Does My Dog Need Winter Boots

With the winter weather, you might find yourself dressing heavier with thicker coats, thicker socks, and thicker boots. You might also be finding yourself progressively more worried about your dog. They’re your best friend so you want to make sure that they’re just as ready as you are, but if you’ve never dressed them for cold weather you might have some questions about the kind of supplies they need. Like, does your dog need winter boots? Let us guide you through your journey. 

Beneficial Booties

Booties have a variety of benefits, aside from just generally being cute. They protect your dog’s paws from the wet, frigid snow, and provide an insulating layer so that they can stay warm for longer periods. They also protect your buddy’s paws from any chemical/salt burns. Remember, your city might be conscious of melting the ice for you, but those chemicals can really hurt your dog. Booties provide that barrier. They also work in the heat. As we know, asphalt can get hot and if it burns your hands then it’s burning them too. Wearing booties acts the same way for them as shoes work for you.

Is my dog actually cold?

Yes, your dog gets cold. There are some breeds – like Huskies – that can tolerate it more, but dogs can get cold. Here are a few telltale signs that your dog is getting chilly:

• They’re dancing in the snow. That sounds funny, but here’s what it means. When your dog’s paws start to get too cold it can become painful, so they’ll start picking their paws up from the ground in an attempt to give themselves a break. 
• Your dog shivers, just like you. They might not chatter their teeth in the cold, but their bodies will start shaking. If you notice that, then it might be time to look into a jacket, too. 

The Verdict

Yes, you should buy your dog some booties. Aside from all the benefits we’ve discussed so far, there are a lot of things that can happen if their paws get too cold. Their footpads can dry out and crack without protection, which can cause them to develop a nasty skin infection. They are also susceptible to frostbite, just like you, which can lead to hyperthermia – a condition that can be fatal to dogs. Weather or not (pun intended!) your dog is a cold-weather breed, you should buy them winter boots so that they can stay safe and comfortable throughout the season.

Winter Paw Care

Aftercare and preventative measures go a long way in the winter. So, even if you plan to buy booties you should keep these tips in mind.

• Keep them moisturized. If you’ve ever noticed your own lips get cracked in the frigid air then you should know that the same can happen to your buddy. Make sure to keep their paws and nose moisturized at all times. This prevents cracking and infections. You can use paw wax (we recommend Musher’s Secret) or an all-natural alternative like coconut oil. Just make sure that you use dog-safe products in case they lick themselves.
• Keep their nails trimmed, too. If the nails are too long, you risk them getting caught in the fabric of the boot. This could either rip the boot – or worse, break their nail. Keeping up with nail care prevents painful breaks and infections, so make sure you pay attention.