What Are the Best Dog Shoes for Hot Pavement?
Now that summer is in full swing and temperatures are going up, it can be easy to unexpectedly step outside into a scorching hot day.
You may be worried that your normally safe walking route has turned into a bed of hot coals for the afternoon, scorching any poor creature that dares step near it barefooted. But choosing the right dog shoe isn’t that easy either.
What qualities make for a good dog shoe? And what are the best dog shoes for hot pavement days?
Why the Need for Shoes and Boots?
Hot pavement can easily be more than 50 degrees hotter than the air temperature during hot weather, and a dog’s paw can burn to the point of damage in just sixty seconds. Even non man made areas such as hot sand and rocky terrain can cause bad burns.[1]
Even if the hot pavement isn't enough to scorch, repeated minor burns can result in chapping, cracking, and noticeable, itchy, uncomfortable, damage to your dog’s paws.
Dogs can also be at risk of stepping on stones, thorns, sticks, and other sharp or dangerous objects. In summer, having exposed paws can also make them more susceptible to certain parasites, such as ticks, that can hide between their toes.
You can test if a hot pavement is safe by pressing your hand to the surface. If you can comfortably leave your hand there for seven seconds without pulling it away then it is safe for walking. However, remember that different surfaces may have different temperatures. A dark, rocky surface may be hotter than light concrete.
Be careful, as some temperatures may be too hot to walk a dog outside at all.
What Makes for Good Dog Shoes and Dog Boots?
Dogs don’t normally like wearing shoes very much since it feels unnatural for them. It is very important to dogs that the shoes feel as natural as possible, and allow them to use their feet as much as possible.
Traction
A dog’s paws naturally offer a lot of traction. They use their claws and paw pads to grip the ground when running, to dig and investigate things they find, and as brake pads to slow their running.
Therefore, good dog shoes should provide a fair bit of traction. This is a comfort concern, but also a safety concern, especially for elderly or injured dogs.
The soles of the shoes should ideally be made from something like rubber or ribbed, bendable plastic, not smooth plastic or soft material. The more grooves on the underside, the more friction, and therefore the more traction the shoe will provide.
Breathability and Material
If you’re looking for summer dog shoes, which you probably are if hot pavement is a concern, then heat management is going to be an issue.
Dogs don’t sweat like humans, and the only place they have sweat glands is on their noses and paws. So trapping your dog’s paws in hot, thick material, like leather, plastic, or canvas, may quickly become unbearably hot and uncomfortable for them.
Ideally, dog shoes and dog boots should be made with a mesh-like material that fits well around the paw, does not cause unnecessary chafing, and allows heat to be able to escape from the paws.
Dog boots for rainy conditions may sometimes be waterproof, but hot pavement boots should always be made from a light, breathable material that will provide your dogs with as much airflow and heat regulation as possible.
Adjustability
Your dog's shoes should always be adjustable to ensure a really good fit.
Too loose, and the dog boots may slide right off, bunch up, or irritate your dog. If they’re too tight, then you may cut off blood flow, cause hair loss, or cause nail and chafing issues. A very loose set of dog booties may also be a tempting chew toy.
For this reason, dog shoes with adjustable straps are normally better than a slip on.
Given the shape of the paw, it is best to have a strap behind the metacarpal pad (near the ‘ankle’ or ‘wrist’ of the paw) to ensure the dog shoes fit snuggly on the paw. For taller dog boots, a second strap may be necessary to stop the top of the boot from flapping about.
Durability
Dog shoes are meant for walking, and therefore they need to be durable.
Durability is not an easy thing to test for, but you can try and see the durability of dog boots by seeing what material the soles of the shoes are made of. Tough, but flexible, materials such as rubber or shoe-grade plastic are likely to keep up with the wear-and-tear of pavements while still being comfortable.
Avoid shoes that use gummy, soft rubbers that can easily be chewed up or torn, as well as dog shoes that are purely made out of material. Full canvas shoes or socks are absolutely going to be worn down by tough paws.
Try to avoid shoes that have too many ‘accessories’ attached. Things like bows, buttons, decorative straps, and so on are more likely to be scraped off or bitten off by your dog. They could even be a choking hazard if they’re small enough.
