Dog Running Shoes: The Perfect Fit for Your Pup's Active Lifestyle
Ooh yeah. Hello weekend!
If you’re anything like me, you love weekends because you get to spend some quality time with the family, perhaps go for a hike, a walk or simply spend some R&R with friends at home.
There are few things that are quite as satisfactory on a Saturday morning than going for a short jog with your four legged friend. But just like we adorn good quality running shoes to protect us from the road ahead, our pups feet might also need some protection.
This is true especially if you’re used to running on course surfaces that will eventually wear down your pups paw padding.
One retailer that offers some of the best quality dog running shoes - and just about any other accessory you might need for your pup, is Sparkpaws.com.
So let’s have a closer look at what to consider when considering running shoes for your beloved pup.
Why Dog Running Shoes Matter
You might think that dogs have natural padding that will protect them from the great outdoors, and thus they won’t need to wear boots at all.
And that’s true, dog’s do have natural protection under their paws that allows them to freely move over just about any terrain.
But if you live in a warm climate or in an area where the roads are abnormally course, then you need to make an exception and provide your pup with all the help he needs to enjoy morning walks as much as you do.
Cities like Phoenix, Dallas and Miami are amongst the hottest in the US. The tarmac and other surfaces in these cities can get really hot, and your pup’s paws won’t last too long on hot summer months.
A hot pavement could burn and blister your dogs feet, causing great pain and discomfort, so don’t be shy - protect your dogs feet with specialized dog boots
What Makes Sparkpaw's Dog Shoes Ideal for Running
Sparkpaws currently offers two different types of shoes, both offering fantastic quality and comfort for your dog.
The Pawprotector
The aptly name pawprotector range offers dogs protection when they need it most, during hot summer days.
They are the perfect way to shield your dog's paws from scorching pavement, rugged terrain, and sharp thorns!
With a spacious design and adjustable velcro straps, these dog shoes ensure a secure and comfortable fit, allowing your pup to run, jump, and play with absolute ease.
The FlexiPaw All Weather Dog Shoe
These shoes are thoughtfully crafted to provide your furry companion with optimal protection and comfort.
They're designed to handle a variety of outdoor conditions, whether it's a stroll during a drizzle or a romp on challenging terrains. These shoes ensure your dog's paws remain dry and well-protected, allowing them to move naturally and confidently in any weather.
Whichever option you choose, know that your ‘dog's feet’ are in safe hands. Sparkpaws products are all designed to the highest quality and standards in comfort. The materials used are environmentally friendly and easy to take care of.
The Importance of Proper Fit
Have you ever tried running, or even just walking, in shoes that are half a size too small? It can be extremely annoying.
So take the time to measure your pups paws accurately before purchasing dog boots.
Here’s a simple way of messing for a snug fit:
At first it might seem like most dog paws are the same size. But the truth is that they differ enough to make a shoe that’s a little too small or big extremely uncomfortable.
Different breeds have different shaped paws as they have been bread for different reasons. Amd not all dogs are purebread.
Mixbreed dogs will have a different width or shape from purebread dogs. So take the time to measure your pups front and rear paws individually to make sure you get them the correct size.
Sparkpaws has a pretty useful chart depicting different sizes by breed and and measurements, so if you have any hesitation on your measurements, why not consult their chart, found on this page.
Protecting Your Dog's Paws
Just like their owners, dogs suffer when they are faced with uneven, harsh surfaces.
Dog’s paws are sensitive and are susceptible to blistering, cuts, bruises, and burns when they run over challenging terrain.
User Experience:
“These shoes are great! George's paws are well protected against cold and salt. Nice that there are different sizes for front and back paws. Highly recommended for winter!”
Some of ther best dog boots on the market will have rubber padding underneath that have a dual purpose.
Firstly, the padding is heavy duty, meaning that your pup’s feet won’t have to deal with the harsh terrain as there’s a buffer acting as protection.
