How to Measure Your Dog for Boots and Shoes

If you’ve ever worn a pair of shoes that are a size too big or small, you can relate to the discomfort that your dog might feel if they’re put into a pair of that don’t fit correctly. Luckily, it’s very simple to measure your dog for boots and shoes to make sure they’ll be able to walk properly, and be comfy at the same time.


To measure the width of your dog’s paws, first place their foot on a sheet of paper, pressing down gently on the top of the foot, causing the paw to spread just as it does while the dog is walking. Next, using a pen or pencil, make a mark on the paper on either side of the paw, and then measure between the marks using a fabric measuring tape or ruler.


ow compare your measurements with the boot and shoe sizes you’d like to buy, keeping in mind that sizes may vary by manufacturer. An important point to remember is that the width of your dog’s paw should always be just smaller than the size of the boot. For example, if your dog’s foot measures an inch and three quarters, the shoe or boot size should be no less than two inches wide.

Helpful Tips

  • If your dog’s shoe size falls in between two different sizes, choose the larger of the two to be sure the boots aren’t too tight or uncomfortable.
  • If your dog has never worn shoes or boots before, it’s a good idea to put them on each day for short periods of time to give the dog a chance to get used to them. Start out with a half hour at a time, gradually working up to an hour or two as the dog is encouraged to move around and get accustomed to the new sensation.
  • It’s important not to leave your dog unattended while wearing boots or shoes, which are generally designed for fun or novelty purposes. Five hours is usually the maximum amount of time recommended for dogs to wear footwear to prevent any irritation or overheating.
  • Footwear also shouldn’t be worn for medical purposes or to correct any type of conditions, and dogs with injured paws shouldn’t wear boots or shoes unless directed to do so by their veterinarian.

What You’ll Need

  • Pen, pencil, or marker
  • A piece of paper
  • A fabric measuring tape or ruler