Why Your Dog May Need Shoes. Really.

Dog shoes are seen by most people as a waste of money or just as a type of dog decoration, but in some circumstances, dog shoes can save you a lot of money in vet bills. 

It is very common for working dogs to wear shoes.  Dog mushers commonly use boots to protect their dogs feet from the sharp ice and cold.  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. 

But dog shoes can be useful for those of us who just have dogs for pets.  When dogs hurt their paws, they lick them.  Dog shoes can keep your dog from licking up antifreeze or oil that they may have stepped in.  For dog owners who live in large urban areas with cold climates, they must walk their dogs over 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.  People who hike with their dogs also use dog shoes because they may not be near a veterinarian if their dogs get injured. 

For people who stay indoors, dog shoes can also be helpful for them.  Dog shoes can prevent scratches on floors, furniture or pool liners made by a dog’s toenails.  Old dogs who have poor balance may also benefit from shoes because it will keep them from slipping on slick surfaces.  And, shoes prevent other dogs who tend to chew on their feet. 

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.