Winterizing Your Dog: Dog Shoes
Okay, okay, some of you may be thinking that it’s just crazy to buy dog shoes for your pooch. Well, with winter coming, buying a pair of shoes or dog booties might be the best way to show your dog how much you care.
Why in the world would my dog need shoes?
Think about it. If you live in a place that has particularly harsh winters, throwing a pair of booties on your dog before walks will save his paws from the elements. Not only do dogs lose a lot of their body heat through their feet, but the salt and chemicals used to make the snow melt will likely cause some pain and much discomfort for your pup. If the chemicals or rock salt cause your dog’s feet to become dry and cracked, they may start to bleed. When they open up to bleed, they are inviting bacteria over to play. Needless to say, frostbitten paws are a very real possibility. All of these conditions can easily be prevented by just strapping a pair of weatherproof dog shoes on!
Another good use for dog shoes is for arthritic dogs. Sadly, older dogs that suffer from arthritis can sometimes drag their feet a bit because of the pain. To keep their paws from becoming scraped and irritated, a soft booty will help ease the discomfort.
Getting the proper fit
Okay, now that I’ve talked you into it, how do you find the right size dog shoe? It’s easy. Just measure your dog’s foot from the back of the nails to the base of the paw. Don’t include the nails in the measurement. Of course, this is assuming that you keep your dog’s nails properly clipped. If not, start J. Keep the measurement handy when ordering or buying the pair of booties, boots or dog shoes.
It’s just that easy, folks. Part of being a loving pet parent is to protect our babies when they can’t protect themselves.
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