How to Find the Best Dog Shoes for Pitbulls?: A Guide
Pitbulls may seem like big, tough dogs, but they’re just as at risk of paw injuries as any other breed. Many dog owners are turning to dog shoes to keep their pets safe from hot pavements or icy floors, and pitbull owners are no different.
That's not to say that shoe shopping for pitbulls doesn't come with its own unique challenges - so let's delve into some of those challenges to find the best dog shoes on the market.
Key Takeaway
Good dog shoes have durable rubber soles, good traction, breathable materials, and a secure fit to protect your Pitbull's paws. The best shoes for pitbulls depend on their purpose and your dog's personal needs.
Table of Contents
Special Considerations When Buying Dog Shoes for Pitbulls
Pitbulls have the same considerations as most dogs - their paw pads are just as at risk of burns from hot asphalt, hot sand, rock salt, ice, rough terrain, antifreeze, broken glass on sidewalks, etc., as any other breed.[1]
However, there are a few other things to consider, too. Most pitbulls are quite strong, so they need shoes that fit well and are difficult to remove. XL Bullies and other large bully breeds will also have their weight to contend with.
Many pitbulls also suffer from knee and hip displacements as they get older, so that means that finding shoes with a good grip should be a priority.
Most pitbulls have short fur, which makes sizing easier, but can also put them at risk for skin issues like eczema or contact dermatitis. So shoes that have good coverage, but that are still breathable and unlikely to cause a flare-up need to be considered.
Hot Pavement Pawtector Dog Shoes - Teal
The Qualities of Good Dog Boots
With these unique challenges in mind, let’s look at how we can get the best out of our dog shoes.
Rubber soles
Thick rubber soles are better and safer than soft shoes when protecting from hot pavement. This type of thick sole is also good for cold-weather dog booties, as it protects paws while keeping feet dry.
Extreme cold can be just as detrimental to paw health as extreme heat, so good insulation is paramount when it comes to safety and health.
Rubber is often better than cheap, hard plastic because it allows greater freedom of movement within the shoe. This helps to maintain a normal gait and keep your dog comfortable. A more flexible rubber also reduces the risk of squeezing your pitbull’s paw and causing issues.
Ventilation
Most dogs regulate heat through their paws. Thick rubber boots with no mesh might be fine for quick rainy walks, but can easily cause overheating as well as trigger eczema, fungus growth, and other issues to sensitive paws. Pitbulls, who can be especially vulnerable to skin problems, should be careful.
A dog shoe should have a canvas or mesh upper cover for better airflow. This can be a lighter material for warm weather and more waterproof for snowy days, but it should always be breathable and comfortable.
Proper Traction
A good reason to avoid sock-style dog boots is that they can be slippery. Many pitbulls suffer from joint issues, and even a young dog can injure themselves sliding on ice and hardwood floors.
Dog shoes remove the natural grip of a paw pad, so they should compensate by providing extra traction. Your average rubber-soled dog boot should come with a rough under-pattern or a rigid sole, but you may need to opt for an even tougher one if your dog is a runner or spends a lot of time on slick surfaces.
Martingale Collar and Multipurpose Leash Sets
Good Fit
A high-quality pair of shoes should fit snug on your dog’s paws without falling off. Ideally, this means making accommodations for long nails and dew claws if the shoe is going up your dog’s leg.
The shoe should also accommodate paw width in certain breeds, such as some pitbull types. This normally means the shoe should have velcro straps or another difficult-to-remove securing device.
While dogs should not wear shoes for extended periods of time, the shoes should never affect your dog’s gait, cause ingrown or painful nails, or chafe off your dog’s leg fur. If it does, then the shoe is either poorly made or an incorrect size.
Some dogs also have larger front paws than rear paws. If this is the case, then make sure that you buy shoes that can easily slip on and then be secured in place.
Types of Dog Booties
Not all dog shoes are created equal. While there is a bit of overlap in their purpose, getting shoes for your pitbull based on the activity you want can help narrow your choice down and make sure your pitbull stays comfortable.
Everyday Walking Shoes
Hot Pavement Pawtector Dog Shoes - Green
These are your typical everyday shoes. They protect your dog’s foot from hot surfaces, rough concrete, and other day-to-day hazards you might encounter in and on your way to the park.
They tend to be simpler and are intended for short-term use. Quality is still important, and most dog boots should still come with good grip and proper soles.
