Don't be one of those people who roll their eyes when seeing dogs wear little booties while out for a walk. Protecting the paws of man's best friend is a great way to keep your dog healthy and active. Dogs can easily burn their paws on hot pavement during the summer or potentially get frostbite if out in the cold too long during winter. To help dog parents pick out the best dog booties, EdNews has compiled a list of the highest-quality brands your canine should wear.
Pet owners are known not to skimp when it comes to buying their dogs whatever they need. In fact, most people would rather spend money on their pets than their partners, according to a new study. For many, they would rather stash money away for emergency pet expenses than go on a trip or buy a concert ticket.
This is not surprising, considering many modern pooches are pampered. They are so coddled, that two in three dog owners say their pet could not survive in the wild without them, per new survey results. If the temperature dips below 40º F, respondents shared that their dogs require a jacket (27%), doggie poncho (16%), or booties (12%) to go outside. Seven percent even need an umbrella held over them. While this may sound silly, wearing protective dog booties can help keep your pup safe from harmful diseases like Lyme disease. So, it's not all a fashion statement.
Are you in the market for some of the cutest shoes for your puppy? EdNews has compiled a list of the best dog booties to protect your pet's paws. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
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The List: Best Dog Booties, According to Canine Experts
1. Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots
Topping the list is the Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots. Clever Hiker extols the virtues of the Ruffwear Grip Trex, equipped with top-tier Vibram outsoles—akin to those gracing the soles of many esteemed human hiking shoes. These boots, not just sturdy but a testament to durability, proudly tread with exceptional traction. Acknowledging the common canine quirk of uneven paw sizes, the Grip Trex steps in with a unique solution, offering sets of two for that tailored fit. While initially presenting a bit of stiffness, you can massage it out to make them comfier for your pooch, according to the Clever Hiker review.
As you embark on adventures of a grand scale, Go Pet Friendly also advocates for this pair because of its rugged reliability. Steadfast and sure-footed, they boldly conquer any terrain your canine companion dares to traverse.
According to USA Today, these shoes embody a fusion of functionality and comfort. Crafted from tightly woven air mesh, they repel dirt and debris while ensuring a breezy ventilation for day-long wear. Easy to slip on with wide openings, and securing a snug fit with the hook-and-loop cinch closure system, these shoes are not just footwear but a canine comfort experience. Should size pose a quandary, fear not – a boot liner stands ready for a custom fit.
2. Pawz Dog Boots
Another top brand experts recommend is Pawz Dog Boots. Insider.com ranks them best overall for their ability to withstand extreme heat, ice, and snow. Plus, doggies don't seem to mind them too much.
American Kennel Club says they are perfect for on-the-go owners who prefer disposable or reusable rubber boots. They are also supposed to be good for dogs wo struggle to walk in boots. We all know the silly high step they do with them on.
Reader's Digest calls them the best disposable dog booties. They like them because your dog can still feel the ground they walk on while also eliminating the need for owners to clean off muddy paws later on.
3. QUMY Dog Boots
Coming in third on the list is QUMY Dog Boots. For a budget-friendly product, Rover.com recommends QUMY shoes. Why? They like their waterproof, slip-resistant material thatmakes them rugged enough for any adventure.
USA Today adds that your dog won't have trouble walking in these, even on slick floors or pavement. They mention that they even stay on when dogs try to rip them off themselves. Plus, they are adjustable and work for dogs of many sizes.
The Spruce Pets rates the QUMY Dog Boots best overall. Their reviewers tout them as easy to put on, secure, and highly visible at night with the reflective straps.
4. Kurgo Blaze Cross Dog Shoes
Next, we have the Kurgo Blaze Cross Dog Shoes. Clever Hiker rates them as the best dog boots overall for traction, durability and fit. They say they are “ultra-grippy” and “beefy,” making them ideal for technical terrain. They do warn that your dog may need a bit of extra practice before getting the hang of walking in these because of the higher cuff.
According to American Kennel Club, your dog will actually wear these. Why? They mimic the feeling of your dog's paw pads, are lightweight, and don't restrict ankle movement.
Reader's Digest says they're the best overall for hiking and running with Fido. They commend the pair's flexibility and breathability, specifically for hot weather. This is because dogs regulate their body temperature through their foot pads, so you would not want to have anything too heavy covering their paws.
5. Bootie Altnernative: Musher's Secret Paw Wax
You might be surprised to see Musher's Secret Paw Wax on the list since it's not technically a dog bootie, but experts highly recommend the product. “Musher's Secret Paw Wax is a reliable alternative to boots in conditions ranging from snow and ice to extreme heat,” says Insider.com.
The New York Times describes this product as dense and nontoxic. They also say it is popular in the dogsledding community, so you know it is durable and can handle everyday conditions if dogsledding is no match for this pair.
Rover.com adds that this is the perfect solution for dogs that simply refuse to wear booties. A lot of dog hate having shoes on! Can you blame them? But, they still need protection in certain conditions. That's where this wax comes in, creating a barrier from the elements that won't bother your dog like booties might.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Dog Breeds for Seniors
- Best Dog Breeds for Families
- Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds
- Best Dog Breeds for Home Security
Sources:
- The New York Times
- Rover.com
- The Spruce Pets
- Trek Southwest
- Clever Hiker
- Go Pet Friendly
- USA Today
- Insider.com
- American Kennel Club
- Reader's Digest
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.