Bootie Call: Bootie-licious Tips For Picking Out Dog Boots

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Get your mind out of the gutter! There’s nothing wrong with a little bootie action… when they’re on your dog’s paws.

If you want a straight answer, I’m not afraid to offer one up. For example, people often ask me if they should put boots on their dog, and my answer is always a resounding… “maybe.”

Let me explain.

Booties, when used properly on your dog, will help avoid or manage problems associated with your pooch’s paws. If your dog routinely suffers from uncomfortable ice balls between his toes, or struggles with small cracks or cuts to his paws, you should really slap some from booties on that dog. Your dog will also benefit from booties if he runs on hard, crystallized snow.

Related:

Pawz Dog Boots Review

When used improperly, booties will do more harm than good. A bootie that’s too tight, not tight enough or not the correct height will cause nothing but problems for your pet.

On top of that, the question of which dog bootie is best needs some serious thought. Oftentimes, manufacturers design dog boots to appeal to the people, not the pets.

Related:

Paws Jawz Review

I’m here to tell you that not all booties are created equal!

In order for a dog bootie to be effective, they need to:

ADVERTISEMENT

Stay on: A bootie only works if it stays on. The biggest complaint I hear (and have) about dog booties is that they fly off when the dog starts moving at any speed. Look for a bootie that looks secure. Compare brands before you buy, look at the length of the strap, and how the manufacturer has designed the mechanism to tighten the bootie. People are scared to tighten the booties, due to the risk of cutting circulation off to the dog’s paws. Unless you are the Incredible Hulk, it’s going take some real work to get a bootie so tight that it cuts off circulation. When the weather is cold enough to warrant booties, you aren’t going to be outside long enough to risk cutting off circulation. Keep in mind that booties do need to go on tight, but don’t wrench them on – you could hurt your dog in the process. As well, never leave your dog unattended with booties on, and monitor his paws closely.

ADVERTISEMENT

A bootie needs to have enough room for the dog’s toes to spread during walks or runs. Some booties seem to be designed to appeal to humans, not for dogs to wear. While these booties may look like a serious pair of hiking shoes, your dog has already been designed with some serious hiking gear – his paws. They work best when his toes can spread as he walks and runs. A bootie needs to be wide and flexible enough to allow the dog proper freedom of movement.

Do you have any dog bootie questions you’d like to ask? I’ve seen – and tried – them all! I’d be happy to share my experiences with you… just leave them in the comment section below.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Molly

Well hello Molly! Please say hello to Molly, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Molly is a 9-month-old female Goldendoodle from Mahtome…

American Kennel Club Adds 4 Dog Breeds To Its Ranks

Just in time for the New Year, the American Kennel Club gives official recognition to four dog breeds While some of them may be familiar to PetGuide readers,…

Biden Rescue Pooch Gets V(I)P Treatment On Air Force Two

Talk about a new leash on life! From the streets of Mississippi to the chambers of Air Force Two, this rescue dog is definitely living the high life with the…

2014 Dog New Year’s Resolutions

New Year''s Resolutions feel like an impossible to-do list and we give them up quickly. But would you be more likely to keep them if they involved your dog?

How to Control Your Cat’s Shedding

Even though it''s normal for cats to shed, excessive shedding could indicate a health problem or high levels of stress. And shedding can get out of control.

Top 10 Best Indoor Dogs

Need a couch-surfing pal for a TV binge watch? Hey, the outdoors aren''t for everyone, so check out our picks for the best indoor dogs!

Trifo Ollie AI Home Robot Vacuum and Video Review

Furballs accumulating under the couch faster than you can sweep them up? We’ve got Trifo Ollie AI Home Robot Vacuum and Video to make a clean sweap.

Mountain Cur

Mountain Cur BasicsThe Mountain Cur is prized as an all-American working dog – they might still be somewhat uncommon, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t hav…

Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel (Fieldie) is affectionate, loving and playful. His gentleness, patience and energy level make him a reliable playmate for kids of all ages

Barking News: Your Dog is Smarter Than You Think

Researchers in Hungary have discovered that your dog’s barking isn’t all just canine commotion: they use different barks to communicate with thei…

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Axle

Seeing that it’s Tuesday, it’s time to announce our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. This week’s winner is Axle, a 6-ye…

Cavanese

The Cavanese is a cross between a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Havanese. These dogs are sweet, affectionate, and smart.

Vosmaer’s Parrot

If you''re on the lookout for a unique parrot with a great personality, the Vosmaer''s Parrot could be the perfect choice for you.

Best Cat Scratchers

Want to stop your cat from shredding your furniture to bits? Our list covers best cat scratchers, designed to suit every kitty''s needs and quirks.

Carrot Delight Dog Treat Recipe

When I make dog food for Oscar, I always throw in at least one carrot for good measure. Carrots are one of the wonderful veggies that humans and dogs can sha…