Shoes for dogs: types and recommendations for choosing

Increasingly, you can see a dog in a shoe on city streets. This picture no longer causes bewilderment, as it was several years ago. Dog shoes fulfill not only aesthetic value, but also practical one. Why buy shoes for your pet and how to choose them correctly is the topic of our conversation.

Do you have doubts: should you take shoes for your pet or not? Then it will be useful for you to familiarize yourself with some aspects that will help you make the final decision and make sure that such a purchase is correct.

1. Such an element of the dog's wardrobe protects the health of the animal. Sharp stones, glass or metal objects can injure the unprotected feet. Also, reagents, which are sprinkled on roads in winter, pose a danger to dog paws. On contact with the paws, these chemicals in a short time cause burns, cracks and irritations that are problematic to treat. In long-haired dogs, ice freezes between the toes, which makes walking an extremely unpleasant activity.
2. If the dog already has injuries on its paws, then the shoe is a prerequisite, because it primarily has a protective function. Otherwise, you can face infection, which will only aggravate the situation and delay the treatment.
3. Few people like to wash their paws after every walk. Dog shoes solve this problem, because the feet will always stay clean, even in bad weather.
4. The aesthetic side is also hidden in doggy shoes. Such an accessory will be appropriate not only at exhibitions, but also for a walk.
5. For sled dogs, such accessories are mandatory, because the load on the paws is colossal and there is a high probability of damage from ice and crust. For such cases, special shoes are created.

A number of factors underlie the classification of dog shoes. We have to study each of them in order to better understand the types of such an important accessory and to be able to choose the optimal model.

First of all, footwear for dogs varies according to the seasons:

• winter withmade of materials that are able to retain heat, fur is usually not used, since such accessories are too warm;
• summer models are open and lightweight, provide good air ventilation;
• demi-season accessories should be well washed and waterproof, since they are designed for bad weather, most often silicone and rubber shoes are produced.

By appointment, the following varieties are distinguished:

• everyday models must be of high quality and durable;
• decorative footwear is bought for exhibitions and, as they say, on the way out;
• indoor shoes have the appearance of socks with a compacted toe and pimpled soles, it allows you to maintain the appearance of the floor covering and prevents the dog from slipping;
• special models or sports are created for special dogs, for example, for sled dogs, such shoes provide reliable protection against mechanical damage and are designed for heavy loads.

Dog shoes are created in a wide variety of variations. Sandals are most suitable for summer, boots or sneakers can be worn in bad weather, and boots are the best choice for winter. These accessories are created from a variety of fabrics: cotton, leather, polyester, suede, silicone, neoprene. The materials used must be soft and hypoallergenic. On the inside, there should be a soft padding that will not allow the paw to slide.

The outsole is made of rubberized and grooved for better traction on various surfaces. The toe of such shoes is made denser, which prevents the claws from piercing the material. To fix the paw, elastic bands, fasteners and Velcro are used.

Models are very popular with luminous sole... In such shoes it is convenient to walk your pet in the dark, as it will always be in the field of vision.

More and more relevant is knitted shoes. You can make such an accessory yourself if you have at least minimal skills in working with knitting needles or crocheting. Knitted patterns are only suitable for home use.

The limbs of dogs are different in size, so you need to first measure the paw. This can be done in two ways.

1. We put the paw on a sheet of paper and draw a line around it with a pen, starting from the back to the claw on the longest toe. By the formed contour, one can judge the size of the paw.
2. The limb of the animal is dipped in gouache and an imprint is made on the sheet. It is important that the underside of the paw is completely painted with paint, including the claws.

Measuring the size of a dog's paw is easy, everyone can do it. For measurements, the front legs are taken, since they are larger than the hind legs. To choose the right model, you need to use the size tables that are available from each manufacturer.

You shouldn't deliberately buy shoes that are slightly larger or smaller than your pet's paws. The shoes must fit exactly to the feet.

Shoes for your pet must be chosen carefully and scrupulously. After all, the dog will not say that it is uncomfortable, cramped or painful.She simply will not be able to get used to such an accessory and will resist in every possible way. To choose the perfect shoe, there are a number of rules to follow:

1. Initially, you need to pay attention to the quality of the materials. They should not become a source of irritation and allergies. Internal seams cause discomfort and can even be painful. Shoes made from elastic materials are well worn and washed.
2. The strength must also be at a high level. In this case, the dog will not be able to chew on his shoes and pierce them with claws. Shoes for large pets and representatives of medium-sized breeds should be especially durable.
3. In order not to be mistaken with the size, you need to try on the accessory. Sizing tables certainly help, but it's still better to try on if possible.
4. The reliability of the fastener plays an important role in choosing the right model. This part is responsible for fixing the paw, which should not slide and dangle. Snake clasps should not be selected for long-haired breeds, as the snake will tend to clog into the clasp. The best option is Velcro, which are easily adjustable in length.
5. The height of the shoe is chosen in accordance with the characteristics of the breed and the intricacies of the anatomy of the animal. For example, tall models are more suitable for the Chinese Crested, and short shoes are chosen for such small breeds as the Chihuahua.
6. The price cannot be very small, because you have to pay for a quality item. Low cost indicates the low quality of the shoes themselves and the materials from which they are made. In cheap shoes, the paw can hurt, and the dog will feel discomfort. Moreover, such accessories tear quickly.
7. Not all shoes are equally suitable for small and large dog breeds. Even the choice of footwear depends on the height of the paws. For example, one model is perfect for a Pomeranian, but not at all for a Italian Greyhound.

Now many companies are engaged in the production of accessories for pets, including dog shoes. Only not all of them are ready to offer a quality product, for the production of which materials with high characteristics are selected. We examined the available assortment and selected the best manufacturers, whose products you can choose without the slightest fear.

1. Products from 4-Runner it stands out for its good anatomical characteristics. This shoe exactly repeats the structure of the paw, so the animal will feel comfortable. Due to the elastic straps, any model grips the paw well and does not allow it to dangle. In the area of ​​the fold, the material with a minimum thickness is located, and the shaft is created with a special slope. A special elastic material is used to create the sole, which is an important advantage.
2. Brand Dezzie warm boots, sneakers and sneakers are produced. The models stand out for their bright designs and unusual colors. The manufacturer uses many options for fasteners and fasteners, which expands the choice. With these accessories, your pet will be the most stylish.
3. Dog Shoes by Guardian Gear not so stylish and expressive, but in terms of functional characteristics it has no equal. Better quality accessories will be very difficult to find. In such shoes, the legs of the animal will be reliably protected from any mechanical damage and exposure to reagents. The rigid sole will not allow slipping, the material does not allow water to pass through, but allows the skin to breathe. Many models are equipped with reflective stripes. The range includes footwear for the smallest and largest dogs.

Don't expect your pet to show joy from a new accessory. The dog needs to be accustomed to shoes, this process will not be simple. You can start shoe training only after 5 months, and in some cases even after 9 or even 12 months. Until this time, the paws are still forming, because shoes can lead to deformation of the limbs.

It is necessary to accustom your pet to shoes gradually and necessarily at home. A few minutes will be enough to get started. The dog will try to take off his shoes in every possible way. She needs to be distracted from this process, you can use treats or rewards. It is not worth scolding a dog for trying to take off his shoes.

Only after that you can take your pet out into the street in full outfit.

For information on how to choose shoes for dogs, see the next video.