Secondly, your dogs feet will be protected in cold or hot weather. That means you won’t have to stress about your dog's sensitive paw pads when going for a walk in extreme weather conditions.
And dog boots are more than just a stylish accessory. With thick rubber soles they alsohelp your dog maintain its balance on slippery surfaces.
Choosing the Right Style
When it comes to choosing the right style boot for your pup there’s no one size fits all solution.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so does the terrain they find themselves in. This means that you might want to consider different styles of paw protection to cater for the variables your dog will encounter.
Add to that different weather conditions and you have enough reasons to shop around for the perfect dog shoe.
Take the following into consideration:
Activity level
Highly active dog breeds like Pit bulls, German shepherds, or other working-type dogs need durable dog boots to handle their busy lifestyle.
And even if you have a small to medium-sized dog, but still engage in a lot of outdoor activities like hiking or running, you’ll want to get them a dog boot that will protect their paws.
Less active dogs will probably do just fine with dog socks or a simple paw wrap as they spend most of their time indoors and on easy terrain.
Terrain
Think about the terrain your dog will encounter. If you live in an area with rough or sharp surfaces, opt for shoes with thicker soles and sturdy materials. For urban environments with mostly pavement, lighter shoes may suffice.
But if you live in an area where your walks are mostly on difficult terrain like in the countryside, then you want to invest in a good pair of rugged boots.
Climate
Your local climate plays a significant role.
In colder regions, insulated booties can keep your pet’s feet warm, while in hot climates, breathable sandals or paw wraps may be more comfortable.
There are also a few special considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best dog shoes for your beloved pet.
Many dogs are prone to paw injuries as they simply have more sensitive skeletal structures and paw pads.
Greyhounds, for instance, have very sensitive skin and would need breathable shoes, while bulldogs, though robust, would also need open-type shoes as they’re prone to overheating and need all the ventilation they can get.
Another special consideration to take into regard would be the length of your dog's hair. Yes, hairy paws could become an issue as their hair could mat and become unhygienic. So if you take a bit longer between grooming sessions, get your pup some shoes!
Tips for Introducing Dog Running Shoes to Your Pet
The first time your parents put shoes on you you probably hated it. And more likely than not you walked really weird.
Your dog will likewise be extremely unsure about it’s new footwear.
So introduce the idea gradually. Perhaps put one of the shoes on them at a time and see how they react to the new sensation.
You should also keep them in a controlled environment and limit distractions when doing so. A good idea is to put their new shoes or dog boots on at home, inside or in the back yard.
They’ll either be unsure about how to walk or start zooming around the backyard. So this initial test should be in a well known, calm place.
You could also try to use positive reinforcement during their first shoe wearing experience. After putting their news shoes on, go straight into an easy to acomplish / high reward training session.
This will make them forget all about their shoe woes and help them get used to the new additions much quicker.
Caring for Your Dog's Running Shoes
Most dog boots are made of high quality, washable material.
And those offered by Sparkpaws are no exception. They have a thick pvc sole which will give your dog all the traction and protection it needs, while the soft interior lining will keep their paws as comfortable as can be.
A velcro strap helps secure the shoes to your dogs feet, ensuring that they stay on, even when your pup runs and plays for hours without end.
As you can imagine, dog boots are prone to getting wet and stained, so you need to invest in an all weather, or atleast weather resistant shoe.
And when they need a wash, simply throw them in the washing machine with your other clothes and they’ll clean right off. This simple to put on, simple to maintain aspect makes them the first choice for dog owners county-wide.
Conclusion
In closing, introducing your furry friend to the idea of wearing dog boots can be a valuable step in caring for your dog's paw pads, especially when dealing with hot pavement and challenging terrains.
It's a process that requires patience and gradual adjustment. However, by doing so, pet owners can ensure their dogs enjoy greater comfort and safety during their outdoor excursions.
So, remember, take it slow and steady, and your canine companion will be running comfortably and confidently in their new footwear in no time.