Do Dogs Need Boots in Winter? Paw Protection FAQs

Does your furry friend need winter boots? While the sight of dogs in boots might be amusing, this doggy footwear serves a vital purpose. They not only protect your dog's sensitive paws from harsh winter elements like ice, snow, and road chemicals but also enhance their overall well-being during colder months.

Overcoming the challenges of icy terrains, snow, road salts, and potentially sharp debris can be tough on your dog's paws. That's where dog boots come into play. They are essential for protecting your pet’s paws against various winter hazards. This guide not only explores the benefits of boots for dogs but also provides practical tips for easing your dog into comfortably wearing them.

Understanding the significance of paw safety is crucial. Training your dog to enjoy boots might initially seem like a daunting task, but it's an investment in their safety and happiness. Properly fitted dog shoes allow your pup to engage in more outdoor activities, ensuring they're well-protected against the elements.

When choosing the right dog booties, look for features like reflective accents for visibility in low-light conditions, adjustable velcro straps, and breathable, waterproof materials.

Of course, selecting a style that appeals to you is also part of the fun. By equipping your dog with the right boots, you're setting them up for enjoyable and safe winter adventures. Just like humans, your pup needs a pair of booties.

Do Dogs Need Boots in Winter?

When we think of dogs in the wild, they have no need for the luxuries of domesticated dogs. Do wolves and coyotes need booties to traverse snowy terrain? Of course not. But some of the most popular dog breeds in Canada are not built like wild canines. 

Paw protection, especially in winter, can be a game changer for your dog's outdoor adventures and for the paw health. While not every dog needs boots, most can benefit from them. 

Whether you are dealing with snow, rain, ice, or salt, winter presents a number of potential irritants and dangers for dogs' paws. 

Do Dogs Paws Get Cold?

Your dog's paw pads are naturally designed to traverse rough surfaces in different environments, but subzero temperatures can be more than even the toughest dog paws can handle. So yes, dog paws can get cold, and it can happen much faster than you think.

In addition to just temperature, snow and slush can lead to wet feet and snow can clump up around the paws and fur, increasing discomfort and increasing the risk of frostbite.

Benefits of Dog Boots

Dog boots work by keeping the paw pad dry and creating an insulating layer around it. With dry pads, your dog will be able to tolerate the cold weather for longer and will be more comfortable walking in the winter.

Boots also protect your dog’s footpads from irritation caused by winter chemicals and salt (think of all the nasty stuff we put on our driveways and sidewalks to remove ice).

Benefits of dog boots include: 

• • Safety: Shields paws from extreme temperatures, hot pavement, sharp objects, chemicals, and deep snow.
  • Injury Prevention: Prevents cuts, abrasions, and infections. Stop snowballs from accumulating between toes.
  • Enhanced Traction: Provides better grip on slippery surfaces, improving stability and preventing falls.
  • Comfort: Offers cushioning and support for more enjoyable walks and hikes.
  • Hygiene: Keeps paws clean, reducing the risk of infections and allergies.
  • Post-Surgery Care: Ideal for protecting bandages or surgical sites on the paws.
  • Allergy Mitigation: Helps avoid contact with allergens, reducing allergic reactions.
  • Flooring Preservation: Prevents scratches and damage to indoor floors and furniture.
  • Increased Visibility: Reflective features enhance safety during nighttime walks.

Next time you take your dog for a hike out in the wilderness or a trek through the snow, bring along a pair of dog booties to keep your pooch safe and make your adventures more enjoyable.

How to Train Your Dog to Wear Boots in Winter

Mastering the art of getting your dog comfortable with wearing boots requires patience and understanding their unique pace. Initially, they might be hesitant or uncomfortable. Start by selecting the ideal pair of dog boots, ensuring they are the correct size for your furry friend's paws.

To find the perfect size, measure your dog's paw at its widest and narrowest points. This ensures the boots you choose will be snug and comfortable for all seasons. Once you've picked out the right sock boots, it's time for your dog to get familiar with them.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help your furry friend adjust to their new dog booties:

• • Positive Association with the Boots: Introduce the boots to your dog in a relaxed setting. Allow them to sniff and explore them, building a positive association.
  • Gentle Paw Handling: When your dog is calm, gently play with their paws. This gets them accustomed to having their feet handled, making it easier when it's time to put on the boots.
  • Maintain Nail Health: Regularly trimming your dog's nails ensures the dog boots fit comfortably and are easier to put on and remove. Overgrown nails can complicate finding the right size.
  • Gradual Introduction: Begin with one boot at a time, quickly putting it on and taking it off to show your dog that booties are not permanent or punitive.
  • Indoor Practice: Have your dog try all four dog shoes indoors at first. Engage in indoor activities like playing fetch or tag to encourage them to move around in the boots.
  • Continuous Movement Outdoors: When moving outside, start with short walks, gradually increasing the duration. If your dog seems reluctant, keep them moving or distracted to prevent them from focusing on the boots. Always pack boots for any outdoor activity.
  • Patience is Key: Remember, each dog adapts at their own pace. Some may get comfortable with boots in a few days, while others might take longer.

Adhering to these guidelines will assist your dog in becoming accustomed to boot-wearing, safeguarding their paws and guaranteeing their comfort on excursions.

Some dogs catch on quickly that their new winter boots make cold weather walks more enjoyable, while others just can't get past the weird feeling of shoes. It may take some time and plenty of practice to help your dog adjust and walk normally with their boots.

Signs That Your Pup Needs Dog Winter Boots

Here are some tell-tale signs that your dog's paws are too cold and he needs dog shoes:

Signs your dog needs boots for the temperature extremes:

• • Picking up paws when walking outside
  • Excessive licking of footpads
  • Shivering from being chilly
  • Dry, split, or cracked footpads
  • Difficulty cleaning muddy paws indoors
  • Special conditions: illness, injury, age, or chronic disease
  • Paw injuries: clean and protect to prevent infections

Ignoring these signs risks paw damage and frostbite and may deter your dog from outdoor activities.