Try and look at trusted reviews before buying any product.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are vital to the durability of the shoe. It will depend on the material but normally the surface can be spot cleaned.
With Sparkpaws dog shoes, you can also soak the boots in lukewarm water with regular soap and detergent, then rinse with clean water. You can gently wring out excess water before hanging to dry.
Using a dryer or direct heat source is normally a bad idea as this can damage most dog boots, especially those with rubber, plastic, or leather in them.
What if My Dog Doesn’t Like Their Shoes?
Most dogs will have to get used to their dog boots, especially if it's a new pair or if they are not used to wearing shoes. Most dogs will not understand the situation and instinctively try to shake the shoes off and avoid using them.
Give your dog some time to adjust to the dog boots, providing them with treats and pets to show them that wearing their shoes can be a comfortable experience.
It is a good idea to practice putting on shoes and having your dog take them for a practice run at home before taking your dog out, as the new sensation might become overwhelming if combined with a new environment.
Can They Wear Something More Comfortable Like a Sock?
While a sock, or dog shoe alternatives, may be fine for other purposes, it is really not recommended if you are buying your dog shoes to avoid hot surfaces.
The best dog shoes for hot surfaces should make sure that your dog’s paws are fully covered and properly insulated from the ground for the ultimate heat protection so that there is no chance for your dog to burn himself.
How To Get the Right Size
As we’ve already discussed, getting the right size shoe is important for both comfort and safety. Many dog shoe companies will measure dog paws by width rather than length.
To properly measure your dog’s paws you will need-
- Treats or toys - Anything that will help your dog to stand still long enough to get a good measurement.
Start by placing the piece of paper on the floor and then getting your dog to stand as naturally as possible on the sheet of paper. It may be better to do this during mealtimes or with treats so your dog is distracted.
Then use a pen or marker to make marks on both sides of your dog’s paw. It is normally best to get a measurement of at least one front paw and one back paw to get the best estimate of the true size.
You can then use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance between the two lines to get an average of the width. If your dog is between two sizes, then it is probably best to round up to the bigger size.
Normally it's best to trim your dog’s nails and any excess hair to get as accurate a measurement as possible
What Else Do I Need For a Summer Run?
Even with the best summer dog shoes it helps to be prepared for a hot day.[3]
Consider maybe switching to a harness, so there's less pressure on your dog’s neck, allowing them to breathe and pant easier which can help cool them down. This is especially important for flat faced breeds like bulldogs or pugs.
Always be careful when walking a young, elderly, or sick dog, as they may struggle to regulate their body temperature. Consider providing a short-coated dog with a light t-shirt or cooling vest to avoid sunburn and sunstroke.
Always make sure you have water with you if you are planning a long walk or trip with your dog, as well as a receptacle that they would be able to safely drink out of.
Conclusion
Dogs need paw protection on scorching hot days since pavement can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures that can burn and chap your dog’s paws. Even natural materials like sand and rock can quickly become unbearable.
You should be looking for dog shoes that have-
Traction - The shoe should provide as much grip as an uncovered paw. The last thing you want is a slippery shoe that can lead to falls. For this, a shoe needs as many grooves as possible and should be made of a non-slip material as possible, like rubber or soft plastic.
Breathability - Dogs use their paws for heat regulation, so a good shoe should be made from a material that allows heat to escape from the paw area.
Adjustability - Shoes should fit well to be good for purpose. This means that customizable straps are normally better than slip ons, and are less likely to chafe or fall off.
Durability - Dog shoes need to be durable. This means that the soles need to be made out of tough material such as shoe-grade rubber or plastic. Proper cleaning and care should also be taken to make the shoe last longer.
Don't be too concerned if your dog doesn’t like their shoes at first. It can take a while for them to get used to the sensation. You can help by making it a positive experience with treats and attention.
Also, make sure that your dog has everything else they need to stay comfortable on a hot day.
If you would like to try out some good dog shoes and read the reviews, have a look at Sparkpaws’ Dog Boots and Dog Shoes collection for a series of stylish dog shoes that are made especially with hot pavements in mind.
Happy Walking!
Ext Links
[1] https://www.pawsitivepartnersnp.com
[2] https://www.au-sparkpaws.com
[3]https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk