Do Dogs Need Shoes & Booties in Summer Heat?

Summer is for spending time with your favorite pup outdoors. Jaunts on the beach, walks in your neighborhood and fun in the sun at the local dog park are all par for the course. But you can't imagine walking around without shoes in the summer, so what about your dog? Are there dog shoes for summer heat protection? Perhaps it's best to purchase dog booties for hot pavement to keep your pet's paws protected all summer long.

Read on to learn why foot coverings are important, what types of terrain may be too hot for your dog's feet and styles to consider.

Why Are Dog Shoes for Summer Walking Important?

While your dog's paws may be tough, that doesn't mean exceedingly hot or cold temperatures won't affect your pet's feet. In the summer, terrain that is too hot — sidewalks and other hot paths may burn your pet's feet.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) states, "Sidewalks and streets become extremely hot in the summer, and while dog's paws are tougher than human feet, they still can get burned by hot pavement." They explain that during the day, the sun can make the sand on the beach tremendously hot as well. The same goes for walking paths or wooden areas directly in the sun's view.

Do All Dogs Need Dog Shoes in Summer Temperatures?

There are many factors that determine whether or not your pet will need shoes for summer heat, some of which include:

• Whether or not you live in a naturally warm climate
• If the walkways near your home are paved
• If you're walking on grass or cool dirt

Some geographic areas — particularly sunny locations with high temperatures and paved ground — make walking very difficult in the summer months. In these terrains, dog shoes or booties are beneficial.

Your dogs breed, size or age don't influence their need for paw protection. Deciding to purchase dog booties is a personal choice. If you know that your pet will be outdoors in the extreme heat, your best bet is to buy something that will protect them. If you have a large fenced-in yard where you and your pet spend most of your time, then your dog's feet might not need the extra coverage.

If you decide not to purchase booties or shoes for your dog, but need to walk them on sidewalks, pavement or other hot areas, keep all of your walk times to early mornings or late evenings when the sun is down and the ground is cooler. If possible, it would also be helpful to keep the walks limited to grassy or dirt-covered areas so that your pet's paws are protected