It is always a common question or at least thought amongst dog owners on whether your dog’s paws require dog boots the same way they might require other attire to protect them from the cold.
Other attire such as dog blankets and even dog jackets.
It is always a good question to wonder whether tour dogs require all these things during the cold season the same way you would require such attire.
Dogs do not necessarily need dog boots to walk in the snow. Their paws are different when compared to our feet. Our feet are always at high risk of getting col, especially during very low temperatures.
Fortunately, it is not the same thing for your dog. Your dog’s paws, depending on the breed of dog, are modified to withstand cold temperatures on the surfaces your dog is walking on. Their paws don’t easily feel cold the way their bodies do, and in most times, so long as your dog is generally warm, their paws are even warmer.
It is always important to remember that dogs are warm-blooded animals like us.
This means that even if they may not necessarily need dog boots, they may require dog blankets and dog jackets.
Especially if they are dog breeds that are used to tropical climates which are generally warm.
This can be easily noted by whether your dog has a thick fur coat.
Those with thick fur coats are usually able to retain a lot of heat as compared to those with single light fur coats and vice versa applies as well.
Below is more on what you need to know when it comes to dogs and their need for dog boots.
Are dog boots necessary for your dog?
Now you are probably wondering whether your dog needs all the above.
Dogs do not necessarily need all the above.
There are a couple of factors on whether your dog needs all the items that are being mentioned above.
Here are some of them:
- If your dog already has a double fur coat, they may be more okay than you think. Getting them more materials to keep them warm may lead to overheating.
- If your dog has lived in colder places or is bred to withstand low temperatures.
- You and your dog live in a place that is not as cold; places with tropical climates.
Learn More:
Should you get your dog to wear snow boots?
Getting your dog snow boots is not as easy as it seems.
Dogs, especially those with hard enough paws to walk even in snow, may have a problem with them.
It mainly happens to the dog breed that does not necessarily require the boots but their owner gets for them anyways.
With dogs and dog boots, it is very easy to tell whether your dog appreciates the dog boots by how they react to them.
Their body language is very important when getting them dog boots, especially how they react to them.
Here is what to look out for after getting your dog snow boots:
1. The first thing would be whether they even want to wear the shoes.
It is always important to check whether your dog is even comfortable wearing the shoes.
Being uncomfortable means that your dog would rather do without the shoes.
2. There also other dogs who will allow you to put the shoes on them but will refuse to move from one spot.
This often happens because your dog does not know what to do with the shoes on their feet or because they are simply uncomfortable in them and would rather them off.
3. The other sign that your dog does not appreciate the boots on his feet is when they try to actively remove them.
Which could be successful or just efforts that are not bearing any fruit except alerting you that your dog may appreciate the gesture but the shoe is a no for them.
This means that as a dog owner, dog boots are not exactly necessary for your dog.
There are other measures that you could do to not have to get dog boots for your dog even during the winter.
Other measures you could take to keep your dogs’ paws safe during winter?
1. Make sure to take them on regular walks especially on rough and hard surfaces to help them get used to such surfaces.
Also, there some creams that can help out with your dog’s paw pads as well; they make them hard and adaptable to all types of surfaces.
2. It may not be a common practice for you and your dog.
But to make their paw pads fit for the winter season, it is preferred to cut the fur growing between the paw pads especially if it’s a lot of hair.
3. When your dog’s body is warm, your dog’s paws will be able to retain more heat.
This means if your dog has a light fur coat, it would be wiser to invest in a dog jacket than dog boots.
This helps your dog’s body remain warm making their paw pads warmer as well especially when outdoors in very low temperatures.
4. The last bit is to always check up on your dog.
Most people tend to forget that dogs and humans are warm-blooded animals.
Thus whenever you are feeling cold, your dog is feeling it as well.
If the degrees are freezing outside to you who is in so many layers of clothing, what about your little pup?
If it is on a hike, it would be advisable to keep on checking on them and also to ensure their paw pads do not have loads of ice.
Some cases may require you to get your dog some snow boots.
What are the reasons to get your dog snow boots?
- When living in a place that has extremely heavy snow and can reach some dangerously low temperatures.
- When staying in places where salt and other chemicals are used to melt the snow on the road, this is particularly dangerous for your dog because they produce a burning effect on the paw pads of your dog.
- It is also advisable to get your furry friend some snow boots if they easily get scars on their paw pads.
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