How Long Can a Dog Wear Booties? [Answered]

Most professionals in this area suggest not to keep dog booties on for more than 5 hours. This can vary by the type or brand of bootie, but most recommend taking them off after necessary use. If left on for extended periods of time, as they may cause discomfort or irritation. 

Dog booties have become more popular in recent years due to their many benefits. Although some believe they are just for looks, they work to protect your dog’s paws from potentially harmful temperatures or surfaces. However, if left on too long, they can cause other issues for your pet. This has left many pet owners asking, How long can a dog wear booties? 


How Long Can a Dog Wear Booties?

How long a dog can comfortably wear booties varies by each dog and set of booties. Some brands suggest removing after only 1-2 hours of wear, whereas others suggest that they can be worn for up to 5 hours. The general consensus is that you should remove the booties every 1-2 hours to give your dog’s feet a break. 

Since your dog’s only sweat glands are located in the paw pads, most veterinarians recommend taking off the booties every 1-2 hours to allow them to air out and reduce any potential discomfort. If left on for too long, the dog’s feet can overheat and start to rub against the booties due to sweat. This could cause a rash or other issues of skin integrity. 

Another key suggestion encourages removing the booties following the time period for required use. For example, if you are taking your dog out on a walk through the snow or on very hot pavement, you should promptly remove the booties once returning home. However, if you are going on a longer trip, they will need a break from wearing the shoes every 1-2 hours. 

Since every dog is different, you should pay close attention to your pet’s specific reaction to the booties and look for any signs of discomfort or irritation. Also, your dog’s paws should be inspected after use to ensure there are no issues with the fit.

With that being said, It is important to be sure that your dog can tolerate the booties for the required amount of time before taking them out with them on. 

How Long Should a Dog Wear Booties for the First Time? 

If your dog has never worn dog shoes and is not used to having something on their feet, it may take them some time to adjust to wearing the booties. For this reason, it is suggested to start a regular wearing schedule at home before going out to get them used to them. 

Veterinarians recommend having your dog wear the booties for one hour a day for a week. They may be stiff and rigid or walk abnormally at first while they are getting used to the booties. You should encourage them to move around the house and act normally when wearing the shoes in order to increase their comfort level.  

While testing out the wearing schedule, take note of your dog’s behavior and look for any signs of abnormal discomfort or irritation. Once you take the booties off, make sure to check your dog’s paws to make sure there are no areas where the booties are causing irritations to the skin. 


Can Dogs Wear Booties for More Than a Few Hours?

Overall, it is not recommended that dog booties be worn for more than a few hours. Although the purpose of the booties is to protect your dog’s feet, wearing them for too long can cause skin irritations. 

However, there are a few instances in which your dog may be able to wear them for extended periods. First, if they are an older dogs, they might be able to wear them longer around the house. This can help them with moving around and may reduce the incidence of slipping on wood or tile surfaces. 

In addition, if your dog has had a recent foot surgery or an open wound, wearing the booties can protect them from infection or further damage to the wound. However, they should also have scheduled breaks from wearing the booties to allow the area time to air out and heal. 

When Should a Dog Wear Booties? 

A dog should wear booties any time there may be a risk to the integrity of their paw pads. This may include snow, ice, very hot weather, hiking rough terrains, or stepping in unsafe materials. The booties are intended to protect your dog’s paws from getting injured; therefore they should wear them anytime this risk is posed. 

In order to determine if your dog should wear booties, think about what the temperature will be, what activities they will be doing, and if there is a chance that their paws could get hurt. If your dog is older or has health issues, this can be an additional reason to utilize dog shoes to protect them. 

Your dog should wear booties whenever going out in any of these conditions. Remember to adhere to the guidelines of 1-2 hours before taking them off in order to protect the skin integrity of the paws. It is also important to have completed the wearing schedule and trial period prior to your first trip outside the home with the booties. 


Conclusion 

Overall, in most circumstances, dogs should not wear booties for more than 1-2 hours at a time. Dogs only have sweat glands in their feet; therefore wearing booties for an extended period can make them uncomfortable. 

It is important to give the dog a chance to get used to the booties before going out in them and be aware of the circumstances in which they should be wearing booties to protect their paws. 

All in all, dog booties can serve as a great benefit to dogs by protecting them from potentially dangerous surfaces. More than just a fashion statement, they are a valuable tool to help keep your dog safe. 

Author

  • Brad

    Hi I'm Brad, the founder of bulldogpapa.com. Having been a vet of 6 years I work alongside our team to provide valuable insight into your dog's health. I have a frenchie myself named Senzu who is my pride and joy!