Unlike most dog clothes and accessories, dog boots are not plainly a fashion thing. Although most dogs do not like any additional clothing on them, overall, dog shoes tend to be the least frustrating for them.
There are many things that should be considered before purchasing a new pair (a set of 4, in most cases) of trendy shoes for dogs that have nothing to do with the fashion but many other factors. We would like to guide you through with in-depth analysis of what kind of considerations should be taken into account. Afterwards, we will provide our top picks for each category so that you can find the best dog shoes for your individual fella.
Types of dog boots – the purpose of each of them
Although you could divide them into different subcategories based on their features, dog boots can mainly be divided into three major categories – winter boots, summer boots, and climbing/hiking boots.
Winter dog boots are designed to serve as an insulation for your dog’s feet from cold, snow, ice, salt, and also damp. As their “title” suggests, they (should) feature such qualities that serve their purpose best in the winter season.
Summer dog boots protect your fella’s paws from the heat of pavement or asphalt in general, as well as hot sand and other surfaces in summer. As the “title” suggests, they (should) feature such qualities that serve their purpose best in the summer season.
Climbing/hiking dog boots are designed to shield your companion from such dangers as sharp rock, brambles, maybe even cacti. They can be used in various seasons but bear in mind that different hiking shoes will have different qualities which mean they will be more applicable for a certain season. In general, they are intended for longer and more challenging activities than just daily walks on a flat pavement (either hot or covered with snow).
Now, note that there are certain dog shoes that can be used in more than just one, if not all, seasons. However, as you may know, what works for all, excels only by being “universal”, isn’t the best for a certain thing (activity). Therefore, we have chosen certain boots that we consider one of the best within each category. Some of them may also work for different seasons and various terrains – pay close attention to their descriptions and our testimonials, and that way you’ll make sure you choose the most suitable ones for your four-legged fella.
What to look for in the new pair of dog boots?
We will explain the details for each type of dog boots in the lists below, yet, bear in mind that there is one common quality feature that is a must for all of them – they must stay on! There is practically no point in buying such dog shoes that simply wouldn’t stay on when a dog starts moving around. The shoe must fit well on your companion’s paw.
There’s an ongoing challenge in the market for pet owners when choosing the appropriate size as the manufacturers measure them differently – some take the measurements from the heel of the pad to the tip of the toe, some others include the toenail length in the size as well, and others – even by dog’s weight. Now, the last one is a rather unreliable method since the weight can vary quite drastically, and it wouldn’t correspond to the paw. In our opinion, the second method that we mentioned is the most solid one. To avoid picking the wrong size, see for the specific brand’s instructions on the measurements.
Main criteria for winter dog boots
- Waterproof. The boots for winter should be made from water-resistant materials.
- Textured material. We recommend the material of the sole to be textured to ensure a good grip for traction.
- Sole flexibility. The sole of the shoe must be relatively flexible so your dog can walk freely.
Also, it’s good to have adjustable straps for a better comfort. Your dog, most likely, won’t really like any accessories put on initially, therefore, it’s smart to get both comfortable and durable shoes to serve in a long-term.
HM tip: As some dogs tend to dislike the accessories, it’s a good idea to start practicing already at home so that your fella gets used to these “foreign objects”. Adjust them accordingly, give a solid tryout, and you’re set to go!
Top 3 for winter dog boots
1. My Busy Dog
These water resistant dog shoes with reflective Velcro and rugged anti-slip sole come in 8 different sizes and have many qualities that make it our choice No. 1 for the winter season.
Truth be told, it meets every single requirement we discussed when it comes to choosing the best winter dog booties – they rugged sole for better grip of traction providing also a great stability, they are waterproof dog boots keeping the paws dry, and they’re also quite comfortable (for medium and large breeds) and easy to put on, and good at staying on when an appropriate size is chosen! Speaking of the measurements, the manufacturer offers 8 different sizes, and you can rely on the size charts provided on Amazon.
Overall, these dog shoes are made of quality fabric making them more durable than most its counterparts on the market. Also, for more picky and fashionable pet owners, it is possible to choose from 4 different colors – black, green, orange, and red. Furthermore, they feature nice reflective Velcro strip for practical purposes – a better visibility at night.
HM tip: Consider these the best winter dog boots unless you own a smaller breed with sensitive paws and still intend to go on longer walks (see the table of advantages and disadvantages above); Otherwise, they really stand out in the market of dog shoes if snowy winter is the season you’re aiming for.
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