Should Dogs Wear Shoes While Hiking? Find Out Now!
Dogs should wear shoes while hiking on a difficult trail with a harsh/rough terrain for a long period for time. A dog would not need to wear shoes on shorter, paved hikes that are not much different to the difficulty of a daily walk. Weather conditions should also be taken into consideration. Dogs should wear shoes while hiking in hot conditions when their paws could get burnt and/or in cold, wet or icy conditions when there are slip hazards. Finally the hiking experience of your dog should be taken into experience. Dogs who regularly walk on rough terrain have tougher, calloused paws and would find dog hiking boots not as useful as dogs who spend more time indoors and softer surfaces such as grass.
Table of Contents
Advantages For Your Dog To Wear Shoes While Hiking
1. Paw Protection
The number one advantage of putting dog shoes on your dog while hiking is that it will act as an extra layer of protection. Hiking trails have all sorts of hazards on them such as rocks, sticks, thorns and other sharp objects. Not only will dog shoes help prevent cuts but will also reduce blistering and cracking by reducing paw dryness.
Besides dangerous objects on hiking trails there are also dangerous animals. With covered paws, your dog will be less likely to be bitten by snakes, spiders, ants and other insects that target dog feet and leg regions. While it won’t guarantee your dog won’t get an injury it reduces the likelihood of it happening.
2. Provides Extra Stability & Support
Furthermore, dogs who wear shoes while hiking will have extra stability and support for their paws.
The underside of dog hiking shoes are made from thick textured plastic that has a fantastic grip. This will provide stability for your dog while he/she walks over uneven surfaces on a hiking trail.
Additionally, around the top of the shoe there is generally located a piece of velcro as a fastening. This will make sure that the hiking shoes fit well and will not fall off your dog’s feet. They also provide extra support around your dog’s hocks (this is the equivalent of a human’s ankle) which can help prevent sprains and strains.
3. Extra Comfort
Finally, the thick padding of the dog hiking shoes will reduce soreness from spending a full day on their feet. I’m sure you know what it feels like to be standing on your feet all day. Your dog definitely deserves a good quality pair of hiking booties that have good fabric thickness.
Disadvantages For Your Dog To Wear Shoes While Hiking
1. Takes A While To Get Used To Walking In Them
Dog hiking shoes can feel quite foreign to dogs. At first it can effect their sense of balance and they might be apprehensive to walk around in them. However over time your dog should get used to them and be very happy walking in them.
At first, I suggest that you let your dog get used to their new dog boots in the safety of your home. Don’t put your hiking booties on for the first time in the car before a hike! Let your dog walk around the house in them as this is a safe and known environment for your dog. Then test them outside during your daily dog walk. After a few attempts at this, your dog should be a pro at walking in them!
2. Some Dogs Will Try To Pull Them Off
Unfortunately dog hiking shoes are not for all dogs. If your dog hates dressing up, wearing simple dog clothes e.g. a dog raincoat or doesn’t like having their paws touched e.g. while getting nails cut, it might not be the most suitable dog product. Overall, more placid dogs are more willing to wear dog hiking shoes.
You know your dog best. Think about your dog’s temperament and predict how your dog will react to them before getting a pair.
In What Hiking Situations Should Dog’s Wear Shoes?
The general rule of thumb is that if you can not walk on a surface barefoot at all, you dog won’t be able to either.
If it is an easy, short, pathed hiking trail, your dog would not need to wear dog shoes. This wouldn’t be much different to going on a normal dog walk.
Alternatively, if you are going on a difficult, long walk with a harsh/rough terrain e.g. sharp gravel, unpredictable terrain etc., a pair of dog shoes will add another layer of protection and help prevent injuries.
Other hiking situations where a pair of hiking shoes would come in handy are during extreme weather conditions. For example, very hot weather where the trail could be scorching or cold, wet and icy conditions where your dog could slip.
You should also assess the difficult of the hiking trail. Are there lots of areas where extra grip is needed? If so, you should get your dog a pair of hiking boots.
It is also a good idea to learn about some dog first aid when you go hiking. You can read my article on it here!
Are Some Dogs More Prone To Injuries From Not Wearing Dog Hiking Shoes?
Yes, some dogs are more likely to get injuries, especially dog paw pad injuries, from not wearing hiking shoes than others.
If you are constantly spending time outdoors with your dog in tough terrain, he/she will have tougher paw pads than a dog who spends majority of it’s time indoors on carpet and carefully manicured grass.
All dog paw pads are not tough to begin with. They will develop, toughen and callus with time spent on the trail. So if you do not want to invest in a pair of dog hiking boots, I suggest that you survey the terrain, make sure it is safe and then slowly build up to it. This means going slow and not too far at first. You don’t want to end up carrying your dog home for the last part of the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Hiking Shoes
How do I protect my dogs paws when hiking? The best way to protect your dog’s paws when hiking is to put dog shoes or dog booties on their paws. This will create a barrier between your dog’s paw pads and the rough terrain and will also increase their grip when walking.
Are hiking boots necessary for dogs? No, dog hiking boots are not necessary for dogs however they are a good safety precaution for a dog to protect their paws. Hiking boots might not be necessary for a dog who has a lot of experience hiking and has toughened paw pads.
Should I put something on my dog’s paws when hiking? Yes you can either put dog boots or paw wax on your dog’s paws when hiking to protect them from rough terrain. Dog boots provide a tougher barrier between a dog’s paw pad and the ground compared to paw wax.
Do dogs need booties to hike? No, dogs do not need booties to hike however if it is very rough terrain it is a good idea to put them on your dog’s paws. It is also a good idea for dogs to wear booties when hiking if they have soft paws that are likely to get cut.
Are dog boots worth it? Dog boots are worth it for people who regularly go hiking as it provides extra cushioning and additional support to your dog’s paws. They can protect your dog’s paws from getting cut, getting rubbed raw, from burning and also ticks and insect bites.
What Are The Best Dog Boots For Hiking?
- Kurgo Dog Shoes Winter Boots for Dogs From Amazon
- Kurgo Blaze Shoes for Dogs From Amazon
- EXPAWLORER Waterproof Dog Boots From Amazon
How long can you leave dog boots on? You can leave dog boots on for roughly 2-3 hours. You can leave them on for the duration of a hike or walk but you should take them off afterwards to give your dog’s paws a break.
Do dogs like boots? Many dogs do not like boots at first because they alter their sense of balance and they can’t feel the ground however with time and proper training they can learn to like them. This being said for some dog, boots do not bother them at all.
Are dog shoes comfortable? At first dog shoes may be uncomfortable for dogs because it feel unusual and sometimes restricting. However in comparison to a cut on a paw, dog shoes are very comfortable and are a good safety measure to take while hiking with a dog.
How do I know what size boots to get my dog? Every dog boot has a slightly different sizing system but the most common way is to measure the widest section of your dog’s paws with a dress makers measuring tape while no pressure is put on the foot.
Can dogs with dew claws wear boots? Yes, dogs with dew claws can wear boots however there are sometimes issues such as irritation from the boot rubbing on the dew claw. Unfortunately dog boots fasten just above the dew claw so it is hard to avoid chaffing
Top Picks For Dog Hiking Shoes
If you have decided that your dog should wear a pair of dog shoes on your next hike, these are my top suggestions.
1. Kurgo Dog Shoes Winter Boots for Dogs
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boots, Black
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
3. RUFFWEAR, Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots with Rubber Soles for Hiking
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
4. QUMY Dog Shoes for Medium Large Breed Dogs Boots Rugged Non Slip with Reflective Tape Pet Booties
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Further Reading
What's Your Reaction?
