What do dog paw pads do?
A dog’s paw pads are pretty incredible. An intricate mix of muscle, tissue, ligaments, tendons, collagen and keratin, paw pads protect doggy toes and feet from getting torn up. They provide support for joints and muscles, absorbing the shock of impact as your dog walks and runs. Paw pads also help with canine circulation! A study from Japan recently published in Veterinary Dermatology says there’s basically a “heat exchange system” in canine feet that keeps them warm during winter. Paw pads also keep dogs cool in the summer by sweating out heat.
Thanks to the miraculous paw pad, dogs don’t need to wear shoes indoors or on a daily basis. But, while paw pads do protect your dog’s feet from harsh terrain and intense temperatures, there are occasions when dogs should wear shoes. These instances include extremely hot or cold weather, extended time on rough terrain and when healing from an injury.
Dogs who weren’t bred for freezing temperatures (think: Chihuahuas or Australian Kelpies) probably need boots throughout winter. Breeds like Siberian Huskies and Akitas can get away with more snowy outdoor time as they were built to withstand cold weather. However, snow or not, if temperatures are really low, even Black Russian Terriers will need boots to prevent frostbite.
Folks living in hot climates should test sidewalks with their own feet before heading out with their dog. If you can’t hold your bare foot comfortably on the ground for 10 seconds, you should put shoes on your dog. Don’t rely solely on your thermometer; it doesn’t have to be that hot for the sun to really cook asphalt. Unless rain makes sidewalks particularly slick in your neighborhood, dogs don’t need boots to protect from drizzle.
Trekking through the woods or on rocky hiking trails present lots of opportunities for cuts and calluses. Toss some shoes on your dog! Certain shoes can also add traction to slippery areas. If you plan on taking your dog hiking regularly, The Farmer’s Dog recommends introducing them to boots early and giving their paws plenty of time to acclimate to rougher terrain.
Finally, a dog recovering from surgery or an injury to a foot or paw should wear shoes outdoors (and sometimes indoors if necessary). The last thing you want is stitches coming out or an infection creeping in as your pup heals. Senior dogs suffering from arthritis may need to wear shoes for added joint support, too. Talk to your vet if you think this is the case!
Many can agree that dogs are amazing creatures and the intricate system within Pebble’s paws proves this. Dog paws have adapted to the cold and are able to withstand ice for long amounts of time. Most dogs do not need to wear shoes because of their high body temperature. The tissue in your dog’s paw is actually designed to protect her from down to -35 degrees Celsius.
So realistically, Pebbles doesn’t really need shoes to go outside and take her morning wee. She’s also not planning on running the Iditarod or being a police dog anytime soon, so relying on her natural paws opposed to boots seems to work for her. Some owners love the fashion statement that shoes provide, and if this is the case, you could try to put some shoes on your fur ball, but she may not be a fan, but then again, anything is paw-sible.
It’s cold outside; there’s ice all over the driveway, and your loving Pebbles has to to go pee. Chances are you are not going to put on her Air Jordan shoes, so she can go outside. You’ve never really thought about the fact that you don’t have to put shoes on your dog. Pebbles has always been fine, but why is this? You know that if you went out barefoot, there would be some major consequences, but Pebbles goes out, does her deed, and seems as happy as can be when she comes back in. It’s a mystery to you.
As stated above, most dogs don’t have to wear shoes and most dogs don’t like wearing shoes, but there are many companies that now cater to this interesting accessory. Dogs have a complex system of veins and arteries that keep their feet warm and their paws are incredibly durable, so shoes are not really a necessity. However, there are instances when shoes could benefit dogs. Service dogs, police, dogs, smaller dogs, and race dogs all have specific needs in which booties might be the answer. If you do decide that your dog needs some shoes, it might take some training to get your dog to actually wear them. The shoes may feel unnatural, and you may have to start with massaging your dogs feet to get them use to the touch on their paws. You also should try putting the shoes on for short amounts of time just around the house, then work your way to your pooch going outside for longer amounts of time.
Most dogs dont like to wear shoes because they are unnatural and according to above, most don’t actually need them. Shoes can also throw off a dog’s balance and friction. The pads of a dog have a gripping texture that allows them to cling to a variety of surfaces, such as rainy roads, dirt, floors, etc. Dog shoes are similar to when humans wear socks on a slippery surface, when our grips are gone, we start to slide. Lastly, some shoes may actually irritate a dog’s skin. Make sure you check what materials the shoes are made of before slapping them on Pebbles.
What could happen if your dog doesn’t wear shoes?
Without shoes, some dogs could develop a condition called pododermatitis, says VCA Ark Animal Hospitals. This is when the paws become inflamed. While fungus or parasites could certainly cause pododermatitis, some dogs experience inflammation after running on concrete or gravel. Look for red, swollen paw pads. Take note if your dog licks its paws constantly or is losing hair on the feet. If your vet concludes your pup’s pododermatitis is the result of too much running on hard ground, investing in a protective pair of shoes might be part of the treatment plan.
Depending on the environment, dogs can pick up nasty chemicals when out and about. Areas where lawns have been chemically treated or sidewalks are covered in de-icing salt can wreak havoc on dog paws. Dogs with very furry paws have a higher risk of getting salt and pebbles stuck between toes. If your dog isn’t wearing shoes, it’s wise to wipe their feet with a damp towel whenever they come in from a walk. This gives you a chance to check for any injuries and prevent your pup from licking or further inhaling irritants.