Many dog owners don’t believe that dog shoes have any benefit for their dogs other than a cute “dog costume” but shoes on a dog can actually prevent a lot of foot injuries that would cost a lot of money at the vet.
Dog shoes are often worn by working dogs. Dogs that pull sleds often wear shoes to protect their feet from the cold weather and sharp ice that may lodge in their paws. Search dogs used to find people in destroyed buildings, such as after an earthquake, have shoes to protect their paws from sharp glass and metal debris.
Many may wonder if dog shoes are necessary for people with “just pet dogs”. Actually, they are useful in some circumstances. Because dogs lick their feet when they hurt or feel irritation in their paws, shoes can prevent your dogs from ingesting harmful chemicals they have stepped in, such as antifreeze or oil. Many city dwellers who live in cold climates often walk their dogs on sidewalks treated with de-icer or salt. It is typical for your pet to get a bad case of dog diarrhea when they lick their paws to try to clean off.
Sidewalks in large urban areas are also have a lot of glass, gum and other objects that can get caught in their dogs toes and cut open their paws. Also, the melting tar or hot asphalt found in cities can blister your dogs feet. For those living in rural areas, dog shoes can prevent their dogs getting burrs or other pesty nuisances stuck in their feet. Many hikers put shoes on their dogs because they know if anything happens to their dog’s feet while they are out, it will be a long walk back to get treatment.
Dog shoes can also protect items in the household from being damaged. Dog shoes can prevent scratches on floors, furniture or pool liners made by a dog’s toenails. Dog shoes can also prevent dogs from gnawing at their paws and can help old dogs with poor balance keep from slipping.
Dog owners will have to look at their own situations to see if dog shoes make sense for their dog. Who knows…they might prevent a large expenditure at the vet later.
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