Why Dogs Need Shoes: The Real Reason I’ll Never Go Without Them Again
One of the most common questions we get when Teddy’s out walking in his sneakers is:
“Why does a dog need shoes?”
We’ve heard it all—
“That’s so extra.”
“Dog paws are built tough.”
“Shoes for dogs? Come on.”
But the truth is: dog shoes aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re protection. And sometimes, you don’t realize how badly your dog needs them until it’s too late.
How I Learned the Hard Way
Before Teddy, I had another dog—my original adventure partner. We hiked together, went on daily walks, and made frequent pit stops for pup cups. One summer, during my “get in shape” era, I decided to go for a run. It was 92°F out. I didn’t think twice. I grabbed the leash, and we hit the road.
Halfway through, my dog started to slow down. He was whining and dragging behind. When we finally made it home, he collapsed onto his side. That’s when I saw it: the pads on his feet were red, raw, and burned.
I was devastated.
Here’s what I didn’t know back then:
- At just 85°F outside, pavement can reach 130°F.
- At 90°F, asphalt can spike past 140°F.
- That kind of heat can burn and blister paw pads in seconds.
I unknowingly made my dog run on a surface that would blister human skin in under a minute.
That moment stuck with me—and it’s why we created Teddy’s Tennies, protective dog shoes made for real-life adventures.
What Do Dog Shoes Protect Against?
Dog shoes aren’t just for hot pavement. They’re built for all kinds of terrain and conditions:
- 🔥 Hot sidewalks and asphalt
- 🪨 Rough hiking trails and gravel
- 🧊 Snow, ice, and road salt in winter
- 🧹 Glass, trash, or broken concrete in city streets
- 🐾 Everyday wear-and-tear on sensitive paws
Whether you have a city pup, hiking companion, or just want to keep their paws clean and safe, dog paw protection matters more than most people realize.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Dog
Teddy weighs 78 lbs but has slightly smaller paws for his size. From what we’ve seen:
- Small Dogs usually wear X-Small, Small or Medium
- Medium dogs usually wear a Medium or Large
- Large breed dogs tend to wear Large, XL, or XXL
“My Dog Won’t Walk in Dog Shoes…”
Totally normal. Teddy didn’t either.
Imagine a baby giraffe at a disco—that’s how he looked at first. But now, he wears them like a pro.
Here’s how to get your dog comfortable with wearing shoes:
- Start by putting shoes on the back paws only.
- Immediately go for a short walk to distract them.
- Use positive reinforcement—treats, praise, and encouragement.
- Gradually add all four shoes.
- Give it time—some dogs get used to them in minutes, others need a couple weeks
The key? Be patient, and remember: you’re doing this to protect them.
The Best Shoes for Dogs Start with a Promise
We created Teddy’s Tennies with one goal:
To make sure no one else feels the guilt I did from an honest mistake.
These aren’t just cute dog shoes. They’re functional, protective, and built for real dogs and real adventures.
✅ Protects paws from extreme heat, cold, and rough surfaces
✅ Easy to slip on and off
✅ Comfortable fit, even for dogs new to shoes
✅ Durable and stylish
Ready to Protect Your Dog’s Paws?
Your dog deserves the best—comfort, safety, and a little style.