Snuggy Boots for Dogs FAQ’s

We get a lot of questions about Snuggy Boots for dogs and dog shoes in general. In this Q & A session, we answer the most common ones. Do you have a question not answered here? If so, please send us an email and we’ll answer it!

A)  What is the purpose of Snuggy Boots Suspender System?

The essential purpose of Snuggy Boots is to prevent dog booties, shoes or socks from falling off and to prevent them from getting lost.

Snuggy Boots for dogs

B)   What is the Snuggy Boots Suspender System?

These doggie suspenders is made with a set of four adjustable elastic leg straps with a suspender clip on one end that holds canine footwear in place. The elastic leg straps are attached to a non-elastic nylon strap running down the center of the dog’s back. These suspenders are universal because they are adjustable in length and they work with any dog boots or socks.

C)  Why is the Snuggy Boots Suspender System described as ORTHOTIC?

Orthotic is the medical technology that deals with the use of specialized mechanical devices to support or supplement weakened or abnormal joints or limbs. The elastic leg straps provide mechanical support to assist in the flexing of all the joints in their front and rear legs. They’re particularly beneficial for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia or other issues.

D)  When should I use Canine Footwear?

Your dog might wear traction socks to prevent slipping on hardwood or tile floors and dog boots are great for protecting your pet’s paws in extreme temperatures.

If you’re an avid hiker, dog shoes can protect your dog’s paws from sharp rocks and other debris that can cut your pet’s paws. The Snuggy Boots Suspender System will keep the dog shoes in place.

Dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia and other mobility issues find the Snuggy Boots Suspender System easier on their joints. The straps support their joints giving them an added  “lift” so they feel more support than walking without them.

If your bare feet would be uncomfortable on the ground surface, think about your dog’s paws!

Keep a set of doggie suspenders with the footwear already attached in your vehicle for   unexpected occasions. Always be prepared to protect your dog’s paws while on those scheduled and non-scheduled road trips with your dog.

E)   How Often Do the Suspenders Need Adjusting?
The Snuggy Boots Suspender System requires a one-time fitting and adjustment to your pet’s size. First, you’ll attach the short strap to your dog’s collar. Then, you’ll clip the straps to the dog boots on your pet’s paws. Alternatively, you can attach the dog boots first and then slide them onto your pet’s paws.’

Once the footwear is on your dog’s paws and clipped, you’ll need to make the necessary adjustments with the straps. The initial use requires adjustment and some experimenting. All dogs are different and the type or size of footwear makes a difference on the initial set up as well.

Make it easy on yourself and leave the boots in place when you unclip the suspenders from your dog’s collar. If you pull it off in one piece then you can put it back on the same way and only have to do minor adjustments.

F) Does My Dog REALLY Need Footwear?

Is your pet ever exposed to sizzling hot cement in the summer? That can blister your pet’s paw pads. Sand spurs from the beach can hurt. Winter conditions post the dangers of chemical de-icers on sidewalks and ice crystals.

Think about it. If you wouldn’t walk around barefoot, ask yourself if your dog should.
G)    What Kind of Dog Shoes Should I Get?

There is a wide variety of canine footwear available. Some of them work better than others. We do not recommend one brand over another.

We do suggest that you select a dog sock or bootie based on its intended purpose. Socks are usually used indoors for traction or they are often used for bandage protection.

Booties should have some sort of rubberized sole to prevent the penetration of sharp objects such as glass, nails, rocks, tree burrs, pine cones, sand spurs, and so on. In general the canine footwear should be light and flexible. We like these boots for use with our doggie suspender system.  Learn more about how to choose dog boots here.

G)  Why Do so Many YOUTUBE Videos Show dogs Struggling with New Footwear?

There are many types of footwear.

Some have been carefully designed and fit a dog’s paw comfortably. Some footwear are not suitable and the dog struggles to get it off their paws.

Generally speaking footwear should be soft and pliable. It can be stylish but not rigid. Don’t buy dog shoes that mimic people shoes just because they’re cute. Paws are shaped differently that your feet (see above about what types of dog shoes to get.)

There should always be some sort of rubberized or reinforced bottom sole to prevent penetration of sharp pine cones, gum tree briars, glass, metal, rocks, construction debris or wood splinters. Remember, footwear is not necessary in normal conditions. Footwear is worn in circumstances where the above hazards are likely to exist.

If the footwear fits properly, most dogs need very little time to get adjusted to the footwear.  Distract them with a treat or a belly rub and they’ll get used to them within a few minutes.

H)  Can I Use the Snuggy Boots Suspender System on Only the Back Paws?

This one came from our Facebook Page.

“My dog’s back paws are the ones in need of boots. we don’t want to put front boots on her yet while she still has feeling them. Will your suspender system work on just the back legs? Thanks in advance!”

Think of a pair of classic men’s suspenders. Technically, only side could be attached and they’d still hold your pants upright. However, your dog has four legs, not two. In order for the suspender system to work it needs to be attached to footwear on all four paws and the dog collar or it simply won’t stay in place.

All four leg straps are adjustable so if your pet needs more support in the back, you can tighten those up while you leave the front ones looser.

I)      How Long Should it Take to Put Footwear on My Pet?

Depending on cooperation from your pet and how well the footwear fits, it requires 2-3 minutes using the suspenders. If you’re using them with the Snuggy Boots Suspender System, you’ll need to adjust the entire set up the first time and after that, you can simply clip it to your pet’s collar and pull the shoes on quickly.

It will require less than 2 minutes using the Paw Guide.

If you have questions about Snuggy Boots for Dogs please submit them on the CONTACT US page.

WE SNUGGY BOOTS PEOPLE LOVE TO TALK ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS. WE WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE YOUR QUESTIONS. PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS TO US ON THE “CONTACT US” PAGE.