10 Tips to keeping dog boots on!

Thankfully the days of questioning whether dogs need boots are long gone. Humans have raised the bar of compassion for paws blistering in seconds on hot pavement or freezing on cold salty sidewalks. Here is a helpful lists to keep on keeping on those dog boots.

1. Fit! Incorrect sizing is the #1 reason why boots fall off. Follow the manufacturers sizing chart and measure both front and back paws.
2. Fastening strap location. When sized correctly, the bottom of the fastening strap should fall at the narrow spot on the leg which is just above the dew claw on the front legs. If it falls above or below that spot, the boots will most likely fall off.
3. Ensure the boots are all the way on. The best way to do this is by standing over your dog, hold the dog’s elbow in one hand and push or wiggle the boot on with the other hand. Holding the leg at the elbow makes the paw and leg rigid and easy to slip boots on correctly.
4. Fasten securely. Seems obvious, however it is often over looked. Incorrect fastening is the #2 reason why dog boots fall off.
5. Self-tightening Straps. Models of boots with self-tightening straps will fasten easier and more securely.
6. Tug on the end of the boot. A boot that is well sized and fastened will stay in place when tugged firmly at the toe. One that isn’t will slip down on the paw when tugged. If the boot slips down when tugged check that it is fastened securely (see tip #4). If it is fastened securely, check the placement of the fastening strap relative to the dew claw and narrow spot on the leg see (tip #2).
7. Variations in size of front and back paws. Some dogs have smaller back paws than front paws, other don’t. Some models of dog boots are more forgiving for size variations, others aren’t. Some models of boots are sold in sets of two to accommodate front and back paw size variations.
8. Comfort. This may not directly affect how well the boots stay on but it will affect how willing your dog is to keep them on. Typically the more flexible the sole the more comfortable your dog will feel.
9. Type and frequency of use. The harder and longer your dog uses the boots the more important it is to focus equally on models of boots that offer comfort and durability. 
10. Budget. When it comes to dog boots, the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies. Well made and well sized boots tend to stay on better.

Written by Marianne Bertrand, Sherpaw and founder of Muttluks.