How To Measure & Put On Dog Boots

How Do I Measure My Dog's Paws And Pick The Right Size Dog Boot?

There are several methods you can use to measure your dog's paw. Please keep in mind that you will need to measure the entire part of the paw that touches the floor - from the back paw pad to the edge of the toenail. You will also want to be sure your dog's nails are trimmed to ensure the most comfortable fit. It is best to measure your dog's paws while your dog is standing so the paw is completely splayed. When your dog is standing you will get a wider measurement (more accurate) than when your dog is laying or sitting.

1. Have your dog stand on a blank piece of paper and mark the front & back of the paw (include toenail) for length measurement. Measure the distance between the lines. Do the same on the left and right sides of the paw for width measurement. Do not trace around the paw.
   
2. Hold a ruler or tape measure on the bottom of your dog's paw and measure the length and width (including toenail)
3. Put a ruler on the floor and let your dog stand on it.
4. Wet your dog's paw and press it on a blank piece of paper. Measure the length and width of the impression (include toenail)

Every product page on the website has a specific size chart corresponding to that particular dog shoe. Most product pages also include a chart for your dog to stand on to help you pick the right size. Please set ACTUAL SIZE or 100% setting for your printer. The actual dimensions the paw prints should measure are listed on the images. It is necessary to measure the paper to make sure it printed accurately. . If your dog’s shoe size falls in between two different sizes, choose the larger of the two to be sure the boots aren’t too tight or uncomfortable.

And if measuring seems like an impossible task - contact us. We are happy to help you!

How Do I Put Dog Shoes On My Dog? (Click Here For A Step By Step Instructional Training Guide)

Shoes should be put on while the dog standing in order to ensure they are securely fastened with the dog's weight fully on the paws. Take one shoe and make sure that it is fully open before placing the dog's paw into it, making sure to include the dewclaws in the shoe (if applicable) as not to provide discomfort. It’s helpful to use your finger as a shoe horn in the back of the shoe to enable the paw to slide to the front of the shoe. Run your index finger through the shoe to ensure that the paw is fully in and placed appropriately at the front. When the dog is standing with full weight on it's paws, you can lightly squeeze the front of the shoe and feel for the toes to be certain you feel the dog’s paw at the front, similar to how you would size your own shoe. It may be helpful to lift the opposite leg of the shoe you just put on, forcing your dog to put full weight into the shoe. Make sure the leg is set down before you strap the shoe closed. With the dog standing on the shoe, tuck in all fur and zip, tie or strap the shoe closed snugly.

Helpful Tip: For dogs weighing less than 15 pounds you may want to consider elevating the dog on a counter or table top before putting shoes on. Many smaller breed dogs may get confused and think it is playtime otherwise.

How Do You Get A Dog Used To New Dog Booties?

For most dogs, dog footwear is a new concept. The first time your dog tries on a pair of dog booties, it will be difficult not to laugh. Your dog will do a little dance and will probably pick up his feet and prance like a high-stepping pony, trying to figure out why the ground doesn’t feel the same. (If you have a video camera, this is a great photo opportunity!)

Once you have the dog booties in place go out immediately and engage in your dog's favorite activity, getting the dog’s focus off the shoes and onto something else. Let him chase a ball, catch a flying disk and just run. Or, simply throw a treat and praise him when he runs after it. After about 10 or 15 minutes check closures and make sure the boots are still secure on the dog’s paws. This is considered the "break in" period where the upper softens and conforms to the dog's paws. Use common sense and allow some time for your dog to become accustomed to the dog booties on daily walks. Just as you would never go out on a big hike with new hiking boots, start off on easy hikes and work into the big ones with your dog's new footwear.


It’s important not to leave your dog unattended while wearing boots or shoes. Please note that dogs sweat through their paws. To prevent irritation or overheating you should never allow your dogs to wear shoes for extended periods of time.


Helpful Tip: If it is your dog’s first time trying on his new shoes, it may be helpful to put the shoes only on the two front paws first. Let your dog get acclimated to two shoes before putting all four shoes on.