Increasingly, on city streets you can meet a dog in shoes. Such a picture does not cause confusion, as it was several years ago. Shoes for dogs performs not only aesthetic value, but also practical. Why buy your pet shoes and how to choose them correctly is the topic of our conversation.
Why do dogs need shoes?
You have doubts: take shoes for your pet or not? Then it will be useful for you to familiarize yourself with some aspects that will help make a final decision and make sure that such a purchase is correct.
- This element of a dog wardrobe protects the health of the animal. Unprotected paws can be injured by sharp stones, glass or metal objects. Also danger to dog paws are reagents that sprinkle the road in winter. If they get on the paws, these chemicals in a short time cause burns, cracks and irritations that are problematic to be treated. In long-haired dogs, ice is frozen between fingers, which makes walking a very unpleasant experience.
- If the dog has paws already damaged, the shoes are a prerequisite, because the protective function lies first on it. Otherwise, you can face infection, which will only aggravate the situation and delay treatment.
- Wash your paws after each walk very few people like. Dog footwear solves this problem, because the paws will always remain clean, even in bad weather.
- The aesthetic side is also hidden in the dog shoe. This accessory will be appropriate not only at exhibitions, but also for a walk.
- For sled dogs, such accessories are mandatory, because the load on the paws is enormous and there is a high probability of damage on the ice and crust. For such cases, create special shoes.
Varieties
A number of factors underlie the classification of shoes for dogs. We have to study each of them in order to better understand the types of such an important accessory and to be able to choose the optimal model.
First of all, shoes for dogs vary by season:
- winter seasonIt is made of materials that are able to retain heat, fur is usually not used, since such accessories are obtained too warm;
- summer models open and light, provide good ventilation of air;
- demi-season Accessories should be worn out and waterproof, as they are intended for bad weather, silicone and rubber shoes are most often produced.
By appointment, there are the following varieties:
- everyday models should be of high quality and durable;
- decorative shoes bought for exhibitions and, as they say, on the way out;
- slippers has the appearance of socks with a compacted toe and a pimply sole, it allows to preserve the appearance of the floor covering and prevents the dog from slipping;
- Special models or sports are created for special dogs, for example, for sleds, such shoes provide reliable protection against mechanical damage and are designed for heavy loads.
Shoes for dogs is created in a variety of variations. Sandals are most suitable for summer, you can wear boots or sneakers during bad weather, and boots are the best choice for winter. These accessories are made from a variety of fabrics: cotton, leather, polyester, suede, silicone, neoprene.Materials used must be soft and hypoallergenic. On the inside there should be a soft lining that will not allow the paw to slide.
The sole is made of rubberized and grooved for better adhesion to various surfaces. The sock in such shoes is made more dense, which will prevent the piercing material with claws. For fixing the paws are used elastic bands, zippers and velcro.
Models are very popular with glowing soles. In such shoes it is convenient to walk your pet in the dark, as it will always be in sight.
All the more relevant is knitted shoes. This accessory can be made independently, if you have at least minimal skills with knitting or crocheting. Knitted models are suitable only for home use.
Although if you make knitted, laced boots of lightweight material and sew on the sole of a dense material, they can be worn outside in good weather.
How to determine size?
The limbs of dogs are different in size, because you need to first measure the paw. This can be done in two ways.
- Put the paw on a piece of paper and draw a pen around it on the contour, starting from the back to the claw on the longest finger. On the educated contour, you can judge the size of the paw.
- The extremity of the animal is dipped in gouache and an imprint is made on the sheet. It is important that the lower surface of the paw be completely painted with paint, including claws.
Measure the size of a dog's paws is easy, it will be a force for everyone. For measurements taken forelegs, because they are larger than the rear. To choose the right model, you must use the size tables that are available for each manufacturer.
Do not intentionally buy shoes that will be a little more or less than the paws of your pet. Shoe must exactly match the legs.
If your dog's paw size is in the middle range, then it is worth buying a slightly larger model.
How to choose?
Footwear for your pet you need to choose carefully and scrupulously. After all, the dog will not say that it is uncomfortable, cramped or painful. She just can not get used to this accessory and will strongly resist. To choose the perfect shoes, you must adhere to a number of rules:
- Initially, you need to pay attention to the quality of materials. They should not become a source of irritation and allergies. Internal stitches cause discomfort and can even bring painful sensations. Shoes made of elastic materials are well worn and washed.
- Strength should also be at a high level. In this case, the dog will not be able to nibble on his shoes and pierce it with claws. Obuvka should be especially strong for large pets and representatives of medium-sized rocks.
- In order not to be mistaken with the size, you need to try on the accessory. Size tables, of course, help, but it is still better to try on the fitting, if such a possibility exists.
- Reliability of a fastener plays not the last role at the choice of suitable model. This part is responsible for fixing the paw, which should not slide and dangle. Snake clasps can not be selected for long-haired breeds, because wool will be hammered into such a fastener. The best option are Velcro, which is easily adjustable in length.
- The height of the shoe is selected in accordance with the characteristics of the breed and the subtleties of the animal's anatomy. For example, high models are more suitable for Chinese crested, and for small breeds such as Chihuahua, short shoes are chosen.
- The price can not be very small, because you have to pay for a quality thing. Low cost indicates the low quality of the shoe itself and the materials from which it is made. In cheap shoes, a paw can sweep, and the dog will feel discomfort. Moreover, such accessories are quickly torn.
- Not all shoes are equally suitable for small and large breeds of dogs.Even the choice of shoes depends on the height of the paw. For example, one model is ideal for the spitz, but it is absolutely not suitable for Italian greyhound.
Because you need to take into account not only the size of the paw, but also its height and the parameters of the dog.
Manufacturers
Now many companies are engaged in the release of accessories for animals, including dog shoes. But not every one of them is ready to offer a quality product, for the production of which materials with high characteristics are selected. We studied the existing range and selected the best manufacturers, whose products can be chosen without the slightest fear.
- Products from 4-Runner It has good anatomical characteristics. This shoe exactly repeats the structure of the paw, because the animal will feel comfortable. Due to the elastic straps, any model well clings to the paw and does not allow it to dangle. In the area of the fold is the material with a minimum thickness, and the boot is created with a special slope. A special elastic material is used to create the sole, which is an important advantage.
- Under the brand name Dezzie warm shoes, crosses and sneakers are produced. Models stand out for their bright design and unusual colors. The manufacturer uses many options for fasteners and clips, which expands the choice. With such accessories your pet will be the most stylish.
- Guardian gear shoes not so stylish and expressive, but on the functional characteristics it has no equal. Better accessories will be very difficult to find. In such shoes the feet of the animal will be reliably protected from any mechanical damage and exposure to reagents. A hard sole will not allow slipping, the material does not let in water, but allows the skin to breathe. Many models are equipped with reflective stripes. In the range there are shoes for the smallest and largest dogs.
How to teach a pet to shoes?
Do not expect from your pet manifestations of joy from the new accessory. It is necessary to teach a dog to shoes, this process will not be simple. It is possible to start schooling for shoes only after 5 months, and in some cases even after 9 or even 12 months. Until this time, the paws are still formed, because shoes can lead to deformation of the limbs.
It is necessary to accustom your pet to footwear gradually and always at home. A few minutes will be enough to start The dog will try in every possible way to take off his shoes. It should be distracted from this process, you can use treats or rewards. Scold for trying to remove the shoes the dog is not worth it.
Over time, the pet will get used to its accessory and will not even be distracted by it.
Only then can you take your pet out in full gear.
How to choose shoes for dogs, see the next video.