare foot on sixty degrees all day long. Therefore, you can find hot pavement dog boots that will prevent swollen paws, charred skin, and blisters.
3. Winter Shoes
On the other hand, you should know that the same thing goes for cold temperatures, especially if you live in areas with frequent or regular snowfall. Therefore, you should find relevant boots that will offer them a protection against elements.
That way, your dog will have a protection from freezing temperatures of ice and snow, while the boots will protect it from chemical deicers, sidewalk salt and other unnatural chemicals that are common in snowy areas.
Everything depends on the dog breed you have, because some shepherd dogs can handle freezing temperatures, but they may not handle the chemicals people use for removing ice from the road. Of course, if you have a short-haired dog that does not have natural predisposition to deal with cold climate, you should invest in winter boots.
You can find dog shoes with rubber outsoles, which are perfect for offering the traction required so dog does not slip in areas with thick ice. Shoes should have a water resistant upper or water repellent, which will ensure your dog paws stay comfortable and dry.
4. Rain Boots
The same way you would use dog shoes when it is high temperature or heavy snow, you should remember that they are perfect for rainy days too. Apart from preventing mud from entering the paw pad, you should know that wet surfaces can cause your dog to slip and fall.
We recommend you to choose dog shoes that can address heavy snow and rain, which is important to consider when deciding to purchase for the best option on the market. That is why you should find the ones that feature rubber outsoles that will offer you grip and traction, while they should also feature water repellent materials.
It is vital to remember that rubber boots are perfect due to water repellent advantages combined with a perfect traction, meaning your dog will stay on its paws wherever you decide to go.
5. Allergies
For instance, you may own a dog breed susceptible to allergies, which can be a challenge lying to happen anywhere you go. As humans, dogs can be allergic to certain ingredients from food as well as outside elements such as dust, mold, grass, and pollen.
Watch this video: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8qcdt1 to learn how dogs react when wearing specific boots on a winter day.
Even though you can treat the following symptoms by using over-the-counter meds, itching paws can lead to prolonged licking and potential bacterial infection.
Although shoes are not the solution, they can help prevent further irritation. Still, you should take your pet to a vet to prevent potential issues from happening.
