Fall Footwear for Fido

Many of us are getting out into the wilderness to enjoy the changing of the leaves. Our dogs love it too!

As the weather is changing, we start thinking about pumpkin spice everything, sweaters, and booties.

We can give our pups pumpkin treats, outfit our pets in fall clothing, but it should be noted that our dogs can also benefit from fall footwear. 

Why boots are helpful to dogs

The fall weather here in Colorado is pretty unpredictable. On one day, it can be blazing hot, and then another can be quite cool, especially in the mountains. It's already snowed here in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Hot weather

During the Oktoberfest this weekend at the Dachshund Races, the weather was lovely, but the blacktop was still quite hot. I know this because I was kneeling on it to try and get down low enough to photograph the dog racing action. The only reason I could stand it was the fact that I was wearing long pants.

If the sidewalk or the asphalt is too warm for you to keep your hand on it for several seconds, it may be too hot for your dog's paws. Hot surfaces are still a problem, even in the fall. Don't be fooled into thinking that it's safe to venture out simply because the weather isn't in the 90's.

If your pup has spent most of the summer indoors because of the heat, there is a good chance their paws didn't have the chance to gradually toughen up.  If your pup is suddenly being exposed to hot surfaces because we're lulled into thinking the air isn't as hot, they can still be injured since the ground can still absorb and retain a lot of heat.

If you're out enjoying the many fall events in your area, be sure you have dog boots on hand to protect their paws and ensure your pup is safe and comfortable. 

Cold weather

As noted above, fall is full of surprises when it comes to the weather. It won't be long until we get our first dusting of snow.

Shopping for your dog's boots now will ensure that your dog has the most options in footwear. As soon as the weather changes, our boots tend to sell out quickly! You'll be glad you beat the crowd by buying yours now!

Dog boots help alleviate autumn allergies

Just like humans, dogs can have seasonal allergies. We usually associate spring as being the start of allergy season, but autumn produces a whole host of allergens too. Dog boots can be helpful for this malady in surprising ways.

Falling leaves and dried-out weeds can create clouds of dust and pollen for your pup to breathe and step in. Ragweed pollen is especially problematic for both humans and dogs and is at its peak in early fall.

Dogs with allergic symptoms often include itching and chewing of the skin, particularly in the paws. Dog boots can protect your furry friend from fall allergies by preventing contact with the allergens through their paws.

Not only do boots minimize contact exposure, they also prevent your dog from scratching themselves into an irritated mess by covering their nails. This helps stop the itch-scratch-irritation itch cycle. 

Because your irritated and inflamed dog wants to scratch and chew everything when they are agitated with seasonal allergies, it's important to monitor your dog when they're wearing their boots. They may actually manage to chew their boots off. 

Surprises under the leaves

If you like to get out in the wilds or at least out on the dog-friendly trails, there could be hidden dangers under the leaves.

Your dog is clever enough to avoid poky plants he can see in the summer, but cacti and other thorn-ridden plants are laying in wait for a stray paw. Don't let your hike through autumn loveliness end prematurely with a paw injury. Get your dog some boots!

Autumn aches and pains

With the barometric swings in the fall, senior dogs may experience more pain in their joints. You can tell your dog is having problems particularly when he or she is getting up from slippery floors. It's painful to watch.

Senior dogs, especially larger breeds, can benefit from wearing non-slip boots to help them get up and down off of floors. You can save your pet from pain and additional injury with a small investment in boots!

What kind of boots does my dog need?

We have several styles of dog boots and shoes in a wide range of prices. If you're looking for a sturdy boot that can last for several seasons, we recommend boots made by Muttlucks, Ruffwear, and Kurgo. The Step and Strobe Dog Shoes by Kurgo are pictured above.

For a mid-range price boot, our customer service representatives have found that the Kong dog boots and Doggles boots are a good choice. We've gotten very few returns and complaints about these.

The low-price dog boots, such as Guardian Gear boots are suitable for indoor use and quick trips outdoors for bathroom breaks.

If you have questions regarding our boots, our customer service agents are happy to help you choose the right style for your needs. You can contact us either through our chat feature or call Toll Free 1-888-887-0063.

How to get the right dog boot fit

For best results, never guess at what size your dog's paws may be. Our vendors all have different size guides. This means that one size in one manufacturer won't be the same size in another brand.

To measure your dog's paws, it's easiest to have your dog stand with all of their weight on a piece of paper and trace around their foot. Be sure to include room for the nails! Once you draw around the outside edge of your dog's paw, use a ruler to get the length and the width. 

Back paws and front paws will likely measure differently. If there is a huge size discrepancy between the front and back paws, consider buying boots sold in sets of two. The Muttluks Mud Monsters and Snow Mushers are two styles that do this. This way, you'll get a perfect fit and not lose boots.

Again, if you have any sizing or style questions, our customer service agents are fantastic at helping people find their dogs' perfect boots!