As some of us are in the midst of the heat of summer, the question of whether to walk our dogs often comes up. Is it too hot to walk my dog? Will they burn their paws if I do take them for a walk? If your dog is anything like ours, they will want to go for a walk no matter what the weather is. When it is hot outside, dog shoes for summer may help you feel a little bit more comfortable taking your dog out for a walk.
This post will explore what dog shoes for summer are, how they can protect your dog, and what to look for when buying some for your dog.
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Related: Paw Wipes For Dogs, Non-Slip Socks For Your Pup, Best Dog Boots For Hiking, Best Dog Booties For Winter
What Are Dog Shoes For Summer?
Dog shoes for summer are dog booties that help keep your pup’s paws safe during the heat of summer. They can be made of various materials, but most importantly, they can keep your dog’s paws safe from hot pavement that results from the summer heat.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Dog Shoes For Summer?
Using dog shoes in the summertime can help protect your dog in different ways. Among them:
- Protects your dog’s paws from being burned by hot pavement.
- Prevents sharp objects that may be on the ground from puncturing your dog’s paws (glass, pebbles, foxtails).
- Protects from hot sand at the beach.
- Can act as water shoes if your dog likes to swim or go walking in the rain.
Are Dog Shoes Good For Hot Weather?
Dog shoes can be beneficial in hot weather by protecting your dog’s paws from hot pavement that may burn them.
Are Dog Booties Safe For Hot Weather?
Dog booties are safe for your dog to wear in hot weather. When choosing dog shoes for summer, make sure to choose ones that are made of breathable material so your dog does not get too hot wearing them.
You may only want to put dog shoes on your pup when going outside. Do not leave them on your dog’s feet all day long. They should only be on a few hours at most.
Should Dogs Wear Dog Shoes?
Some people feel dogs are not meant to wear shoes. It is a personal preference of whether you feel your dog should wear them. Situations where you may want your dog to wear shoes include:
- Walking on hot pavement or sand.
- When hiking to prevent injury to their paws.
- Walking after it snows to prevent snow pilling on the hair of their paws or irritation from snow melt.
- Difficulty walking on slippery surfaces due to hip dysplasia or other medical conditions or simply due to fear of falling.
- Protection from sharp objects on walks.
- Swimming at the beach or lakes to prevent injury from debris or sharp objects in the water.
As long as you are responsible when putting shoes on your dog and not keeping them on your dog all day and night, there should not be a problem with your dog wearing them. If you are having any doubts about whether your dog should be wearing shoes, talk to your veterinarian.
What Temperature Is Too Hot For Dog Paws?
There is not a specific temperature that is too hot for dog paws. Every dog is different and their tolerance to things differ as well. It is not a matter of the temperature outside that determines if it is too hot for their paws, but the temperature of the ground they will be walking on.
A good rule of thumb when determining if the pavement is too for your dog’s paws is to feel it yourself. If the pavement is hot for you to touch, it will be too hot for them to walk on.
Avoid walking during the hottest times of the day, usually between 12 and 3 pm, as this will be when the pavement is the hottest for them to walk on, aside from the heat of day being too much for them (and you).
Can Dogs Burn Their Paws In Hot Weather?
Dogs can definitely burn their paws in hot weather, usually due to walking on hot pavement. This is why dog shoes for summer are a good idea for most dogs, especially for those that live in warmer climates.
When Should I Put Shoes On My Dog?
If you are going to put shoes on your dog, do so before they go outside to walk or if they play in an area that could do damage to their paws in some way.
When you get back from your walk or they come inside after playing, take the dog shoes off.
How Do I Measure My Dog For Shoes?
When trying to determine the best size shoes to get for your dog, check the recommendations from the manufacturer on how to measure and if to size up or down if your dog is between sizes.
Generally speaking, to measure your dog for the best size shoes to get, you will first want to get several pieces of paper, a pen, pencil, or marker, and a ruler.
First, place a sheet of paper onto the floor.
