Some pet owners wear shoes on their dogs during winter walks to protect their paws from snow or calcium chloride. However, experts caution that improperly fitted shoes can harm a dog’s joint health, potentially causing conditions such as luxating patella or cranial cruciate ligament rupture.
According to Bucheon-based Easy Animal All Care Center and ANYSEAL, a pet medical device brand under THESEMPETBIO on Tuesday, the patella acts as a lever that transmits the strength of thigh muscles to the area below the knee. It must remain centrally aligned for effective force transmission.
When dogs unaccustomed to shoes are made to wear them, their gait can become distorted. This misalignment of the knee axis can also displace the patella, worsening or causing luxating patella.
Dr. Choi Chun Gi, the head veterinarian at Easy Animal All Care Center, emphasized, “Putting shoes on dogs can negatively impact their entire body, so it is best to avoid it when possible.”
Just as wearing shoes that are too big or too small can cause foot problems in humans, the same applies to dogs. Experts agree that dogs’ paws naturally absorb shock, similar to the cushioning in shoes, but if shoes do not fit properly, they cannot effectively fulfill this role.
Dr. Choi explained, “Shoes often squeeze the ankles while the paws slip, preventing proper weight distribution. It’s better to let dogs walk barefoot when possible.”
That said, there are situations where it may be unavoidable to put shoes on pets.
Dr. Choi noted, “If a pet has a spinal disc condition that causes it to drag the tops of its paws, shoes can help support proper paw placement or protect the paws. However, in such cases, it is recommended that the pet consult a professional to choose functional products suitable for the purpose.”
He added, “Even in these cases, prolonged shoe use can lead to poor ventilation, so shoes should only serve as a temporary aid. It’s best to let pets walk barefoot whenever possible and move to areas free from debris.”
He also pointed out that most small dog breeds in South Korea are genetically predisposed to joint conditions like luxating patella. “The progression of such conditions varies depending on the living environment, so owners must provide meticulous care in daily life,” he advised.
He continued, “Dogs and cats often do not express pain like humans do. Owners should schedule regular check-ups at the veterinarian, and if joint issues are detected, consult a vet to ensure appropriate treatments, such as surgery or rehabilitation, are provided.”