How to Make Puppy Shoes

You love taking your puppy out on long hikes, but you're worried about his feet in extreme temperatures. Can his little puppy paws handle long-term exposure to rocky paths or snowy mountains? Is there any way to give him a little extra protection from these environments? First, you should allow your puppy to toughen up his paws by taking him on regular short hikes. But for those long outings, try making some puppy shoes to ease the way for your little guy. Your puppy may find the shoes bizarre and chew-worthy at first, but once out on the trail, he'll quickly find other things to be interested in. You can make them without any special fabric or know-how, just a pair of old, throwaway jeans and a needle and thread. Don't forget the hook and loop fastener (Velcro), although duct tape can be used in a pinch.

Things You'll Need

  • Jeans
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Needle and thread
  • Hook and loop fastener (Velcro)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Lay out a leg of old jeans, and spread it flat. Starting at the leg seam of the jeans, measure out a rectangle that is 3 inches by 5 inches. Mark with a pen. This size will fit a 15-pound puppy---add or subtract 1 inch, depending on the breed and size of your puppy. Err on the larger size, since puppies will only grow bigger. You want her to have plenty of room for her paw.

    • 2

      Cut the rectangle out of your jeans. Turn the right sides facing each other, and sew up the long edges. Turn the rectangle inside out. This is the denim pocket that will be your puppy shoe.

    • 3

      Measure around your puppy's ankle, and add 1 inch. Cut your hook and loop fastener (Velcro) to match this length.

    • 4

      Sew the hook and loop fastener (Velcro) around the open top of the shoe.

    • 5

      Try it on your puppy's foot. Fasten snugly, while still leaving room for blood to circulate to the paw. See how your puppy walks on his new shoe.