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Are there Differences Between Dog Shoes, Boots, And Booties?

February 06, 2018

More often than not, these three words — shoes, boots and booties — are synonymous when talking about footwear for dogs.

Boots may be used when discussing winter footwear for dogs. Booties may encompass all seasons a dog may wear footwear. Shoes is also used, less often, but it also appears to include all footwear. But the use of all these terms may confuse the dog owner into thinking they had better know the differences between them, and make sure to purchase the correct footwear for their canine.

A more distinct difference for exploring shoes on dogs may be the function: cold and snow versus hot pavement. Here are a few categories for dog footwear and why it might be the right choice, depending on the situation:

Disposable Dog Booties

Booties are useful for walks in the rain and protecting pool liners during summer swims. Disposable dog booties are easy to get on. These boots are waterproof and don’t have padding, so the dog can feel the ground and keep their balance easily. They are also a good choice to protect dog paws after surgery.

Disposable, reusable, waterproof, and eco-friendly
Protects from snow, rain, salt, sand, hot pavement, and other irritants
Easily put on and taken off and fits securely without zippers or straps
Natural-feeling boot that bends with the dog’s paw
Vet recommended
A variety of colors available

Sneakers

While there are some strictly entertaining and aesthetic purposes to dress the dog in a pair of fashionable dog shoes, there are also some real benefits.

Protects feet from hot asphalt and cement in the summer
Helps them balance
Protects feet from injury

Snow Boots

Contrary to what people may think, paw-wear is more than a fashion statement for privileged pets. Don’t let the harsh winter weather conditions keep the dog indoors.

Keeps dog’s paws warm and dry in the winter
Keeps paws dry and safe from the snow, the ice, salt, stones, and other abrasive surfaces
Prevents snow and ice from getting built up between paw pads, avoiding pain and the loss of traction on frozen surfaces
Avoids layers of snow getting frozen together, which are hard to remove and can result in sharp areas that can scratch or slice the dog’s paws
Keeps melting snow from dog’s feet from leaving puddles and wet spots in the home

Meanwhile, dog shoes would be footwear like the dog sneakers described, and dog boots would be snow boots or hiking boots that give dogs more ankle support than disposable booties or dog sandals would typically provide.

Resources:
Instructables

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