Do dogs need safety shoes in hot weather?

Summer provides additional opportunities to spend time with your beloved pet in the fresh air. Picnics on the beach, walks around the neighborhood and playing in the sun at the local dog park are all par for the course. But the owner can hardly imagine walking without shoes in the summer. And what about the dog? Are there special summer shoes for dogs that can protect their paws from high temperatures? It may be worth buying boots that will protect your pet’s paws all summer long while walking on a hot sidewalk.

Why do you need dog shoes for the summer and how to choose the pair that will be stylish and comfortable?

Why are summer boots for dogs so important?

Although the pads of the paws of dogs are quite hard, this does not mean that they are very high or very low temperatures cannot influence them. In summer, on too hot surfaces – sidewalks and asphalt paths – a four-legged friend may well burn his paws.

American Kennel Club (AKC) states: “The pavements and roads are very hot in the summer, and although dog paws are tougher than human legs, they can still get burned from contact with the hot pavement.” In addition, during the day, the sun can heat up the sand on the beach a lot. The same goes for walking paths or wooden platforms that are directly in the sun.

Do all dogs need summer dog shoes

There are many factors that determine whether a pet will need shoes for walking on hot summer days, including:

• naturally hot climate of residence;
• Are the paths near the house paved?
• whether the dog walks on grass or on cool ground.

In some geographical regions – especially sunny, high temperatures and large areas of paved surfaces – walking during the summer months is very difficult. In such conditions, dog boots or boots will be useful.

The breed, size and age of the pet does not affect their need for paw protection. The decision to buy dog ​​shoes is a personal choice. If the pet will be outside in extreme heat, it is best to take care of his protection. If the pet walks on a large fencedyard, the dog’s paws may not need additional protection.

If the owner decides not to buy shoes for the dog, but wants to walk it on sidewalks, paved streets and other hot surfaces, it is better to do this in the early morning or late evening, when the sun is setting and the ground is getting cooler. If possible, walks should be limited to areas covered with grass or soil so that the paws of the animal are not injured.

What kind of shoes can you buy

There are many options for dog shoes for walking on hot pavement. You can try different types to determine which one is best for your pet. It is important that shoes meet the following characteristics:

• be strong enough to protect the dog’s paws from hot surfaces;
• non-slip to provide good grip for the dog’s paws while walking;
• be light and breathable, to circulate air and prevent overheating;
• Easy to put on and take off, making it comfortable for the dog to wear.

The key to comfort is comfortable shoes

Watching a dog try to walk without quite understanding what is stuck to its paws is very funny. While it may take some time for any pet to get used to shoes, don’t force your four-legged friend to wear something uncomfortable or stressful.

You can ease the shoe habituation process by letting your dog wear the shoes at home for short periods of time and rewarding him when he is ready to take them off. But if she constantly chews her paws or refuses to walk when she is wearing shoes, then she is uncomfortable. Then you have to look for a different type of footwear or an alternative way to protect the paws from contact with hot surfaces. If you have any questions, you should consult with your veterinarian, who will also be able to give some advice.

A dog’s paws can get badly burned from walking on too hot surfaces. Everything possible must be done to keep pet cool in summer weatherand protect his paws. To do this, you can buy shoes for dogs or walk your four-legged friend only on cool surfaces.

See also:

• The Best Dog Breeds for Hot Climates
• Hot days safety
• Can I leave my dog ​​in the car: Concerns about heat and cold
• How to make a playground for the dog near the house?