Buy the right size of paw wear for dogs

Your new pup has settled in to your house and is getting familiar with its new home. It is happily getting potty trained as well. You have decided to buy it some clothes and shoes, but before you hit the ‘buy now’ button on the online website of your choice, there are some things that you should be mindful of in order to buy the right kind dog shoes.

Take measure

Measure the paws of your dog to determine their size. Only then decide the kind of dog boots and shoes to buy. In order to take your pup’s paw measurement, you need to make your puppy stand on a firm surface with a blank sheet of paper underneath its paw.  Make sure the pup is standing upright with its full weight on the leg. Draw an outline of the paw with the toenails included. Jot down the length and width and consult a size chart to determine the final size.

Keep in mind that the overall size of the dog is not relevant when measuring its paw size. Also exclude the fur while you determine the paw size but always remember to include the toenails. If you do not include the toenails of the pup, the shoes will be too tight for it.

A snug fit is always advisable where shoes for dogs are concerned. Be careful of shoes that are too tight though, as the pup should have room to expand and contract its paws in them. Dog paws are similar in anatomy to human hands rather than to human feet. They need full flexion at their toes in both directions, up and down.

Seasoned shoes

Secondly, shoes for dogs should provide comfort to the dog rather than being a just fashion accessory. Therefore the material that the shoe is made up of is as importance as the design. Common materials used to make shoes for dogs include rexine, leather, fur, wool, and rubber to name a few.

Choose shoes that are appropriate for the season and the weather. Winter demands shoes that will keep your furry friend’s paws warm, so materials like suede, rexine and wool are a safe bet while summer is the time to experiment with materials and different designs.

It is also wise to check that the sole of the dog shoes are sturdy and preferably have grooves. A good sole will provide your puppy with the traction it needs to navigate slippery surfaces.

Don't buy paw wear for your pup in haste. Take your time and ponder over the points elucidated above to the make the right choice for your pet!