Many of these shoes come with reflective and bright colors, since they are more likely to be worn in urban areas with lots of traffic. If your goal is simple, comfortable protection, then you’re most likely looking for a pair of these.
Snow and Rain Boots
Dog Rainboots, Waterproof Dog Shoes Black
Unlike everyday boots, snow and rain boots tend to be longer and climb higher up your dog’s paws. They can help keep your dog’s feet dry and avoid muddy paws on the carpet by being more waterproof than regular shoes. Though they should still be breathable.
They often sit higher and tighter than warm-weather shoes, as they need to keep your dog’s feet dry in both deep snow and mud. They can also prevent your dog’s fur from getting matted with clumps of snow.
These are often heavier boots, with some winter varieties coming with an added liner for warmth. This can make your dog feel uncomfortable in hot weather, so make sure you only have your dog wear boots if it's appropriate for the season.
Rain boots are often less padded than winter boots, but they can still be a bit warm when worn as regular shoes.
Dog Socks
Dog socks are another type of dog shoe, though they’re normally made of material and don’t have a rubber sole.
These sock booties can be helpful if you’re trying to stop your pitbull from licking their paws, or if you’re trying to protect an injury or hotspot. However, only boots that have a sole can offer meaningful protection against sharp objects or hard surfaces. These socks will also get dirty quickly and need to be changed.
Be careful about putting socks on all four feet, as they could increase the chance of slipping.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are the most durable boots. These shoes tend to have thick soles and more ankle support than traditional shoes. These long-distance booties aim to keep your pitbull’s feet dry while offering the most grip and trail protection. Since Pitbulls are muscular and energetic, a well-trained Pitbull can be an excellent trail companion.
However, they have the downside in that they are often expensive, and may be too warm and uncomfortable for everyday life.
Multi-Purpose shoes
Spark Paws 365 - The All-Season Dog Shoes - Black Orange
Some shoes on the market offer both summer and winter options rolled into a single shoe. They may not have all the benefits of specialized footwear, but they can be a cost-effective, all-around-winner option for the average dog walker.
They tend to focus on multi-use functions such as rubber soles with proper grip, breathable yet water-resistant materials, and a secure fit to repel water and snow.
Not all shoes are good for all seasons, so make sure your multi-purpose shoes are marketed as such.
You can find some of these new, advanced shoes in Sparkpaws’ Dog Shoe Collection.
Knowing Your Pitbull
Before you grab some new boots, think about what your pitbull needs. Some people think that pitbulls are lazy dogs, but that's quite far from the truth. A healthy, young pitbull can easily need more than 1 - 2 hours of exercise per day.
However, not all pitbulls are created equally. A more relaxed, family dog may just need a simple pair of shoes to get them to the dog park, while a running or hiking companion will need sturdier, tougher shoes to keep their paws dry and help them keep up with you.
Likewise, there are individual needs. Is your pitbull older? Do they need a special grip? Do they find shoes very uncomfortable and struggle to walk in them?
Out of all the boots, the one that is best for pitbulls is the one your pitbull can get the most use out of.
Conclusion
Pitbulls need dog shoes that provide paw protection, strong traction, and a secure fit while still staying comfortable. Since Pitbulls are powerful, active dogs that can be prone to joint issues and skin sensitivities, it's important to choose breathable footwear with durable rubber soles and adjustable securing straps that aren’t going to sit too tightly on your dog’s body.
If you would like to see a variety of dog shoe types, consider checking out Sparkpaws’ Dog Shoe and Boot Collection, for a variety of high-quality, durable dog shoes that are made with big dogs, like pitbulls, in mind.
FAQ
What Size Dog Shoe for a Pitbull?
There is no One-size-fits-all for pitbulls. You should measure your dog’s foot by placing it on a sheet of paper and marking the front, back, and sides with a pen before measuring with a ruler. This should give you a size to compare to size guides.
Do Vets Recommend Dog Booties?
Yes, vets recommend dog shoes when necessary. Not all dogs need shoes, but using shoes responsibly can protect your dog from burns and other injuries.
Are There Any Dog Shoes That Actually Stay on?
Yes, dog shoes that are properly fitted and that come with adjustable straps should stay on. Make sure to buy a well-fitting and high-quality shoe.
Do Pitbulls Need Shoes?
Pitbulls do not need shoes every day. However, they may need them to protect themselves from hot concrete, hot sand, and other environmental hazards. Pitbulls are more prone to skin allergies, and shoes can help.
Ext links
[1] https://www.akcpetinsurance.com
[2] https://spiritdogtraining.com