Do you like to go on outdoor adventures with your dog? Do you spend hours on the trails with your favorite pup? Are you worried that all that terrain you are covering may cause damage to your dog’s paws? Dog boots for hiking can help protect your pup’s paw pads and enable the two of you to take long hikes without worry by providing safety and comfort to your dog’s paws.
Table of Contents:
Related: Best Dog Backpack For Hiking, Best Dog First Aid Kit For Hiking, Best Dog Booties For Winter
What Are Dog Boots For Hiking?
Dog boots for hiking are booties your dog wears on each of their paws. These are designed to protect your pup’s pads from heat, rocks and other sharp objects you may encounter, and rough terrain that can damage paws.
Who Can Use Dog Boots?
Dog boots are suitable for all dogs to wear. They are good for:
- Dogs who go hiking on trails.
- Pups who like to hike through streams or other small bodies of water.
- Doggos live in hot climates where the pavement can get too hot for their paws.
- Dogs with wounds that need to be covered up.
- Pups with difficulty walking on slippery floors.
Should I Put Boots On My Dog For Hiking?
If you are going on a hike with your dog where the terrain may be a little rough, if there is a lot of gravel, or there may be rocks with sharp edges it is a good idea to put dog boots on your dog.
While on your hike, you may be traversing over slippery terrain or areas that may be too hot for your dog’s paws. Dog boots for hiking can provide traction on slippery surfaces, as well as, protect their paws from pavement or other surfaces that may get too hot for them.
How Do I Protect My Dog’s Paws On Long Hikes?
Wearing dog boots for hiking can help protect your dog’s paws while on a long hike.
When using dog boots for hiking, check the fit of the boots to make sure they are not rubbing your dog’s paws or legs or causing any discomfort to them.
Wearing socks underneath the dog boots can help them fit better and avoid rubbing.
Start with a short walk and progress to longer ones to be sure your dog can tolerate wearing the dog boots.
You may also want to use a paw soother, like Musher’s Secret, to protect your dog’s paws.
How Do I Find The Right Size Dog Boot For My Dog?
To find the correct size dog boots for your pup to wear on your hikes, it is best to measure all of your dog’s paws.
To do this, place your dog’s paw on a piece of paper and press down.
Put a mark at the widest part of your dog’s paw on each side.
Dog paws can be different sizes, which is why it’s important to measure all paws.
Use the manufacturer’s recommendation for size based on the measurements you took.
What Should I Look For When Choosing Dog Boots For Hiking?
Some things to consider when purchasing dog boots for hiking include:
- Size. Choose the correct size according to your measurements and manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Material. Dog boots should be breathable yet durable.
- Non-Slip Bottom. The soles of your dog boots should be non-slip. This allows for better traction on slippery surfaces.
- Waterproof. If you will be hiking near water or even in the rain, having waterproof boots can keep your pup’s paws dry and comfortable.
- Adjustable Strap. An adjustable strap can provide your dog boots with a better fit and reduces the chance of the boots turning while your dog walks.
- Reflective Stitching. Helpful if you will be walking or hiking in low light conditions.
Tips When Using Dog Boots For Hiking
Here are a few tips when using dog boots on your pup:
- Keep your dog’s nails trimmed. This will prevent their nails from scratching through the boot and also make the boot more comfortable to wear.
- Don’t keep your dog in the boots for too long. Dog’s sweat from their paws and keeping them covered up for too long can interfere with their temperature regulation. If you plan on going for an hours long hike, maybe take a break at some point to let their paws “breathe” for a bit before continuing.
- Some dog boots are sold in 2 packs and some in 4 packs. Check the boots you are looking to purchase to be sure you are getting the amount you need. This could increase the price you pay significantly. Having the boots sold in a 2 pack can be helpful if your dog has different sized paws in the front compared to their rear paws. This is also good if you are using them for a medical reason and don’t need 4 boots.
- If your dog has dewclaws, you may want to opt for a high boot. This will ensure the dewclaws are covered and reduces the risk of the boots rubbing up against them and causing discomfort.
Top 5 Dog Boots For Hiking
These are our selections for top dog boots for hiking. Product information is according to the manufacturer. Common pros and cons are noted.
Arcadia Trail Year-Round-All Terrain Dog Boots
These dog boots fit high on your dog’s legs. They have a cord to cinch the boot in addition to a strap for a good fit.
- High ankle boots.
- Adjustable for better fit.
- Traction grip.
- Reflective stitching.
- Toggle cord for improved fit.
- Comes with a storage bag.
- Available in a pack of 4 boots.
Pros/Cons:
- Multiple adjustable straps.
- Good for large dogs.
- Helps prevent foxtails from damaging paws.
- Protects from hot pavement.
- Stays in place.
- Straps can come off in the snow.
Check Price At: Petsmart
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots
This set of dog boots are sold in a 2 pack or 4 pack. They have a wide opening to make it easier to get on and off your dog.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Comes in various colors.
- Wide opening for easy on.
- Flexible and grippy bottom.
- Breathable mesh.
- Velcro strip closure.
- Reflective stitching.
- Sold in 2 ct. and 4 ct.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to put on.
- Stay on if sized correctly.
- Not good for dogs with dew claws.
Check Price At: Amazon
XSY&G Dog Boots
These boots have 2 Velcro straps to keep it secure and are waterproof.
- Comes in multiple sizes.
- Available in various colors.
- Non-slip, rubber grip sole.
- Fastened with two Velcro straps.
- Reflective stitching.
- Waterproof.
- Sold 4 in a pack.
Pros/Cons:
- Durable.
- Stays in place.
- Easy to put on.
- Keeps paws warm in cold weather.
- Protects from rocks on trails.
Check Price At: Amazon
Muttluks Trackers All-Season Dog Boots
This boot from Muttluks is sold in a 2 pack. It has a waterproof shell and reflective stitching.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Soles with traction.
- Waterproof, outer shell.
- Velcro strap.
- Reflective stitching.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to put on.
- Stays in place.
- Comes with only 2 boots.
- They aren’t waterproof.
Check Price At: Muttluks, Amazon, Chewy
KURGO Blaze Cross Dog Shoes
The boots here come in a 2 pack or a 4 pack. They have non-slip soles and an ankle cord and Velcro strap for a better fit.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Has an ankle cord for better fit.
- Velcro strap closure.
- No-slip soles.
- Breathable mesh.
- Reflective stitching.
- Water resistant.
- Can be sold in a 2 ct. or 4 ct.
Pros/Cons:
- Made well.
- Very stiff.
- Can be too big for small dogs.
Check Price At: Chewy
Hiking with your dog is a great bonding experience. If your dog is active and loves to hike through rough terrain, dog boots are a must. Dog boots for hiking can protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, sharp rocks, and slippery surfaces allowing them to hike for longer distances with less discomfort. With the right dog boots, you and your pup are sure to have many adventures together!
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.