While I tend to think of our boots as foot protection for hunting dogs, there are plenty of reasons to use boots in both the off-season and for city dogs that don’t hunt. There are plenty of dangers that exist for dogs that get their exercise on the streets. There is no reason you should have to worry about your dog getting injured while you are taking them on a walk.
During the heat of the year, the most dangerous thing for dogs walking on paved streets is the temperature of the concrete and asphalt. In direct sunlight, asphalt can quickly reach 125 degrees and it doesn’t take long for it to get to 150 and higher.
While I don’t agree with the common “if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for your dog” since their paws are tougher than your hands or feet, there’s also little need to risk burning your dog’s pads when you both should be enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Exercise with your pet should be a great time for both of you.
There are plenty of additional dangers beyond the temperature of the road. Glass, metal, and debris are everywhere if you look around. They can also show up unexpectedly in spots once a traffic accident has happened. A good set of rubber soled dog boots can easily fix this situation.
Picking a road boot is slightly different than picking a hunting dog boot. While everything we sell will work with road use, I do want to avoid a few things. The cordura boots we sell are not designed for constant use on a hard, road surface and will wear out over time. The rubber Lewis boots that I prefer for hunting dogs are really too much of a hassle to use for daily walks.
Boot with Rubber Sole and Velcro
I am going to prefer a boot with a rubber sole and a Velcro style attachment so I can easily put them on my pup. We sell three brands that fit well for this combination.
Ultra Paws Boots
https://www.gundogsupply.com/ultra-rugged-dog-boots-by-ultra-paws-set-of-4-red.html
The least expensive of the ones we sell, the Ultra paws boots, make a great choice for protection while walking your dogs. Rugged and easy to put on.
Ruff Wear Boots
https://www.gundogsupply.com/red-grip-trex-dog-boots-by-ruff-wear-set-of-4.html
The Ruff Wear boots are designed more like a tennis shoe and are a great choice. I have used them on my dogs for years and they do a great job. Easy to use and designed to be durable for use on the road and in the country. Ruff Wear boots are stylish and tough. A great dog boot.
Kurgo Boots
https://www.gundogsupply.com/kurgo-step-n-strobe-dog-shoes.html
Kurgo boots are very similar in design to the Ruff Wear boots. They are built like a shoe and are rugged and breathable. They offer superior foot protection but they also have an additional feature that increases your dog’s safety at night. The step – n – strobe boots have built in lights. These pressure activated lights only shine while your dog is wearing the boots making him more visible to oncoming traffic. The only downside to these battery operated boots is that the waterproof battery is sealed and cannot be replaced once it runs out.