These are signs that it's too cold for your dog to be outside without paw protection from a good set of dog shoes. Ignoring these signs could lead to paw damage and frostbite. Plus, it may discourage your pup from wanting to go outside and exercise.

The Best Dog Snow Boots

As you can imagine, there exist many different types of dog boots. At Homes Alive Pets, we offer many of the best dog boots for deep snow, such as the Canada Pooch with Velcro strap closures and reflective accents.

Let's talk about the top five best boots available.

1. Muttluks Fleece-Lined Dog Boots

These Muttluks Fleece-Lined Boots are comfortable for your dog with a stretchy cuff and a reflective stripe on the strap. The snug and comfortable fit allows your dog to adapt to these boots quickly in a cold climate.

2. Muttluks Snow Mushers Dog Boots

Another popular winter dog boot from Muttluks, the Snow Mushers, has a flexible rubber sole, providing additional grip on slippery surfaces from wet terrain.

3. Ruffwear Polar Trex Boots

Are you looking for protection against extreme temperatures? Road salts and chemicals? Or boots for rough terrain? These Ruffwear Polar Trex Boots are the perfect solution. The length of the boots pulled up protects the ankles and heel. They won't slide or twist. These boots are great for hot pavement.

4. RC Arctic Boots

These boots are durable and made with water-resistant material. Additionally, the RC Pets Arctic Dog Boots have a sturdy sole that makes them perfect for slippery or uneven terrain. Built-in socks provide additional insulation and a more comfortable fit.

5. Canada Pooch Suspender Boots

One of the biggest frustrations with dog boots is that they can fall off. Canada Pooch Suspender Boots are the perfect solution for keeping the boots secure and in place. The water-resistant fabric makes them perfect for snow, ice, and slush.

Choosing the Dog Boots that Suit Your Dog

Your dog may be less than thrilled to try on his new boots. If you struggle to get the boots on and keep them on your reluctant dog, you are not alone. Training your dog to wear boots takes practice and consistent instruction. Plus, lots of treats.

Each style has different features, so make sure you choose a style that is suited to the shape and size of your dog's paws and is as easy as possible for you to put on and take off. Canada Pooch Suspender Boots are our top-selling dog boots because they stay on better, while Muttluks are preferred for larger breeds and dogs with wider paws. 

Don't be afraid to bring your dog in to try the boots on. If you are ordering online, test them out indoors a few times. Practice putting them on and taking them off, and get your dog to move around with them on.

If they fall off easily or are a pain to wiggle onto their paw, then you can still return or exchange them and try a different style. 

Winter Dog Boots Alternatives

Some dogs just won't wear boots, and other dogs who are more suited for cold weather may not need a fully insulated boot.

However, these dogs can still benefit from paw protection from road chemicals, salts, and wintertime dryness by using a dog boot alternative. The foot gear protects paws from cold temperatures.

Paw Wax

Paw wax is a thick wax that you place on the bottom of your dog's paws to protect them from the salt and road chemicals and snow and ice on your walks. It will keep your dog's footpads from drying out and subsequently cracking or splitting and provides a nominal waterproof barrier.

Paw wax is a great choice for cold-loving breeds such as Huskies, as well as any dogs who refuse to put on boots. There are a variety of options out there, but we recommend Musher's Secret. It's a great product for it's value.

Dog Socks

Another alternative to a bulky boot is dog socks. Though the benefits and features are significantly more limited, socks can be a good substitute if the main concern is snowballs.

Dogs with furry paws, especially curly breeds like doodles, often end up getting large snowballs clumped onto their fur. This is uncomfortable and can pull and tug at the fur.

Socks, like the Muttlks MuttSlouchers, can be used to provide a lightweight layer of fabric around the fur to reduce this build-up on the paws and legs to make walking and playing in the snow more comfortable.

Additionally, dog socks can be used in combination with boots to add even more insulation and help the boots stay on better.

Dog Boots Frequently Asked Questions 

At what temperature should dogs wear boots?

When the winter temperatures dip below freezing (32°F or 0°C), it might be time to put on your dog's boots. Every dog is different and has a different tolerance to cold, snow, and ice, so look for signs that your dog's paws are cold, like paw lifting.

Do all dogs need snow boots? 

While not all dogs require snow boots, those living in freezing climates or areas with snow and ice could benefit from them, as boots offer protection from freezing conditions, salt, and chemicals used on sidewalks.

Can salt on sidewalks harm my dog's paws? 

Yes, salt and ice-melting chemicals can irritate and damage your dog's paws, leading to cracking, bleeding and pain. Boots or paw protection can prevent this.

Are there specific breeds that don't need insulated boots in the winter?

Extreme weather-adapted breeds, like huskies, may not need insulated boots, but they should don thin, waterproof boots for protection from salt and comfort in extreme conditions.

How do I choose the right snow boots for my dog? 

Select boots that fit snugly without being too tight, and ensure they're waterproof and provide good traction. Gradually introduce your dog to wearing them indoors before venturing outside for an extended walk or hike.

Is it good for dogs to wear boots?

Dog boots protect from extreme weather conditions, harmful chemicals, rough terrain, and injuries to the feet or paws. Boots that fit properly enhance your dog's overall comfort and well-being while offering traction in slippery conditions. 

Can my dog wear boots indoors?

While it's generally not necessary for dogs to don boots indoors, some pet owners use them to stop their dog's toenails from scratching flooring or provide traction for senior or mobility-impaired dogs.