Next, put your dog’s paw onto the paper. Make sure to use your dog’s full weight so that their paw spreads out a bit.
Once they are in position, trace the outline of your dog’s paw.
You will want to do this for both the front and back paws, as they may be different sizes.
Once you have your outlines, measure them and match up the measurements with the correct sized dog shoes.
What Should I Look For When Choosing Dog Shoes For Summer?
When getting dog shoes for summer, there are a few things you may want to look for before purchasing.
Size
Always measure your dog before buying shoes.
Material
Look for material that is breathable to provide more comfort to your dog.
Easy On/Off
Check how to get the shoes on and off. Does it seem like you will be able to easily get them onto your dog?
Adjustable Straps
Adjustable straps will help the shoes stay in place while your dog walks or runs.
Rubber Soles
Dog shoes won’t protect against hot pavement or sharp objects if the soles of the shoes are flimsy.
Water Friendly
If your dog likes to swim or get wet on walks, look for dog shoes with drainage holes. This will prevent the build up of water in the shoes which can lead to discomfort for your pup, but can also lead to infections from any bacteria that may be in the water. Plus water shoes can help protect against debris or sharp objects in the water or on the beach.
Reflective Stitching
This will help your dog be seen by passing cars in low light conditions.
Tips On Using Dog Shoes For Summer
If this is the first time your dog will be wearing shoes, here are a few tips:
- Try to keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Long nails will not only make the dog shoes more uncomfortable, they may also create a hole in the shoe where the nail rubs up against it.
- It is going to take some time for your dog to get used to wearing shoes. They may walk funny or try to get them off. Be patient with them and give them the time they need. They will get the hang of wearing shoes eventually. Be sure to praise them and give them positive reinforcement while they get used to it.
- Start small. Start by walking around the house for a bit and then take them outside for a short walk to see how they do wearing the shoes. Gradually increase the amount of time wearing them until they feel comfortable.
Best Dog Shoes For Summer
Here are 5 dog shoes for summer. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best For The Water
Here are two dog shoes that not only protect against hot pavement, but also contain drainage holes that make them practical to use in the water.
Canada Pooch Hot Pavement Dog Boots
This dog shoe has an ultra-wide opening for easy on/off and adjustable straps.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Drainage holes on the soles make them water friendly.
- Adjustable strap.
- Ultra-wide opening.
- Rubber grip soles.
- Velcro closure.
- Comes in a pack of 4 boots.
Wagwear Wagwellies Mojave
This dog shoe comes in multiple colors and is designed for easy on/off.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Designed to protect paws from hot pavement.
- Perforated holes for ventilation.
- Easy on/off.
- Comes in a set of 4 shoes.
Best Sandals
When you want your dog’s paws to have protection but also keep their paws extra cool, a sandal may be what you are looking for.
GabeFish Breathable Mesh Dog Sandals
This sandal is made of mesh material for ultimate breathability.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Made of mesh polyester material.
- Breathable.
- Rubber sole.
Best All-Weather Dog Shoes
These dog shoes can be used year round.
SlowTon Breathable Dog Shoes
These dog shoes have breathable mesh material, rubber soles, and reflective straps.
- Comes in various colors.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Contains three layers of breathable mesh material.
- Double adjustable straps.
- Velcro closure.
- Rubber anti-slip sole.
- Reflective straps.
- Has wide slit opening for easy on/off.
XSY&G Dog Boots
These dog shoes have rubber soles, reflective stitching, and a waterproof material to help keep your dog’s paws drier when walking in the rain. These are not meant to be water shoes.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Two adjustable straps.
- Velcro closure.
- Non -slip rubber sole.
- Breathable, waterproof fabric.
- Reflective stitching.
Dog shoes for summer can help protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, sharp objects, and can even act as water shoes for swimming. Be patient with your dog as they get used to wearing them, but once they do, you can be sure your dog will be protected during the hotter months of summer.
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.