Paw protectors for your dog is one of the most important elements of outdoor gear a pet owner can provide. Many pet owners are under the impression that the pads on their paws will protect them while running through the field, walking along the street even playing at the dog park. The pads on a dogs paw is tougher than that of bottom of their pet parent’s feet, however they are at risk.

The route you take while walking your dog may be safe, others can cause serious problems. Extreme temperatures either hot or cold can damage the pads on your dog’s paws. In hot weather, the asphalt can be like walking on red-hot coals literally burning and tearing away the skin on their paws.

Without paw protectors in the snowy cold weather of winter, snow can build up between paws melt and then freeze. This build can cause frostbite or become hard enough to tear into the skin leaving an open wound vulnerable to infection if left untreated.  The wood surface of untreated decks often found in some parks will leave behind splinters that lodge themselves in your dog’s paws again causing infection. If left on treated a serious infection could result in amputation.

Paw protectors add a layer of safety against the harsh elements of extreme temperatures. This comes as no surprise to sled dog owners and their Husky’s. Although these dogs have been breed to resist the cold with their double insulating fur, their paws are not.

Although humans are brought up wearing shoes to protect our feet as infants, your dog will take a little time to adjust the first time you outfit him/her with paw protectors. The experience will look like something out of America’s Funniest Home Video’s but stick with the goal. Once your dog walks, runs, and plays they will get used the feeling.

Every compassionate dog owner has an innate desire to protect his or her dog from harm. Outfitting your dog in paw protectors gives pet owners another opportunity to look out for their dog. If you like running with your dog through your neighborhood along concrete sidewalks where the crossing of clean streets is your route then perhaps paw protectors are unnecessary. But those same sidewalks and streets in winter may be a different story.

At the end of the day be conscience of the where your dog walks and plays as well as the weather conditions. As your dog will protect you from harm as responsible pet parents, it is our duty to protect them.