HOW TO MEASURE DOGS FOR SHOES
Your dog shouldn't be treated as a fashion accessory, but
there are instances where dog shoes or boots can be beneficial for your dog. If
he has a problem with his paw which needs protecting, or if you live in extreme
climates, your vet may suggest you try some protective boots. If you are
putting boots on your dog, remember that it is unnatural and a strange
experience for the dog. To size him for shoes, you need to determine the width
of the widest part of his paw. You may also need to determine the length.
Measuring Your Dog's Paws
Mark the length and width of his paw on a piece of paper. One
relatively simple way to measure your dog for shoes is to place his paw on a
piece of paper and mark the size. Place a sheet of paper on a hard surface that
your dog can stand on. You can encourage your dog to step onto the paper by
feeding him a treat. Only the paw you are measuring needs to be on the paper.
When a dog puts pressure on a paw, the paw will splay so
ensure that he is putting weight on the paw you are measuring. If you measure a
paw that is not splayed, the shoes will be too small.
You can do this by gently holding the opposite paw in your
hand so all the dog's weight is on the paw you are measuring.
Clearly mark each side at widest point, and front and
back. Don't forget to include the toenails.
Make a paw impression. An alternative technique for
marking your dog's paw size is to wet his paw in water, and then press it down
on a piece of paper. The wetness will make a paw print on the paper which will
indicate the size of his paw. As with the pencil marking technique, you need to
ensure that his paw is fully splayed and that you take into account his
toenails.
Measure the length and width of the impression left by his
paw print, and use this as the basis for sizing him. Always measure at the
widest point of the paw.
Use a tape measure. You can also use a tape measure to
determine the length and width of your dogs paws directly. Hold his paw in your
hand, ensuring that it is fully splayed, and then measure across it. You could
try and get your dog to stand on the tape measure if this is easier. Measure
the widest part of his paw.
A ruler can also work if you don't have a tape measure. You
can use a ruler to measure his paw, or get him to stand on it.
Don't forget to do separate measurements for length and
width.
Determining Your Dog's Shoe Size
Measure the marks left on the paper. Once you have
marked the outer edges of his paw on a piece of paper, you can simply measure
the length and width of each paw with a ruler or tape measure. Record these
measurements. If you are uncertain about anything, or they look too dissimilar,
do some repeat measurements to make sure you have been accurate.
It's worth double-checking the size. If you buy boots that
don't fit, your dog will not be able to wear them and you will have to go
through the whole process again.
Incorrectly sized shoes can rotate around the foot, which
creates a tripping hazard.
Compare your measurements to a sizing chart. When you
are happy with the measurements you have made, you should look at a dog paw
sizing chart. You can compare your measurements to the size guides that
different dog boot manufacturers provide for their customers.
If you are ordering boots online, you will most likely need
to fit your measurements to one of the sizes offered by the company.
Often these will only require a measurement of the widest
part of the paw.
Source: wikihow
