Feb 20 2010
Why Would Anyone Put Shoes On a Dog?
Most people see shoes for their dogs as a needless expense or just as a cute thing to put on your dog, but dog shoes can actually make a lot of sense and save you money you’d otherwise have to pay to a veterinarian.
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 and rescue dogs that are used to find trapped people amongst fallen debris also wear shoes to protect their feet from glass and sharp metal and concrete that may cut open their feet.
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. 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 very common for these dog owners to battle a bad case of dog diarrhea when their dog licks their paws to try to remove this.
Dog paws can also be cut by glass, gum or sharp pieces of metal that often litter the sidewalks of large cities. Also, the melting tar or hot asphalt found in cities can blister your dogs feet. For hunters or those living in non-urban areas, dog shoes can keep their dogs from getting burrs or other sharp thorns stuck in their feet. Hikers also put shoes on their dogs, simply because they may be a long distance from medical attention if their dogs get injured.
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. 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 shoes aren’t right for every dog, but for many dog owners, they can prevent a lot of injuries that would otherwise cause them to spend a lot of money with the vet.
